Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

About

Britannia Panopticon is the worlds oldest surviving music hall. It opened in 1857 above a pub called the Britannia Vaults and it served the working classes who made Glasgow the Industrial Capital of the World. For over 80 years Britannia entertained, and in addition to being a music hall, the building also accommodated early cinema, wax works, carnival amusements, freak show and basement zoo. Famous debut performances include Stan Laurel in 1906 and Jack Buchanan in 1911. Open Thursday -Saturday noon-5pm (unless a show is programmed) for general viewing. Britannia Panopticon is also open for music hall shows, silent movie and Laurel & Hardy film nights, marts, festivals and other events. Admission is generally free (we charge to get out). Please donate when you visit to help us raise money to conserve this wonderful historic survivor from the heyday of music hall and early cinema. Britannia Panopticon is also available for private hire. Plus we now have a Walking Tour. Please email.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes