The Palm House launches new exhibition showing how it was saved by the local community

The Palm House is hosting a display in Liverpool’s Central Library to celebrate how people changed the future of this iconic landmark.

Opening on Thursday 7 May until 27 August, the display situated on the third floor of Central Library called Save It! will document the decline and dereliction of the Palm House from the 1950s to the 1980s, and the journey towards its restoration and reopening.

Featuring archive material from Liverpool Record Office, including photographs, fundraising material and personal stories, Save It! will use the Palm House’s 25-year anniversary to honour and celebrate the tenacity and generosity of the local community and core team of campaigners, who joined together to save it following years of damage and neglect.

2026 also marks 130 years since the historic Liverpool landmark first opened in 1896, which was built by local resident Henry Yates Thompson to give Liverpool people the unique opportunity to experience plants from around the world, close to home.

Kate Johnson, CEO of Sefton Park Palm House said:

“This marvel of Victorian architecture and engineering was the jewel in Sefton Park and it’s difficult to believe that such a beautiful, well-loved and historic landmark in our city could have fallen into disrepair, but sadly, this was the case following some difficult periods in its timeline.”

After a bomb dropped near to the Palm House in the Second World War and shattered the panes of glass, it was restored in 1951. However, incorrect materials were used and with no further investment, all but a few of the original plants were removed in 1984, and the building further declined and was fully closed six years later.

It was only after a sign appeared on the security hoarding spelling SAVE IT in bright red paint, that people started to take notice and a 10-year community campaign began to recognise the importance of the Palm House with a plan to safeguard it for a new generation of local residents and the community around it.

Kate continues:

“Without the goodwill of the local community driving a campaign to save and restore it, it’s very clear that the Palm House we know and love today would not be here. Campaigners worked tirelessly throughout the 90s alongside Liverpool City Council to identify and secure funding through various sources, ensuring the £3.5million needed to painstakingly restore this architectural icon could be done with the utmost care.”

After setting up a registered charity to enable its reopening in 2001, the campaigners also recognised the need to put in place a function to support the Palm House in generating its own income. The wedding and events business not only supports the Palm House in protecting the physical building but also its botanical collection. It also helps sustain its purpose of having an impact on the lives of people who visit and use the space; the Palm House is a heritage visitor attraction, but also a setting for educational and community events, along with the recently refurbished café.

Kate continues:

“25 years after reopening, this display at Central Library tells the story of our precious Palm House, its decline in economically straightened times and ultimate resurgence. Thanks to a group of people, partners and funders, they recognised the importance of safeguarding something that has been loved and intrinsic to the architectural history of Liverpool and its landscape for many years. The significance of city parks and their impact on the human experience is as important today as it was in Victorian times, which is why this story of rescuing, restoring and protecting the Palm House is so powerful.”

One of the original campaigners and past Chair of Sefton Park Palm House Preservation Trust, Kate da Cruz said:

“I remember roller-skating in Sefton Park with my cousin in the 1980s when the Palm House was derelict. My Aunt was part of the ‘Save It’ campaign and I later joined the team of volunteers who oversaw the restoration of the building and the recreation of the wonderful, plant-filled space.

“Over the last 25 years the Palm House has gone from strength to strength. It’s such a joy to see locals and international cruise liner tourists alike, marvelling at the plants from around the world, and the quality of space in which they live. It’s fantastic to have the Palm House right here in Liverpool and just shows what a determined group of locals can achieve.”

The display at Central Library is free and open Monday – Saturday at the library from 7 May to 27 August, after which the story elements of the display will be shown in the Palm House itself.

It is part of a wider series of events throughout the year to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Palm House reopening, and the original year it opened 130 years ago in 1896 as the centrepiece of Sefton Park.

Events include a programme of talks, late summer openings, the Palm House’s first ever garden display with community organisations, schools and colleges and a Grow Your Own Harvest Festival.

As a new RHS Partner Garden – the only one in Liverpool – the Palm House released a social impact report last year, which celebrated an impressive £26m worth of social impact between 2021 and 2024, and has recently launched a new supporters’ campaign, allowing people with a love, affinity and belief in the Palm House’s existence and mission, to make their own mark on its future, just as campaigners did 25 years ago.

You can support the Palm House here.

Liverpool Arab Arts Festival is returning to the Palm House this summer, read more here.

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