Coloured postcard of the exterior of the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Ink: [personal message] [address in Manchester supplied]. The Winter Gardens in Blackpool is a building opened in 1878, which originally featured a concert hall and conservatory. In 1897 there was a major rebuilding, with the addition of the Empress Ballrom and other facilities. Both the Winter Gardens and the Blackpool Tower (originally opened in 1894) competed in the provision of conservatories. The Winter Gardens have undergone several refurbishments and partial rebuilding projects during the 20th century