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Castle Howard’s 21st Century Renaissance, opening 25th April

Marvel at a once-in-a-generation transformation

Work is continuing apace in the House to restore and transform the historic interiors as part of a once-in-a-generation project, which will open to the public in April 2025.

Highlights will include the unveiling of the restored Tapestry Drawing Room, returning to its 18th-century splendour for the first time since the devastating fire of 1940. This magnificent room will display 300-year-old tapestries originally created for the space in the 1700s, alongside the refurbished Long Gallery and Grand Staircase, and a complete rehang and redisplay of Castle Howard’s collection of paintings and sculptures.

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Discover the highlights

The Tapestry Drawing Room
The Tapestry Drawing Room, lost to the fire of 1940, will be restored to its original 18th-century splendour. Featuring a new cornice, frieze, and Baroque-style fireplace, it will showcase the magnificent ‘Four Seasons’ tapestries woven in 1706. This transformation re-establishes the grand enfilade linking the central block to the former State Apartments.
The Grand Staircase
Created in the 1870s, the Grand Staircase continues to provide an impressive first impression for visitors. Following the rehang, Castle Howard’s renowned collection of Grand Tour antiquities and treasures – gathered by the 4th and 5th Earls on their travels – will be displayed alongside specially commissioned plaster casts of antique bas-reliefs.
The Long Gallery
The Long Gallery will be regilded, repainted, and rehung to showcase Castle Howard’s art collection. Italian landscapes, Grand Tour paintings, and portraits will line the walls, complemented by marble-topped tables, portrait busts, and rewired gilt-brass chandeliers. The space will reflect its early 19th-century elegance.
The West Wing Bedrooms
The West Wing bedroom upgrades continue with the refurbishment of Lady Georgiana’s Dressing Room, featuring hand-painted ‘Abbotsford’ Chinese-style wallpaper by de Gournay and Colefax and Fowler fabrics, reflecting 18th-century Chinoiserie style.

Celebrating Castle Howard and the Grand Tour

Castle Howard’s genesis was the Grand Tour. Inspired by Italy’s art and architecture, the 3rd Earl of Carlisle transformed his estate into an arcadia. Successive Earls continued this tradition, enhancing Castle Howard with exceptional works of art, sculpture, and furniture.

Castle Howard’s 21st Century Renaissance is this generation’s contribution to the evolution of the House, something that has been ongoing since the first stone was laid at the very beginning of the 18th-century.