Kelvingrove Park
| Kelvingrove Park | |
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The River Kelvin passing through the park
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| Type | Public park |
| Location | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 55°52′6″N 4°17′11″W / 55.86833°N 4.28639°WCoordinates: 55°52′6″N 4°17′11″W / 55.86833°N 4.28639°W |
| Area | 34 hectares (85 acres) |
| Created | 1852 |
| Operated by | Glasgow City Council |
| Status | Open all year |
| Public transit access | Kelvinbridge subway station |
Kelvingrove Park is a public park located on the River Kelvin in the West End of the city of Glasgow, Scotland, containing the famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Kelvingrove was originally created as the West End Park in 1852 by noted English gardener Sir Joseph Paxton, Head Gardener at Chatsworth House, whose other works included The Crystal Palace in London. The Town Council had purchased the land, which formerly represented the Kelvingrove and Woodlands estates, that year for the sum of £99,569, around £8 million today. The park was intended to provide for the continued expansion of the city to the west, providing relaxation and recreation opportunities for the new middle class to the west, and an escape from the rapid slumming of the city centre for those left behind.
The park has been the site of three exhibitions: the 1888 International Exhibition, the 1901 International Exhibition and the 1911 Scottish Exhibition. Large, impressive buildings were constructed in the park for the International Exhibitions, including a large Indian pavilion where the Art Gallery now stands, and a Russian restaurant building. These, however, have since been demolished. The Doulton Fountain at Glasgow Green was originally situated in the park for the 1888 Exhibition but was later relocated.
The park is 34 hectares (85 acres) in size, and located in the West End of Glasgow. It straddles the River Kelvin shortly before the river's confluence with the Clyde, and as such is an urban haven for wildlife. Birds found in the area include the grey heron, cormorant, and kingfisher, the mallard and goosander, and other animals include the red fox, brown rat and otters. The park is flanked to the West by Gilmorehill and the University of Glasgow, to the South by Partick and Anderston, to the East by Charing Cross and to the North by Hillhead and Woodlands. This central location makes it a popular route for commuters to the city centre, leading quickly from the West End to Charing Cross whilst avoiding traffic. The park is also popular with dog-walkers, and students from the university.
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