The Crystal Palace Sandcastle

Don’t miss this rare chance to see an architectural icon take shape before your eyes!

To mark 175 years since the Great Exhibition of 1851, a monumental sand sculpture of Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace will be built live across the Festival weekend.

Created by master sand sculptor Ray Wirick, in partnership with the Museum of Architecture, this striking installation will transform Exhibition Road into an open-air stage for art and engineering. As visitors watch, the sculpture will evolve from foundations to intricate arches, rising grain by grain.

​​Festival attendees will also learn about the radical design that made the original building a Victorian marvel and meet the sculptors at work, while reflecting on the wider histories and global forces that shaped the Great Exhibition itself.​​​ ​

Visitor information

This is a drop-in event suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The event has step-free access.

To attend the Festival, please make sure to register for free. Registering is the only way to receive the latest Festival updates, a first look at the programme, and opportunities to book free tickets for popular events.