Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Former museum}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} |
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{{Infobox NRHP | name =Cyclorama of the Battle of Atlanta |
{{Infobox NRHP | name =Cyclorama of the Battle of Atlanta |
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| nrhp_type = |
| nrhp_type = |
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| image =Atlanta Cyclorama.jpg |
| image =Atlanta Cyclorama.jpg |
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| caption =Atlanta Cyclorama building |
| caption =Atlanta former Cyclorama building |
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| location= [[Atlanta, Georgia]] |
| location= [[Atlanta, Georgia]] |
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| coordinates = {{coord|33|44|2.97|N|84|22|15.83|W|display=inline,title}} |
| coordinates = {{coord|33|44|2.97|N|84|22|15.83|W|display=inline,title}} |
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| visitation_ref = <ref name="AJC-Move"/> |
| visitation_ref = <ref name="AJC-Move"/> |
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}} |
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The '''Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum''' was a [[American Civil War|Civil War]] museum located in [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] |
The '''Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum''' was a [[American Civil War|Civil War]] museum located in [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]. Its most noted attraction was the Atlanta Cyclorama, a cylindrical [[panoramic painting]] of the [[Battle of Atlanta]]. As of December 2021, the Cyclorama is located at the [[Atlanta History Center]], while the building is now [[Zoo Atlanta]]'s Savanna Hall.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Cyclorama: The Big Picture {{!}} Exhibitions|url=https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/exhibitions/cyclorama/|access-date=2021-12-12|website=Atlanta History Center|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Grand New View|url=https://zooatlanta.org/support/capital-campaign/grand-new-view/|access-date=2021-12-12|website=Zoo Atlanta|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The painting was created as a traveling attraction for Northerners; it portrayed celebrated Union officers, while the portrayals of Confederate officers were not individualized.<ref name=BigPicture/> It was purchased and moved to Atlanta in 1891 by Paul Atkinson, who attempted to recast the Battle of Atlanta as a Confederate victory, repainting a group of Confederate prisoners of war so they became defeated Union soldiers.<ref name=BigPicture/> |
The painting was created as a traveling attraction for Northerners; it portrayed celebrated Union officers, while the portrayals of Confederate officers were not individualized.<ref name=BigPicture/> It was purchased and moved to Atlanta in 1891 by Paul Atkinson, who attempted to recast the Battle of Atlanta as a Confederate victory, repainting a group of Confederate prisoners of war so they became defeated Union soldiers.<ref name=BigPicture/> |
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Paying visitors viewed the cylindrical painting from the inside, entering through an entrance in the floor. After being seated, the central cylinder rotates slowly, affording a view of the entire painting. The painting at one time was the largest oil painting in the world, and if unrolled would measure {{convert| |
Paying visitors viewed the cylindrical painting from the inside, entering through an entrance in the floor. After being seated, the central cylinder rotates slowly, affording a view of the entire painting. The painting at one time was the largest oil painting in the world, and if unrolled would measure {{convert|49|ft}} high by {{convert|358|ft}} long, weighing 10,000 pounds.<ref name=":0" /> It held this record until 1894, when it was surpassed in size by [[Racławice Panorama|The ''Racławice Panorama'']] (15 × 114 meter, 49 ft × 374 ft) a [[Cyclorama|cycloramic]] [[painting]] depicting the [[Battle of Racławice]]. |
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The Cyclorama was narrated at one time by volunteers, some of whom were veterans or widows of veterans of the Civil War. In 1960, Atlanta Mayor [[William B. Hartsfield]] accepted the donation of a recorded narration written by Junius Andrew Park |
