The Palace originally built in Hyde Park for the Great Exhibition of 1851 was relocated to what was then known as Penge Place now Crystal Palace – but instead of rebuilding the structure in the same format as it was in Hyde Park, it was reimagined in its new location and used the majority of the 293,000 original panes of glass and steel structure. Given a barrel-vaulted roof and two additional large transepts one at each end of the main gallery, it was completed in June 1854.

The fire in November 1936 destroyed the building, the glow was reported to be visible across 8 counties. A few areas that were still standing were 2 water towers and a section of the nave.

Also surviving was the Victorian Subway, which in 2025 has seen restoration finished in time to commemorate its 160th anniversary this year. Originally finished in 1865 it was meant as a walkway for rail passengers disembarking from the High Level Station under Crystal Palace Parade and into the Palace.

Over the years it has been used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War and or music and cultural events. Now it has a Grade II listing it is intended to be used for exhibitions, music, theatre, and dance performances, to celebrations, weddings and photoshoots.

The 20th of February and 20th March see open days where the doors to this amazing site will be open to the public. Below is the link to the Crystal Palace Park Trust where information about open days and the Trusts work can be found https://www.crystalpalaceparktrust.org/