An Evening with the Painting

Join us on the Cyclorama platform for an exclusive after-hours, close-up look at the historic Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. The Gettysburg Foundation invites you to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center for an exclusive, close-up look at the restrored painting, with a presentation combining history, art and preservation. This special behind-the-scenes program is presented by Licensed Battlefield Guide, author and historian Chris Brenneman.

Painted in the 1880s by French artist Paul Philippoteaux and a team of artists, the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama is an immense work of art measuring 42 feet high and 377 feet long. The Gettysburg Cyclorama is one of the largest, free-standing paintings in North America. A rendition of “Pickett’s Charge” on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the painting is suspended in-the-round from the ceiling. This massive piece of history creates a spectacular 360-degree, three-dimensional appearance when viewed from the platform.

“An Evening with the Painting“ explores the history of the genre of cycloramas and the iconic Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama. Brenneman covers the fascinating creation of this historic piece of art, the rich symbolism found in the painting and the extensive conservation effort to restore the canvas visitors experience today. Program ticket holders enjoy extended time on the viewing platform to observe in full light the remarkable, close-up details and distant battle scenes depicted in the painting. Guests can journey under the diorama to view just how the three-dimensional “illusion” comes alive. Time is provided for Q&A.

The special presentation offers ticket holders approximately two hours of programming. The program begins in the Ford Motor Company Fund Education Center and continues on the Cyclorama viewing platform. The Foundation is pleased to also offer the special program on select dates throughout the year.

To purchase tickets, call the Gettysburg Foundation’s Guest Relations team at 717-334-2436 or visit GettysburgFoundation.org. Tickets can also be purchased in advance at the Ticket Counter inside the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, Pa.