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Downton Abbey Exhibition Atlanta

November 7, 2021 By Rhoda 13 Comments

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I know I’m not the only one who is a fan and loved watching Downton Abbey, all six seasons of the hit Emmy-winning television series set in an iconic grand home in Edwardian England. Alongside the focus on the show, the exhibition is educational, offering a deeper look at all aspects of the post-Edwardian period in which the popular series and movie are set. Historical themes include the life, culture, fashion, and socioeconomics of the early 20th century.

I was invited to attend the Downton Abbey exhibit here in Atlanta and so today, I’m taking you along for a visit as well. Mark and I went last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. I heard the same exhibit was at the Biltmore last year and I’m sure that was a wonderful place to see it as well.

Throughout the film set recreations, visitors will get an inside look into the world of the Crawley family, as well as those who served them. As an attendee, you will walk through iconic scenes from the grand home of Downton Abbey such as The Great Hall, the Library, Mrs. Patmore’s Kitchen, The Dining Room, Mary’s Bedroom, and the Servants Hall.

I was late to the Downtown abbey phenomenon, but when I finally caught on after it was already on for several seasons, I binged watched until I caught up to the last season and enjoyed every single episode of this period drama.

If you’ve watched, then you know it’s addictive and you can’t stop watching. The characters are so easy to fall in love with, every one of them.

Who was your favorite? I had a few.

I completely loved the love story of Carson and Mrs. Hughes. They were the backbone of Downton Abbey and their love story was so sweet.

The exhibit is very immersive as you walk through the house and take in all the characters with their own lighted displays, featuring particulars of each one along with memorabilia appropriate of that person as well. There was also an audio guide that you could listen to at different stations to hear more about that person or topic.

These two characters are faves as well. I loved Anna and Bates and their love story was a favorite one to watch blossom. Oh the ups and downs of Downton Abbey. I think all of America fell in love with this show. It was easy to love.

If you get a chance to see the exhibit, I would highly recommend it. There’s so much to take in as you stroll through and read and take in all the displays and signage.

It’s a beautifully lit display for each character and you can spend time on your favorite ones.

There’s even a full size kitchen just like Mrs. Patmore cooked in along with Daisy, her helper. Oh the conversations that went on in the kitchen.

Not to mention the love story of Matthew and Lady Mary. How we clapped and then mourned this one.We all experienced the highs and lows of life right along with the cast of Downton Abbey. It was perfectly cast wasn’t it?

There was a whole display of the Dowager Countess or Granny as she was affectionately called, with many of her funny one liners that we all enjoyed and loved. Dame Maggie Smith played that one perfectly as well.

She definitely was a prominent character of the show.

There’s a lot to learn about life during this time in history and you’ll find out even more at the exhibit.

The Earl and Countess of Downton Abbey, Robert and Cora.

Of course, there has to be a villain in every show and Thomas was one of them.

Mrs. Patmore’s kitchen was brought alive and you could just imagine them in here cooking and getting ready for the day. The amount of meals that were cooked each day was amazing.

The back stairs where the servants went back and forth from downstairs to upstairs to do all of their chores and duties of the day, catering to the needs of the family.

Of course, the servant’s hall was a popular spot in the house where they all gathered for meals.

Another place to imagine all the characters sitting here dining together.

Even the wall of bells was recreated, where the family summoned the servants all over the house.

We walked through and enjoyed all of the details in the exhibit.

There was music in the background which made the feeling even better as we walked through the exhibit. The music of Downton Abbey is such a special part of the show, isn’t it?

The girls of Downton, how different they all were.

Lady Mary played by Michelle Dockery was well loved on the show with a very prominent role and memorable moments.

There were displays of the actual jewelry and props used in the show as well as a collection of 50 official costumes worn by the cast of characters.

Lady Mary’s bedroom recreated.

As well as the dining room, all in splendid detail.

Right down to the elegant place settings. What fun it must have been to dine at Downton Abbey.

The clothes were on the last part of the tour and how elegant they were! The costumes of Downton Abbey really made the show so special.

Each outfit had a note showing who wore the costume or dress. They were magnificent and sewn in sumptuous fabrics!

It was amazing to see the evening attire they wore to dinner. Oh how different than the way we dress for dinner.

See if you recognize any of them in particular.

This was Lady Rose’s presentation gown.

And these wedding dresses were all worn by the women in Downton Abbey with all the weddings that happened.

