diff --git a/gtk/gtkplacessidebar.c b/gtk/gtkplacessidebar.c
index d38d38d560..e0b5e393a9 100644
--- a/gtk/gtkplacessidebar.c
+++ b/gtk/gtkplacessidebar.c
@@ -3839,6 +3839,9 @@ gtk_places_sidebar_init (GtkPlacesSidebar *sidebar)
 
 	sidebar->drop_state = DROP_STATE_NORMAL;
 	sidebar->new_bookmark_index = -1;
+
+	/* populate the sidebar */
+	update_places (sidebar);
 }
 
 static void