'Downton Abbey': The Exhibition Heads To Florida For The Winter
The Downton Abbey exhibition may have closed in New York City, but it's because they're heading south for the winter.
Last November, Downton Abbey: The Exhibition opened in New York City to great fanfare. The collection featured set pieces including most of the downstairs servants' rooms and kitchens, the dining room, Lady Mary's bedroom, and dozens and dozens of props and costumes from over the six seasons. It was a must visit for any serious fan of the show. Sadly, the Midtown Manhattan-located show closed on Labor Day, following a successful multi-month run.
But the good news is the exhibit was always conceived of as a multi-city touring show, and a new location has been selected. Since it's getting too cold in New York, the Downton household is relocating, bag and baggage, to Florida, just like most New Yorkers in possession of a Cora-sized fortune do.
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition reopens next month, starting November 10, 2018, at CityPlace in downtown West Palm Beach. According to the press release:
The enhanced exhibition will offer never-before-seen elements connecting fans to their favorite characters, costumes, locations and historic events of the era, as well as showcase exclusive footage. It will provide a fascinating look at all aspects of the post-Edwardian period in which the popular TV series is set and offer in-depth insight into the remarkable events which shaped the world. From World War I to the Roaring Twenties, visitors will have the chance to learn about British society, culture, and fashion.
The best part is, unlike New York City, real estate in West Palm Beach is not nearly as pricey, allowing the exhibit to have a much larger space for the new iteration of the show.
With an even larger footprint than its New York City counterpart, the South Florida exhibition will transport visitors on an incredible journey through the grand home of Downton Abbey and offer an inside look into the world of the Crawleys and those that served them below stairs. From Mrs. Patmore’s hectic kitchen and the gossip-fueled servants’ quarters to the family’s glamorous dining room and Lady Mary’s bedroom, fans will get the chance to walk through some of the series’ most recognizable and beloved sets. Visitors will also get an up-close look at over 50 of the show’s official costumes, worn by their favorite actors including Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, and Dame Maggie Smith.
This is the second official stop of the tour and it will remain parked in Florida for the duration of the winter seasons. With this now the second East Coast date, there's a good chance Downton's next stop will be in the mid-west, if not all the way on the West Coast. East coasters, use this as your excuse for a Florida vacation and head down south to see it before the movie arrives next year.
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition opens at CityPlace, 575 S. Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 on November 10, 2018. Hours are 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., including all holiday dates. Tickets are $35, with children under 14 getting in for free.
