The Crystal Palace was a colossal glass and iron structure that was built in London’s Hyde Park to host the Great Exhibition of 1851. The exhibit showcased over 14,000 artifacts from around the world and attracted over six million visitors during its six-month run. The Crystal Palace was then relocated to Sydenham Hill in South London, where it stood until it was destroyed by fire in 1936.
What was the Crystal Palace?
The Crystal Palace was designed by Joseph Paxton, a renowned English gardener and architect. It was an innovative structure of its time, spanning over 1848 feet in length and standing at a height of 108 feet. The building had a rectangular shape with a central transept that rose to an impressive height of 180 feet.
Why Was It Built?
The Crystal Palace was built to host the Great Exhibition of 1851, which aimed to showcase the wealth and achievements of British industry. The exhibition covered more than ten acres of land and featured exhibits from around the world, including machinery, textiles, pottery, furniture, art objects, and many more.
Relocation To Sydenham Hill
After the exhibition ended in October 1851, there were concerns about what would happen to this grand structure that had been erected for this event. However, it was later decided that the building would be dismantled and relocated to Sydenham Hill in South London.
In Sydenham Hill, the building underwent some modifications before being reopened as an entertainment center. It included various attractions such as concert halls, an art gallery featuring paintings from famous artists like J.M.W Turner and John Everett Millais among others. There were also exhibits showcasing natural history specimens such as dinosaurs among other things.
The Tragic End
Unfortunately for The Crystal Palace’s fans worldwide who enjoyed visiting this iconic landmark, it was destroyed by fire on November 30, 1936. The fire began early in the morning and quickly spread throughout the building, eventually burning it to the ground. The cause of the fire remains unknown to this day.
Conclusion
While the Crystal Palace may no longer physically exist today, it remains a significant part of London’s history and heritage. It was an architectural masterpiece that showcased British ingenuity and innovation during a time when Britain was at the height of its power. Today, visitors can still explore the site where The Crystal Palace once stood by visiting Crystal Palace Park in Sydenham Hill, which now serves as a beautiful public park with serene lakes and many other attractions.