Downton Abbey comes to New York

Anyone who watched the multi award-winning TV series Downton Abbey would have been impressed by the British aristocratic lifestyle and the elegance and finery of the post-Edwardian era.

Now fans can have a fully immersive experience with the series’ characters, costumes, locations and historic events and watch some never-before-seen footage, not in Yorkshire, England, but in New York City.

The curtain will go up on Downton Abbey: The Exhibition on Nov 18 at the Doing/ Living Marketplace at 218 West 57th Street in Manhattan, its first stop in the US.

“Debuting in 2010 and now seen in over 250 territories, Downton Abbey quickly became a global phenomenon, especially in the US, where the series established an incredibly loyal and avid fan base,” said Michael Edelstein, president of NBC Universal International Studios.

“Downton Abbey: The Exhibition continues this extraordinary legacy and gives viewers an exclusive invitation inside the series’ beloved characters, story lines and sets,” he said.

“Rich in culture and attracting fans from all over the world, New York City is the perfect location to unveil this multimillion dollar museum-quality experience,” he added.

Visitors will be escorted on a journey through the grand home of Downton Abbey as the exhibition peers 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 get up close to more than 50 of the show’s official costumes worn by the cast, including both Mary and Edith’s wedding dresses, Mary’s season two proposal dress, and Rose’s royal presentation dress.

Thousands of official artifacts from the show, including the bell board from the servants’ dining room, and telegrams informing Lord Grantham of the sinking of the Titanic and outbreak of war with Germany, will be on display.

One of the largest UK drama exports of all time and seen in more than 250 territories worldwide, Downton Abbey won 15 Emmy Awards and 69 nominations, making it the most nominated non-US show in Emmy history.

The winner as well of three Golden Globes, a special BAFTA and four Screen Actors Guild Awards, the series has captured an extensive fan base worldwide.

Aired for six seasons on PBS in the US, the series’ viewership reached more than 26 million in its final season, making it the highest-rated PBS drama series of all time.

In China, the shows were watched 160 million times online.

“We are absolutely aware of the popularity of the show in China, and there has been some interest expressed by venues in China in hosting the exhibition,” said Dominic Burns, senior vice-president of Brand Management & Commercial of NBC Universal International Studios. “So it could be a great opportunity to bring the show to China in the near future.”

The exhibition will be in New York until January. Its next stop has not been revealed.

PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY The kitchen in the TV series Downton Abbey was shown at the exhibition.