Enlightenment Gallery: Room 1
Formerly known as the King’s
Library, this room was built between 1823 and 1827
and was the first part of the new Museum building as it is seen
today.
Careful restoration work between 2000 and 2003
revived the original room to its previous glory, in time to
celebrate the Museum’s 250th anniversary. Cleaning and repairs
to the oak and mahogany floor and classical architectural features
have refreshed the space. Hundreds of square metres of plaster were
cleaned and repaired to restore the yellow and gold ornamentation
and the re-gilded balcony.
Information about this space
- Floor space: 1169.1 square metres
- Lighting: natural and artificial light, only
cold-lamp/ low-level lighting permitted
- Filming hours: before 10.00 Monday to Friday,
after 17.30 Monday to Wednesday, after 20.30 Thursday and
Friday
- There is no access to the balcony
- Some sections of the display may have filming restrictions due
to loan items from other institutions