Downton Abbey: The Exhibition Ready For Skokie Spotlight

SKOKIE, IL — Local fans of the hit television show “Downton Abbey” who are looking to take a deeper dive into the British drama that is set in the early 20th Century won’t need a passport to travel back in time or overseas thanks to a new immersive experience this will debut in Skokie later this week.

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition opens its sixth U.S. stop on Friday when many of the hit elements of the show will come to Old Orchard Shopping Center for a limited run. The exhibit, which features a collection of elaborate sets, detailed costumes, and jewelry from the popular historical series, will open to the public on Friday and will remain in Skokie through March 31.

Tickets range from $27-$64 and can be purchased by clicking here. Skokie is the sixth U.S. stop for the exhibition after it previously appeared in New York, West Palm Beach, Boston, Atlanta, and at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. The exhibit has also made stops in Singapore before arriving in the U.S.

The Skokie stop will take place in the lower level of the former Bloomingdale’s store at Old Orchard and offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the storylines that were part of the British drama and two full-length motion pictures that followed. In addition to the exhibit itself, special ticketed events including afternoon tea, etiquette classes, and events focusing on British Society will also be offered during the exhibition’s stop in Skokie.

The immersive experience provides a fascinating look at all aspects of the post-Edwardian period in which the popular TV series is set and offers in-depth insight into the remarkable events that shaped the world. From World War I to the Roaring Twenties, visitors will have the chance to learn about British society, culture, and fashion, event organizers said.

The exhibition, which is spanned throughout 20,000 square feet of space and includes a series of video screens, transports visitors on a journey through the grand home of Downton Abbey providing an inside look into the world of the Crawleys and those downstairs who served them.

From Mrs. Patmore’s hectic kitchen and Carson’s office to the family’s glamorous dining room, fans will get the chance to walk through some of the series’ most recognizable and beloved sets. Visitors will also get an up-close look at over 60 of the show’s official costumes, worn by actors including Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, and Dame Maggie Smith.

“For those only just embarking on the Downton journey or existing fans excited to experience its splendor, this is the ultimate opportunity to visit some of the most recognizable sets and get up close to real costumes and artifacts from the series and movies,” said Gareth Neame, executive chairman of Carnival Films and executive producer of “Downton Abbey”. “You can also see the historical context and subject matter behind the show, and learn more about the society, culture, and issues, which led to the stories we told.”