The Great Exhibition ran from May to October 1851 in London’s Hyde Park, in a temporary building known as the Crystal Palace. Six million visitors passed through the turnstiles, to view over 100,000 individual exhibits. Now, over 170 years later, we are recreating the exhibition as an immersive VR experience (Unity/SteamVR).
Initial progress is described here:
An update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851. Completion of the gallery. Various changes to better reflect the actual form & colour schemes of the real building. Issues re rendering performance:
I’m really chuffed how my model is looking (first image: early 1852, as the Great Exhibition building is starting to be dismantled; second image: roughly the same view in my model)
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851 (the completion of the roof, including Shepherd’s Electric Clock):
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851 (adding the Hyde Park environment, the elm trees, the boiler house):
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851: adding the banners - and learn about misspelt names; interloping (not yet) United States; Zollverein; and a big boost for J Schweppe & Co.:
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851: adding flags and coats of arms:
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851: completing the coats of arms in the British nave:
That is a great start to a wonderful exhibit. For more steam era inspiration as you play, the later half of the gorgeous anime film “Steam Boy” takes place in and around that building.
This vids, voiced with strong British accent, sounds very interesting 
Will check it out.
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851: the (African) elephant in the Indian section:
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851: Liverpool docks & other exhibits added to the nave:
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851. Including: information about Thomas Lucas’ school of The London Society for Teaching the Blind to Read, and the statue of Dr Jenner.
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851. Including: the model bridge from the New York Iron Bridge Company; the large Earthen Wine Jar (or “tinaja”) from Toboso in Spain; the Roe & Hanson Fountain in the North transept; Dent’s Turret Clock; the Ross Telescope.
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851. Including: the Seeley market-place fountain; the Blind School displays; Harriet Ross’ Stone Cross; pillars of Madrepore marble; The Greek Huntsman by John Gibson in the British Sculpture Room; the exhibition post-box:
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851. How I captured Queen Victoria!
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851. As per the title - 14 sculptures added.
That’s a great idea! Good luck!
The latest update on my VR simulation of the Great Exhibition of 1851. A somewhat different video this time: looking at the various sources used to define the simulation.
