Viking announced it has signed on as presenting sponsor of Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, giving guests a chance to experience an up-close and personal look at the history, fashion and culture of post-Edwardian England – as well as the iconic country home – that were featured in the Emmy Award-winning series.
Viking became a household name with its sponsorship of the celebrated series MASTERPIECE during the years Downton Abbey aired on PBS, and this new partnership builds on the company‘s continued commitment to enriching cultural programming. Viking’s current and past partnerships include Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey; National Geographic and its first fully scripted global anthology series, “Genius;” the Los Angeles Philharmonic at The Hollywood Bowl; The Metropolitan Opera; the BBC; Oslo’s the Munch Museum; St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre; and others. The limited engagement exhibition opens in Manhattan on 18 November and will run through 9 April 2018.
“Our guests are curious explorers who enjoy being immersed in the cultures of the world, and many of them first learned about Viking and our destination-focused small ship cruises while watching Downton Abbey. We are pleased to partner with this enriching new exhibition as a natural extension of our longstanding relationship with MASTERPIECE, Highclere Castle and the Carnarvon family,” said Richard Marnell, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Viking.
Created by NBCUniversal International Studios, Downton Abbey: The Exhibition is the first-ever fully immersive experience set inside the world of the multi award-winning global television phenomenon. Visitors will be transported on an incredible journey through the grand home of Downton Abbey as the exhibition peers into the world of the Crawleys and those that served them below stairs. From Mrs. Patmore’s hectic kitchen and the gossip-fueled servants’ quarters, to the family’s glamorous dining room and Lady Mary’s bedroom, fans will get the chance to walk through some of the series’ most recognisable and beloved sets and more than 50 of the show’s official costumes worn by their favourite actors.
“We are delighted that Viking has chosen to extend its long-running partnership with the Downton Abbey brand via our new touring exhibition. Viking’s commitment to excellence and quality of service is perfectly aligned with the experience that we hope to deliver to our visitors. The strong association between the two brands will be further enhanced during our stay in New York,” said Dominic Burns, Senior Vice President of Brand Management for NBCUniversal International Studios.