The Cyclorama was narrated at one time by volunteers, some of whom were veterans or widows of veterans of the Civil War. In 1960, Atlanta Mayor [[William B. Hartsfield]] accepted the donation of a recorded narration written by Junius Andrew Park Jr., in honor of his father, Junius Andrew Park Sr., who was born and raised in Atlanta. Research was done by Lurline Richardson Park, the writer's wife. The narration was musically scored by Atlanta musician Sam T. Wilhoit, and the narration was read by Hollywood actor [[Victor Jory]], who appeared in the original motion picture ''[[Gone with the Wind (film)|Gone with the Wind]]''. All parties donated their time and labor. In later years, a revised narration was produced and narrated by actor [[Shepperd Strudwick]]. |
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==Civil War museum== |
==Civil War museum== |
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==Relocation== |
==Relocation== |
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In July 2014, Atlanta city officials announced plans to relocate the Cyclorama to the [[Atlanta History Center]] in [[Buckhead]].<ref name="AJC-Move">{{cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/news/cyclorama-to-make-big-move-to-atlanta-history-cent/ngmbR/|title=Cyclorama to make big move to Atlanta History Center|author=Howard Pousner|work=ajc.com|publisher=Cox Newspapers|date=2014-07-23| |
In July 2014, Atlanta city officials announced plans to relocate the Cyclorama to the [[Atlanta History Center]] in [[Buckhead]].<ref name="AJC-Move">{{cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/news/cyclorama-to-make-big-move-to-atlanta-history-cent/ngmbR/|title=Cyclorama to make big move to Atlanta History Center|author=Howard Pousner|work=ajc.com|publisher=Cox Newspapers|date=2014-07-23|access-date=2014-08-04}}</ref> The possibility of a move started soon after the 2008 restoration of the only other panoramic painting in the United States, the [[Gettysburg Cyclorama]].<ref name="AJC-Move"/> In 2011, a panel of city leaders and historians was appointed to investigate options for restoring and possibly relocating the painting, which was estimated to cost at least $8 million to restore.<ref name="AJC-Move"/> Three options were considered: relocate to [[Centennial Olympic Park]] area, near the [[Georgia Aquarium]] and other new tourist attractions; relocate to Atlanta History Center; or, remain in current location.<ref name="AJC-Move"/> The Atlanta History Center was selected after a local couple offered $10 million towards the project, with the History Center noting in its announcement that it had already raised $32.2 million for the move.<ref name="AJC-Move"/> |
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The Cyclorama's final day open to the public was June 30, 2015, after which it closed in preparation for the move. The History Center began construction in fall 2015 on a new {{convert|23000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} building to house the painting, the diorama and the ''Texas'' locomotive.<ref name="AJC-Move"/> During the construction, restoration work was done on the painting, including the addition of areas of the painting that were removed prior to its installation in the current Grant Park facility.<ref name="AJC-Move"/> After the History Center building was completed, the painting and diorama were be moved to the new facility where restoration continued, at times in view of History Center visitors.<ref name="AJC-Move"/> The Grant Park |
The Cyclorama's final day open to the public was June 30, 2015, after which it closed in preparation for the move. The History Center began construction in fall 2015 on a new {{convert|23000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} building to house the painting, the diorama and the ''Texas'' locomotive.<ref name="AJC-Move"/> During the construction, restoration work was done on the painting, including the addition of areas of the painting that were removed prior to its installation in the current Grant Park facility.<ref name="AJC-Move"/> After the History Center building was completed, the painting and diorama were to be moved to the new facility where restoration continued, at times in view of History Center visitors.<ref name="AJC-Move"/> The building in Grant Park will be given to [[Zoo Atlanta]], which will use it as office and event space, including a new private viewing area for a proposed expansion of the zoo's [[African elephant]] habitat.<ref name="AJC-Move"/> |
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The |
The cost of relocation, $35.78 million, was raised, a figure that includes a $10 million endowment.<ref name=BigPicture/> |
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The restored cyclorama reopened in April 2019.<ref name=BigPicture>{{cite news |last1=Rothstein |first1=Edward |title=‘Cyclorama: The Big Picture’ Review: Standing at the Center of History |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/cyclorama-the-big-picture-review-standing-at-the-center-of-history-11555528782 | |
