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The Queen's Gallery was built in the shell of the former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School at the entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The buildings were constructed in the 1840s with funds from the Duchess of Gordon, but fell into disuse in the late 19th century. Benjamin Tindall Architects were appointed project architects for the new Queen’s Gallery in October 1999. Their central visual theme was a celebration of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, expressed through a series of arches and screens that lead visitors from the Gallery entrance to the exhibition spaces beyond. Their design complements the original 19th-century architecture, elements of which were incorporated into the new spaces. Unsympathetic later internal alterations were removed, and a new exposed steel and concrete floor inserted to reflect the original ‘gallery’ of the Church. A new stone arched entrance was created at the centre of the Horse Wynd frontage, opposite the new Scottish Parliament building. The use of a stone archway, with a courtyard beyond, is a traditional entrance device in Scottish architecture. The main walling is of Catcastle stone, the dressed work and lettering is of Stainton stone and the base is of Kenmay granite. ‘THE QUEEN’S GALLERY’ lettering above the entrance is the work of John Neilson, a calligrapher and carver. The letters were cut from single pieces of stone. Above sits Scotland’s heraldic lion, designed by Jill Watson. The lion sedant is based on a small red lion that sits at the feet of Mary, Queen of Scots on her tomb in Westminster Abbey. (The Palace of Holyroodhouse was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots.) The monumental entrance doors of oak have gilded bronze hinges by Jill Watson. Continuing the heraldic theme, the main hinges are decorated with the Scottish lion and unicorn. The beasts are set against the adjacent urban scene of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and the rural scene of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. The upper hinges are made as golden boughs of flowering native trees – chestnut and laburnum, oak, rowan and hawthorn. The stone archway is decorated with a carved and gilded garland of Scottish flowers, including daisies and thistles, created by Graciela Ainsworth, an Edinburgh-based sculptor, carver and conservator. Over the old entrance to the former church is a stained-glass window by Christian Shaw. The design shows a perspective drawing of the interior of a gallery. At night, the shape of the archway is reflected by the glass lights by Keiko Mukaide set into the paving. The artist has given the tiles a water flow pattern, mirroring the stream of visitors walking in and out of the Gallery. Inside, the reception desk by Hamid van Koten is made from curved pieces of Scottish elm with kilned glass and patinated copper. The pendant lights were designed and made in Edinburgh by Ingrid Phillips. Dividing the reception from the main Gallery area is a patterned glass screen by Jacqueline Poncelet. The screen’s bronze handles by Jill Watson incorporate figures looking at art in a gallery. The dramatic central stair of native timber leads to the Gallery spaces above. The complex shape was designed by the architects with Charles Taylor Woodwork, who were responsible for the construction. Lights set into the first floor illuminate the curved balustrading.
New Itinerary : Opéra - Place Vendôme - Concorde Square - Champs-Elysées Avenue - Arch of Triumph - Eiffel Tower - Invalides - Orsay Museum - The Grand Louvre Museum - Notre-Dame Cathedral - Sorbonne - Pantheon Church - Saint-Germain-des-Prés - Place des Pyramides (bus terminal). Departures: Tour departs daily at 09:00, 10:30, 12:00 and 14:45 Duration: 1 Hours 45 Minutes approx. Pick Up/Drop Off Paris Vision, 214 rue de Rivoli, 75001, Paris Includes: Tour in a luxury, air-conditioned coach Recorded commentary with individual headphones Information: 4 departures a day 11 available languages Suited to clients (first time, return and short stay) looking for an overall glimpse or orientation Suitable to families. No stop during the tour.
What you can expect: On this 2-hour private tour of NYC Lights you and your group may choose to travel by a luxury limo or party bus. You may start or end your tour at a location of your choice in Manhattan. Travel pass world famous landmarks such as Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Herald Square, 5th Avenue and over the famous Brooklyn Bridge. Stop in DUMBO Brooklyn for a photo in front of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Skyline. During your return back to NYC, open a bottle of complimentary champagne while listening to your favorite music. What better way to see and experience NYC! Inclusions: Glass of Champagne Beverages Driver/Guide Transport by private vehicle Exclusions: Gratuities (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Enjoy Warwick Castle outside it's busiest times with this great value promo offer for parents and grandparents with toddlers! Only available in advance: book now to SAVE! Highlights: See majestic Birds of Prey take to the skies Face fun challenges in the Horrible Histories adventure maze Set off on an interactive walk-through trail on ‘The Conqueror’s Fortress’ Enjoy sensory attractions such as The Kingmaker and Time Tower Explore 64 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens and come face to face with the Castle’s Peacocks. This ticket includes: Entry to the Castle, Grounds and Gardens (excluding the Castle Dungeon). Practical Information: Baby changing and bottle warming facilities on site Excludes School holidays & weekends. Please click here for our any day offer. You must print your e-ticket off and bring it with you in order to be granted access to the attraction. Visit Warwick Castle to experience the fun of real history! Full to the turrets with dazzling shows and attractions, spellbinding story-telling and fun experiences all year-round, Warwick Castle is an action-packed and unforgettable family experience …
St Paul’s Cathedral, whose dome dominates London’s skyline, is England’s architectural masterpiece and place of national celebration. The cathedral was designed by the famed architect Sir Christopher Wren, after the Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed its predecessor. The cathedral took 35 years to build from 1675 – 1710, spanning the lives of five monarchs and was the first cathedral to have been built and completed in its architect’s lifetime. St Paul’s Cathedral is where people and events of overwhelming national significance have been celebrated, mourned or commemorated. From state funerals for British heroes such as Sir Winston Churchill, to the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer, and National Services of Thanksgiving to celebrate the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee’s of Her Majesty the Queen. Touch-screen multimedia guides in nine languages are included for sightseers, offering up to 90 minutes of audio commentary, videos and imagery for a self guided tour. Tours led by cathedral guides are also offered, usually starting at 10.00, 11.00, 13.00 & 14.00 and last for 90 minutes; visitors should register to join a tour once inside the cathedral. Explore the cathedral floor then visit the Whispering Gallery to test the unique acoustics. Climb further to the Stone and Golden Galleries, which afford breathtaking panoramic views across the city. Descend to the crypt which houses tombs and memorials to famous Britons such as Admiral Lord Nelson, The Duke of Wellington and Wren himself.
What You'll Do
See the USS Constitution, an icon of American history
Cruise past the Bunker Hill Monument, Boston Tea Party Boat and the Old North Church
Optional tour of the USS Constitution and accompanying Naval Museum
Fully narrated 45 minute cruise
Not included:
Gratuitites
Food and Drink (available on-board)
Hotel pickup and drop off