"Dressing Downton" Exhibition

The splendor of Downton Abbey will grace the Ballroom at the Lightner Museum during the "Dressing Downton Exhibition," which will be on display in the museum from October 4, 2017, to February 4, 2018.

This special exhibit features nearly 40 costumes worn by characters of the beloved Masterpiece Classic series, Downton Abbey.

Fans of the series, and even those who have never watched it, will enjoy viewing the Edwardian fashions on display in the grand ballroom of the Lightner Museum.

The video below was filmed for the exhibition's stop at the Taft Museum of Art. The clip shows some of the costumes visitors to the exhibit can hope to see.

The costumes to be displayed are representative of clothing styles from the early twentieth century, and the display will include styles of dress that may have been worn by the aristocracy and their domestic staff members during that time period. In addition to the costumes, a number of previously unseen artifacts from the Lightner Museum collections will be featured in this exhibition. 

The Lightner Museum is a fitting and picturesque venue for this exhibit, as the museum is located in one of Henry Flagler's golden-era hotels. Originally called the Alcazar Hotel, which opened in the late nineteenth century, the historic structure is now home to a museum, government offices, and a café. The Café Alcazar will be offering High Tea at Café Alcazar throughout the duration of the Dressing Downton exhibit. The teas will include sweet and savory items similar to what was served at high tea in the Gilded Age and will take place at 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and at 2:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $55. Call (904) 825-9948 or visit here for more information.

Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as tickets to view this exhibit are expected to sell out quickly.

Admission: The Dressing Downton Exhibition is included in the ticket price for admission to the Lightner Museum. Tickets are $19.99 for adults; $14.99 for active military, seniors, and college students; $9.99 for ages 12 to 17 years; and FREE for children 11 and younger. Audio tours will also be available for this exhibition for $8.00.

Lightner Museum Package
4 hours / $135 per person
Fully escorted tour for 10 to 50 people. Includes general admission to the Lightner Museum, Dressing Downton Exhibit, Upstairs/Downstairs tour, and Traditional English Tea at Cafe Alcazar.

When: The Dressing Downton Exhibition will be on display from October 4, 2017, to February 4, 2018. The exhibit may be viewed daily at the Lightner Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: The Lightner Museum is located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine, Florida.

For tickets and additional information about this event, please visit here.

Other Events Around Town

Upstairs/Downstairs at the Alcazar Tour / Lightner Museum
October 4-TBA, 1 hr. tour, runs on the hour 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
$45

Learn about the lives of hotel guests and staff.

High Tea / Cafe Alcazar
October 4-TBA / Sun.-Th. 3 p.m. & 4 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 2 p.m.
$55 

Afternoon Tea & Film / Corazon Cinema Cafe
October 6, 2017-January 4, 2018 / 12:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
$45

Guests can enjoy a traditional English afternoon with a screening of Gosford Park written by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellows.

Gilded Age Tours / St. Augustine City Walks
Saturday, October 7, 2017, and Fridays and Saturdays November 24, 2017-January 27, 2018 / 4 p.m.
$20

This special 75-minute tour will explore the historic architecture of St. Augustine in the golden age of Henry Flagler's hotels, including exterior tours of the Ponce de Leon Hotel (now Flagler College) and the Hotel Alcazar (now the Lightner Museum).

The Treasures of Downton: An Appraiser's View / Casa Monica
Nov. 3, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.
$25

Nicholas Dawes, an Antiques Roadshow appraiser, covers some of the regal ornaments that were typically found in stately English homes.

Appraisal Demonstration / Flagler Room at Flagler College
Nov. 4, 2017 at 11 a.m.
$40-$50

Nicholas Dawes walks through an appraisal process. 

Stay in Nearby Bed & Breakfasts

The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens

Cedar House Inn

Old City House Inn

Victorian House

Penny Farthing

Enjoy Elegant Hotel Accommodations

Casa Monica

The Casa Monica is a historic hotel located next to the Lightner Museum where the Dressing Downton exhibit is located. The hotel was originally built by Franklin W. Smith who was known for his penchant for Victorian architecture. Although it changed hands various times throughout its history, the Casa Monica is a luxury hotel that offers accommodations to guests in St. Augustine.