To walk past it, you could be forgiven for thinking the Kelvin Hall less impressive than its neighbour, the imposing red sandstone palace that is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
But while it seems more modest, Kelvin Hall boasts an impressive ‘CV’ and has been a crucial part of Glasgow’s entertainment over the years. It has been used as a clothing store, a museum, and is now a state-of-the-art television studio.
The steel-framed building dates from 1927, replacing its predecessor which was destroyed in a fire. It opened in 1918 to host the British Industries Fair, and then operated as a clothes shop when it was taken over by military authorities.
In 1919 both the hall and its adjacent building – which used to be a roller-skating rink and was used for the making of munitions during the First World War – were bought over.
From then on, the buildings were used for major events in Glasgow such as exhibitions, carnivals, flower shows and the circus. Kelvin Hall’s annual circus delighted visitors for nearly sixty years, showcasing exotic animals including lions, tigers and elephants for revellers to see.
Some of the world’s biggest stars crossed the threshold of this West End building, from Ella Fitzgerald to Elton John. The Kinks once released a live recording of their 1967 performance, Live at Kelvin Hall, and for many seasons it was the home of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s Proms.
What many of us remember Kelvin Hall for, however, is the Museum of Transport which moved there in 1988 from the Coplawhill tram station in Pollokshields until it moved to the riverside in 2010.
Since its takeover by Glasgow Life, Kelvin Hall looks to continue being a hub for the city’s entertainment and culture. In 2016 it underwent a £35m project which transformed it into a hub for learning, health and fitness.
Just this year, the Hall introduced a 10,500 sqft television production studio which is now open and regularly filming major projects, like Channel 4 prison drama Screw.
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