ANAHEIM, CA – September 20, 2011 – Take a journey back in time to Victorian England and discover how the Victorian Era has influenced the modern Neo-Victorian movement called Steampunk when MUZEO presents the World Premieres of THE QUEEN’S GALLERY, a remarkable exhibition of Victorian art and objects, and STEAMPUNK: History Beyond Imagination, opening at MUZEO in Anaheim, on October 23, 2011. Guests on opening day will enjoy a Victorian and Steampunk fair-like atmosphere. Dickens, The Queen, a ribbon cutting, steampunk and Victorian characters, English tea and chocolate tastings are just a few of the treats in store.   The event is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 

 

Queen Victoria’s reign (1837-1901) was a time of tumultuous social and political change; an explosion of new ideas, scientific discoveries, and artistic curiosity. Within a few short decades the small island of England transformed from an agricultural society into an industrial superpower with an empire that spanned the globe. 

 

THE QUEEN’S GALLERY allows visitors the opportunity to become immersed in the Victorian age and experience the British Empire at its pinnacle of power, while STEAMPUNK: History Beyond Imagination explores the origins, influences and artistry of the Steampunk aesthetic, which draws its inspiration from the Victorian Era.

 

 

THE QUEEN’S GALLERY is a fascinating and comprehensive exhibition on loan from two of California’s most passionate and highly respected collectors, Dr. Howard and Linda Knohl. The exhibition brings together over 60 paintings by leading artists of the Victorian Era and nearly 400 personal and decorative objects from the British Empire. From walking sticks and weapons to match safes and music boxes, from ivory sculptures and bronze statues to household necessities and fashion accessories, each of the objects offers a window into this significant period in history, and collectively delivers a rich mix of visual stimulation, narrative intrigue and social commentary.

 

“England in the 19^th century was the engine of the world,” explains Dr. Knohl. “Their influence across the globe was monumental. We’ve created this exhibition to show what it was like to live in 19^th century England, and feel what the average person living in England felt: how proud they were of their artists, how proud they were of their queen, and how proud they were of the influence England had on the world.” 

 

THE QUEENS GALLERY features masterpieces by prominent artists of the Victorian Era, including James Sant (official portrait artist to Queen Victoria), Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema (one of the most famous and prolific artists of this period), and William Powell Frith (a favorite of the Royal Family and a good friend of Charles Dickens).  

 

For more information on THE QUEEN’S GALLERY, visit www.TheQueensGallery.net

 

 

 

STEAMPUNK: History Beyond Imagination examines the relationship between the fantastical worlds and concepts of Victorian ‘scientific romance’ and the imaginative realities created by the inventors and scientists of that time and present day.  

The exhibit highlights the connection between science fact and science fiction in the Victorian era while exploring the work of pioneers such as Charles Babbage, Ada Lovelace and Nikola Tesla alongside the visionary fiction of H.G. Wells, Jules Verne and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.

 

Visitors can explore a collection of replicas and artifacts, including concept art and original props (such as a full size Time Machine from the 1960 film of the same name), vintage books and comics, and a selection of art, sculpture, jewelry, fashion, photography and inventions. Interactive and informational displays will guide guests through various historical ‘what if” scenarios; learning while imagining “what might have been” had events and technology happened a little differently.

 

STEAMPUNK: History Beyond Imagination was created by Aeronaut Productions, LLC, which is owned and operated by Peter Overstreet and Cat Taylor. The company is dedicated to the design and production of exciting, quality theatrical events and traveling exhibitions.

 

MUZEO is planning an array of special events and programs to accompany both exhibits. THE QUEEN’S GALLERY activities include opening day event,  a Britain Beer Fest, Victorian Holiday Faire, miniature war game re-enactments  and opportunities to “Meet the Collector” with an up-close and personal conversation about the exhibition pieces. 

 

Admission to MUZEO is $13 for adults, $9 for children 12 and under. 3 and under is free. Group tour discounts (for groups of fifteen or more) and senior discounts are also available. Admission allows visitors access to both THE QUEEN’S GALLERY in the main exhibition space and STEAMPUNK: History Beyond Imagination, located in the adjacent Carnegie Building.

 

MUZEO is located in the heart of downtown Anaheim, at 241 S. Anaheim Blvd. just two miles from the Disneyland Resort. Validated parking is available in the parking structures on Center Street Promenade. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets online go to www.muzeo.org , or call 714-956-8936.

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