London Design Platinum

2024

The Crown Jewels Exhibition

Entrant Company

Ralph Appelbaum Associates, Inc.

Category

Interior Design - Exhibits, Pavilions & Exhibitions 

Client's Name

Historic Royal Palaces

Country / Region

United Kingdom

RAA was commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces to design a new exhibition of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, which was unveiled in May 2023. The exhibition is the first major update since 2012 and showcases over 100 objects and 23,300 gemstones, highlighting the Crown Jewels' historical, cultural, and symbolic significance. Structured into four chapters, the exhibition emphasizes the timelessness of the monarchy and the coronation ceremony.



In the first chapter, the story begins with the State Crown, symbolizing the continuity of monarchy from past to present. A brilliant display of crown frames, enhanced by strategically placed mirrors and ambient audiovisual (AV) elements featuring past monarchs, creates an illusion of infinite continuity and underscores the enduring symbolism of the Crown Jewels.



The second chapter presents three pivotal stories: the Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Cullinan diamond, and the remaking of the Crown Jewels post-King Charles I’s execution. Architectural arches animated with evocative AV media and setworks reminiscent of the Tower’s turrets provide historical context, linking these narratives directly to the jewels in the Treasury.



In the third chapter, the focus shifts to the coronation procession, where objects are displayed as if in a jubilant parade. Accompanied by AV media sourced from historical coronations like Queen Elizabeth II’s in 1953, this chapter recreates the triumphant atmosphere of the procession. Set designs emulate the coronation carriage of Queen Elizabeth I, enhancing the celebratory feel.



The final chapter brings visitors into the solemnity of the coronation ceremony. As they progress along a hallway evoking Westminster Abbey’s vaulted ceilings, they receive explanations of the regalia's symbolism, mirroring the bestowal of responsibilities upon the monarch. Quotes and media ensure continuous engagement with key coronation artifacts.



The exhibition culminates in the Treasury, where the Crown Jewels, displayed in their ceremonial order, highlight their ongoing role in British ceremonial life, from coronations to baptisms. This innovative display not only enhances the visitor experience but also deepens the understanding of the Crown Jewels' historical and cultural significance.

Credits

Project Oversight / Ralph Appelbaum Associates
John Blanchard
Project Lead / Ralph Appelbaum Associates
Vassiliki Holeva
2D Design, Media Consultancy / Ralph Appelbaum Associates
Lai Couto
Content and Project Coordination / Ralph Appelbaum Associates
Sarah Okpokam
2D Design / Ralph Appelbaum Associates
Eva Kohle
Contract Administration / Ralph Appelbaum Associates
Sarah Pollard
Client Project Lead - Exhibition Project Management / Historic Royal Palaces
Dominique Driver
Curation and Content / Historic Royal Palaces
Charles Farris
Build Project Management / Historic Royal Palaces
Preethi Narasimhan
More Platinum Winners
Communication
2024
London Design Awards - 奈美兔Namito
张戈Zhang Ge

Entrant Company

Beijing Jiupin Technology Co., Ltd

Category

Communication Design - Character Design

Interior
2024
London Design Awards - SUNJOY
SUNJOY

Entrant Company

WSD

Category

Interior Design - Showroom / Exhibit

Interior
2024
London Design Awards - Lu Qi Tang City • Circumstances

Entrant Company

Lilang

Category

Interior Design - Recreation Spaces

Communication
2024
London Design Awards - Formula E Brand Refresh

Entrant Company

Formula E

Category

Communication Design - Company Branding