The restored cyclorama reopened in April 2019.<ref name=BigPicture>{{cite news |last1=Rothstein |first1=Edward |title=‘Cyclorama: The Big Picture’ Review: Standing at the Center of History |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/cyclorama-the-big-picture-review-standing-at-the-center-of-history-11555528782 |access-date=17 April 2019 |publisher=Wall Street Journal |date=17 April 2019}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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{{commons category}} |
{{commons category}} |
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*{{official website|https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/}} |
*{{official website|https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/}} |
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*[ |
*[https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/cyclorama/ New Georgia Encyclopedia] |
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*[http://www.atlantatimemachine.com/misc/cherokee800a.htm Then / now photographs of the Cyclorama building, taken in 1953 and 2005] |
*[http://www.atlantatimemachine.com/misc/cherokee800a.htm Then / now photographs of the Cyclorama building, taken in 1953 and 2005] |
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*[http://www.panoramapainting.com Website of the International Panorama Council IPC listing all existing panoramas and cycloramas worldwide] |
*[http://www.panoramapainting.com Website of the International Panorama Council IPC listing all existing panoramas and cycloramas worldwide] |
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[[Category:Defunct museums in Georgia (U.S. state)]] |
[[Category:Defunct museums in Georgia (U.S. state)]] |
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[[Category:Museums in Atlanta]] |
[[Category:Museums in Atlanta]] |
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[[Category:Culture of Atlanta]] |
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[[Category:Cycloramas]] |
[[Category:Cycloramas]] |
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[[Category:American Civil War museums in Georgia (U.S. state)]] |
[[Category:American Civil War museums in Georgia (U.S. state)]] |
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[[Category:Art museums in Georgia (U.S. state)]] |
[[Category:Art museums and galleries in Georgia (U.S. state)]] |
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[[Category:Military and war museums in Georgia (U.S. state)]] |
[[Category:Military and war museums in Georgia (U.S. state)]] |
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[[Category:History museums in Georgia (U.S. state)]] |
[[Category:History museums in Georgia (U.S. state)]] |
Revision as of 16:39, 1 May 2024
Cyclorama of the Battle of Atlanta | |
![]() Atlanta former Cyclorama building | |
Standort | Atlanta, Georgia |
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Coordinates | 33°44′2.97″N 84°22′15.83″W / 33.7341583°N 84.3710639°W |
Built | 1885 |
Architect | American Cyclorama Co.; John Francis Downing |
Visitation | 54,489 (2014)[2] |
NRHP reference No. | 71000274[1] |
Added to NRHP | December 9, 1971 |
The Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum was a Civil War museum located in Atlanta, Georgia. Its most noted attraction was the Atlanta Cyclorama, a cylindrical panoramic painting of the Battle of Atlanta. As of December 2021, the Cyclorama is located at the Atlanta History Center, while the building is now Zoo Atlanta's Savanna Hall.[3][4]
History
The painting was created as a traveling attraction for Northerners; it portrayed celebrated Union officers, while the portrayals of Confederate officers were not individualized.[5] It was purchased and moved to Atlanta in 1891 by Paul Atkinson, who attempted to recast the Battle of Atlanta as a Confederate victory, repainting a group of Confederate prisoners of war so they became defeated Union soldiers.[5]
Paying visitors viewed the cylindrical painting from the inside, entering through an entrance in the floor. After being seated, the central cylinder rotates slowly, affording a view of the entire painting. The painting at one time was the largest oil painting in the world, and if unrolled would measure 49 feet (15 m) high by 358 feet (109 m) long, weighing 10,000 pounds.[3] It held this record until 1894, when it was surpassed in size by The Racławice Panorama (15 × 114 meter, 49 ft × 374 ft) a cycloramic painting depicting the Battle of Racławice.
