3-011-958 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the Crystal Palace at Amsterdam for the Exhibition of Arts and Industry, 1864. 'The fashion set by England, in 1851, of erecting a Crystal Palace, in which to exhibit the varied productions of art and industry, has been tardily followed by Holland, a country whose inhabitants...are proverbially slow and sure in adopting any of the developments of enterprise in foreign lands...the building was officially opened...in the presence of about seven thousand spectators...Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus," and Mendelssohn's "Magnificat,"...were given with glorious effect...The palace is a magnificent development of the Byzantine style of architecture, and was built under the superintendence of M. Dutshoorn [sic]...The transept...is 380 ft. in length...It is surrounded by a very handsome gallery...supported by fluted cast-iron pillars...From the base of the arched crystal roof were hung "the flags of all nations," which greatly contributed to the festive character of the scene...the King of the Netherlands has conferred on Dr. Sarphati...the Order of the Netherlands Lion, by way of recognition of his meritorious and indefatigable exertions in securing for the capital of Holland this magnificent palace of art and industry'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.