Crystal Arcade

This miniature Crystal Arcade was inspired by Sir Joseph Paxton's Crystal Palace, which was built during the Industrial Revolution, specifically for the "Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations." The original structure was gigantic. When it opened in London's Hyde Park in 1851, during the height of Queen Victoria's reign, the Crystal Palace was the largest building ever constructed. It was also one of the first buildings made entirely of cast iron and glass. Soon, the triumphant period in which this occurred would be referred to as "Victorian."

Like the original structure, this pseudo replica uses glass (and plexi-glass) panels that fit prefabricated sections. This particular interpretation was intended as an arcade of shops, with spaces for four to eight specialty boutiques surrounding a central atrium and staircase, under a barrel vaulted glass ceiling. Ideas for the shops might include a bookseller, flower shop, hat shop, haberdashery, dressmaker, purveyor of musical instruments, coffee shop, stationers, notions or sundries, a toy shop, antiques, clock shop, or even an ice cream parlor or small café. Whatever the interiors, this unique structure makes an excellent setting in which to view the contents of the collection.

Tour Crystal Arcade As Furnished

See Christmas in Crystal Arcade

For more details, click on the thumbnail views below.

Imagine the Possibilities	Revolution in Transparency	Clearly Industrial
Halls of Commerce	Solid, Light, Grand	Graceful Triumph
Construction: birch plywood, solid pine and poplar, basswood, glass, acrylic, metallic paint. Overall dimensions: 36" wide, 18" deep, 25.5" high Four shop spaces each measure 18" x 12" and can be subdivided.
back to top