The Inauguration of the Great Exhibition: 1 May 1851

Why it's great

Queen Victoria opens the Great Exhibition in the giant glass Crystal Palace in London on May 1, 1851, a world fair full of machines and inventions. David Roberts painted the opening in 1852.

🏛️ Part of history

The Industrial Revolution (1760–1900) — Queen Victoria opens the Great Exhibition in the giant glass Crystal Palace in London on May 1, 1851, a world fair full of machines and inventions.

Where to see it

📍 Location not recordedWe couldn't confirm where it hangs today. Museums sometimes move or lend paintings, so check the museum's website before you travel.

Hang it on your wall

⬇ Hi-res download 2,000 × 1,128 px · 2.3 megapixels This is the largest scan on Wikimedia Commons, which is fairly small for a big print. The museum that owns it may offer a larger one. File page & license ↗

Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:

💵 Budget Etsy ↗ Posters and simple prints from small sellers, usually the lowest prices. 🖼️ Mid-range Fine Art America ↗ Good printing on paper, canvas or metal, made to order, with framing options. 🏛️ High-end Meisterdrucke ↗ Museum-grade giclée prints on archival paper or canvas, the closest to the real thing.

These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.

About the artist

David Roberts

1796–1864 · born in Stockbridge · died in London

David Roberts was a Scottish painter born in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, in 1796. He started as a theater scene painter, traveled through Egypt and the Holy Land, and made famous views of ancient monuments. He lived in London and died there in 1864.