The Cyclorama was narrated at one time by volunteers, some of whom were veterans or widows of veterans of the Civil War. In 1960, Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield accepted the donation of a recorded narration written by Junius Andrew Park Jr., in honor of his father, Junius Andrew Park Sr., who was born and raised in Atlanta. Research was done by Lurline Richardson Park, the writer's wife. The narration was musically scored by Atlanta musician Sam T. Wilhoit, and the narration was read by Hollywood actor Victor Jory, who appeared in the original motion picture Gone with the Wind. All parties donated their time and labor. In later years, a revised narration was produced and narrated by actor Shepperd Strudwick.
Civil War museum
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/Confederate_general_uniform.jpg/220px-Confederate_general_uniform.jpg)
The museum displayed pictures and artifacts from the Civil War, including the Texas, a steam locomotive that pursued the captured train the General in the Great Locomotive Chase during the war. This raid was depicted in the 1927 Buster Keaton film The General and the 1956 Disney film The Great Locomotive Chase.
A movie theater inside the museum showed a short film about the Atlanta Campaign, narrated by James Earl Jones, to visitors before they view the painting. The cyclorama painting itself is augmented by a three-dimensional diorama in front of the painting and a narration of the events of the battle and the history of the painting. A popular story concerning the diorama involves actor Clark Gable. During the celebrations surrounding the opening of the film Gone with the Wind, the film's actors visited the Atlanta Cyclorama. Gable allegedly claimed that the only way the painting could be any more magnificent was if he were in it, prompting the management to add Gable's features to one of the sculptures in the diorama, that of a dying soldier.
Relocation
In July 2014, Atlanta city officials announced plans to relocate the Cyclorama to the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead.[2] The possibility of a move started soon after the 2008 restoration of the only other panoramic painting in the United States, the Gettysburg Cyclorama.[2] In 2011, a panel of city leaders and historians was appointed to investigate options for restoring and possibly relocating the painting, which was estimated to cost at least $8 million to restore.[2] Three options were considered: relocate to Centennial Olympic Park area, near the Georgia Aquarium and other new tourist attractions; relocate to Atlanta History Center; or, remain in current location.[2] The Atlanta History Center was selected after a local couple offered $10 million towards the project, with the History Center noting in its announcement that it had already raised $32.2 million for the move.[2]
The Cyclorama's final day open to the public was June 30, 2015, after which it closed in preparation for the move. The History Center began construction in fall 2015 on a new 23,000-square-foot (2,100 m2) building to house the painting, the diorama and the Texas locomotive.[2] During the construction, restoration work was done on the painting, including the addition of areas of the painting that were removed prior to its installation in the current Grant Park facility.[2] After the History Center building was completed, the painting and diorama were to be moved to the new facility where restoration continued, at times in view of History Center visitors.[2] The building in Grant Park will be given to Zoo Atlanta, which will use it as office and event space, including a new private viewing area for a proposed expansion of the zoo's African elephant habitat.[2]
The cost of relocation, $35.78 million, was raised, a figure that includes a $10 million endowment.[5]
The restored cyclorama reopened in April 2019.[5]
See also
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Howard Pousner (July 23, 2014). "Cyclorama to make big move to Atlanta History Center". ajc.com. Cox Newspapers. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
- ^ a b "Cyclorama: The Big Picture | Exhibitions". Atlanta History Center. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
- ^ "Grand New View". Zoo Atlanta. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Rothstein, Edward (April 17, 2019). "'Cyclorama: The Big Picture' Review: Standing at the Center of History". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- American Civil War in art
- Defunct museums in Georgia (U.S. state)
- Museums in Atlanta
- Educational buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Georgia (U.S. state)
- Cycloramas
- American Civil War museums in Georgia (U.S. state)
- Art museums and galleries in Georgia (U.S. state)
- Military and war museums in Georgia (U.S. state)
- History museums in Georgia (U.S. state)
- National Register of Historic Places in Atlanta
- Museums on the National Register of Historic Places
- 2015 disestablishments in Georgia (U.S. state)
- Museums disestablished in 2015