This exhibition offers a new, revealing look at the world-class art collection.
The museum is filled to the brim with fascinating art and objects, a giant cabinet of curiosities. See silver and tapestry, paintings and jewels; art that has come home after a long loan to a prestigious national gallery, and stunning star items that visitors know and love – such as Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna of Silence’ or the pearl earring worn by Charles I at his execution.
A highlight of the display is a Picture Gallery, stacked with Tudor and Jacobean portraits – many of which have never been seen publicly before.
Top: (Detail) Mary Cavendish (born 1554) Bess of Hardwick’s daughter, In the style of Marcus Gheerhaets the Younger, around 1580 © Harley Foundation, The Portland Collection