This was Lady Edith’s wedding dress.

The jewelry display was gorgeous!

And do you recognize this duo of costumes? This is Mrs. Hughes and Carson’s wedding outfits. I loved it when they got married. Did you know there’s another movie coming out in March? I’m sure we’ll see it.

There’s just something magical about Downton Abbey isn’t there? It is such a well loved show. I’ve watched it twice all the way through and thinking about watching it again. Nothing compares to this one! There’s even a gift shop at the exhibit so you can take home some beautiful things from the show.

We had a nice time walking through the exhibit and remembering all the characters and story line of the show.

There’s even a bistro set up at the exhibit which was so pretty.

If you get a chance to see Downton Abbey the exhibit, I’d say do it. It will take you right back to the show, the special characters, with all the history and glamour of that time period. The costumes are something to see, so exquisite.

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition will be located at Perimeter Pointe in Sandy Springs, 1155 Mount Vernon Hwy NE, Atlanta GA. The exhibition will open daily between 10am and 6pm (last entry at 4.30pm) runs through January, so check out the website for ticket info. 

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Filed Under: Travel 13 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    November 7, 2021 at 7:31 am

    Ohhh I hope this comes to Dallas next! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Nancy says

    November 7, 2021 at 9:09 am

    I think Granny and the costumes were my favorite characters.
    Except for Anna and Bates. Haha. I really liked them all. Even Thomas had a good side.

    Somehow Mary doesn’t look like herself in many of the photos.

    I do hope it shows near me!

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      November 7, 2021 at 9:13 am

      There’s a website Downton Exibition. The schedule is completed at this time, but you can sign up to hear about any plans for more shows.

  3. Kate says

    November 7, 2021 at 1:49 pm

    Loved the show but DESPISED Anna and Bates. They were fine in the beginning but then Julian Fellowes just ruined them season after season with way too much drama and tragedy. So many awful storylines with them. I know I’m not the only one who hated these two, lol!

    My favorite part of the show would be the fabulous relationship and banter between the Dowager Countess and Mrs. Crawley (Matthew’s mother). Also adored Sybil.

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      November 7, 2021 at 6:29 pm

      Yes the dowager had a lot of great one liners for sure. I know that Anna and Bates had a lot of drama surrounding them, but I was cheering them on the whole time.

  4. Barbara C says

    November 7, 2021 at 2:27 pm

    I hope the exhibit comes to my area! Did Mark enjoy watching the series with you?

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      November 7, 2021 at 6:28 pm

      Yes he did, once I talked him into trying it he was hooked. We watched it all over again together. I might have to go for a third viewing.

  5. Becky in ' Bama says

    November 7, 2021 at 3:51 pm

    I think the funniest thing I ever read about the ‘behind the scenes’ of Downtown Abbey – the fact that the costumes worn by cast members were seldom to never cleaned/laundered and after a few seasons, some of the reused coats, shirts, dresses, wraps, etc. developed a ‘smell’ of their own. I’m sure they perspired as scenes were filmed out of doors and in a home without AC as well as the huge closed sets. 🙂

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      November 7, 2021 at 6:27 pm

      Hi, Becky, that is surprising that they wouldn’t launder the clothes!

  6. Donna Nance says

    November 7, 2021 at 6:20 pm

    I’ve not seen this exhibit, but did see the costumes about 4-5 years ago in St Augustine, FL. They were displayed in the Lightener Museum with furniture from their collection of the same time period. We then had “high tea” following our tour. It was a fun day. I would love to see this exhibit in Atlanta.

    Reply
    • Billie Jean Williams says

      November 8, 2021 at 4:31 pm

      I am from Pa but was in St. Augustine at the time, and saw it there too. Wasn’t it wonderful? Loved all the clothes and especially the jewelry.
      Billie Jean Williams

  7. Donna Todd says

    November 8, 2021 at 11:47 am

    I saw this in NYC and loved it so much we went again at the Biltmore. Such great memories of the show and all the wonderful characters. Looking forward to the next movie!!❤️

    Reply
  8. Deanna Rabe says

    November 9, 2021 at 10:30 am

    I saw a Downton Abbey exhibit several years ago at Winterthur in Delaware. A friend and I went to see it. It was wonderful.
    I love that show and am happy about another movie!

    Reply

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Thanks for stopping by! I’m Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn’t have to cost a fortune and I’ve spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yard sales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I’m here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won’t you join me?

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