After joining your guide you will be introduced to the most amazing objects designed by artists and craftsmen. Started as a school of design since 1836, the Museum was soon called “A People’s Palace", which was re-established to continue the famous Crystal Palace Exhibition. Its future Director Henry Cole said: “This Museum based on Design and Manufacture will educate designers, inspire manufacturers and reform the taste of the public at large.
Your guide who will show you briefly the main Museum Galleries of European, American and Asian Art, will concentrate in the highlight of the Museum. He or she will show you the mode of the first prefab glass building used to hold in the Park the Great Exhibition of 1851 called “The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations”, later expanded to all Arts.
You will see Ancient Textiles and Modern Chairs, works by Michelangelo, Leonardo and Giambologna; Bernini’s largest marble statue moved out of Italy; Canova and Rodin’s sculptures. In the Islamic Galleries the Ardabil Carpet, the largest and finest carpet in the world; Tipu’s Tiger from Misore; Indian Jewellery, European Jewellery from Ancient to Modern times, Miniatures and Limnings, Clothes by the best designers of our day, Glass and Ceramics galore, etc. etc.
This private tour is hosted by a professional guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history) at time of booking to alert our guide so that he or she can better prepare for your private tour.