The Great Exhibition of 1851 The year 1851 saw the realisation of one of the most prestigious projects of the 19th century: an exhibition of the most revolutionary technical novelties and the most beautiful works of art of all peoples and all nations. Prince Albert had initialized the project and was its main supporter. The building in itself was revolutionary: in the incredibly short time of just 6 months the Crystal Palace had been erected in Hyde Park. The Palace was built from steel and glass and measured 600 meters in length and 30 meters in height. The Great Exhibition of All Nations was opened on 1st May 1851. It was a symbol for the technical superiority as well as for the self-confidence and the supremacy of Great Britain. Please click the images for an enlarged version