Discover the characters and details of Rubens' masterpiece using new super-zoom technology
Discover the characters and details of Rubens' masterpiece using new super-zoom technology
Updated 12 June. As a result of the Coronavirus global pandemic, we have taken the difficult decision to close Banqueting House until March 2021. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause. Please read our statement
Get an artists' eye view of Rubens' ceiling, down to the level of individual brush strokes added during its creation in the 17th century.
Created using 4,000 high-resolution photos of the ceiling, this new interactive tablet display uses digital super-zoom technology to bring Peter Paul Rubens' masterpiece to life.
The accompanying virtual tour includes stories behind the scene's characters and symbols, as well as some unexpected and easy-to-miss details.
The tour is available in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, German, and Italian. A British Sign Language (BSL) version will be available from summer 2019.
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The Rubens' ceiling is believed to have been commissioned by Charles I in 1629-30. The ceiling includes a powerful depiction of Charles’ father, James VI and I, James VI and I, being carried up to heaven on the wings of a huge eagle.
Just a decade later, after his fall from power, Charles walked under his magnificent ceiling on his way to his execution, on a scaffold erected just outside the Banqueting Hall.
Explore the vaulted drinking den beneath the Banqueting House, which was used by James I for decadent royal parties.
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