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When was the Great Exhibition?

Queen Victoria opening the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace.
  • The Great Exhibition took place in 1851.
  • It was a big show where people could see art, inventions and much more.
  • Prince Albert (Queen Victoria's husband) thought of the idea.
  • He wanted to show off the work of the best inventors and scientists.
  • Lots of countries had displays. France and the United States had the most displays after Britain.
Queen Victoria opening the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace.
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What was the Crystal Palace?

A drawing of the Crystal Palace.
Image caption,
The Great Exhibition was held at The Crystal Palace.
  • The Great Exhibition was in Hyde Park in London.
  • A huge glass and iron building called the Crystal Palace was built especially for the Exhibition. It took nine months to build.
  • Crystal Palace was enormous. The main part of the building was 563 metres long and 124 metres wide!
  • It was also very tall at 33 metres.
  • There were lots of trees, statues and a big fountain inside.
  • In 1854, the Crystal Palace was moved and rebuilt in a part of London called Sydenham.
  • Unfortunately it burnt down in 1936.
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What was inside the Great Exhibition?

Sculptures, vases and art at the Great Exhibition.
  • Queen Victoria opened the Great Exhibition on 1st May 1851.

  • People could see art, musical instruments, precious jewels, and inventions from over 25 different countries.

  • The world's largest diamond called the Kohinoor was on show.

  • There were over 8 miles of displays.

  • Six million people visited the Great Exhibition in six months.

  • People from all over Britain came to visit on the new railway lines which ran across the country.

  • Many famous people attended, including the writers Charles Dickens and Charlotte Bronte and scientist Charles Darwin.

Sculptures, vases and art at the Great Exhibition.
The inside of a large glass building, the Crystal Palace.
Image caption,
An artist's impression of The Great Exhibition.
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Did you know?

Inside the Natural History Museum in London.
  • The money made from the Exhibition was used to set up the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum.

  • You can visit these museums in London today.

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Activity: Quiz 鈥 The Great Exhibition

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