“An Evening with the Painting”

The Gettysburg Foundation invites area residents and visitors to Gettysburg for an “after-hours” program on the Gettysburg Cyclorama at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at 5 p.m. Guests can get an exclusive, close-up look at the historic painting with a presentation that combines history, art and preservation when they experience “An Evening with the Painting.“ Licensed Battlefield Guide, author and historian Chris Brenneman presents the special behind-the-scenes program.

Painted in the 1880s by French artist Paul Philippoteaux and a team of artists, the Gettysburg Cyclorama is an immense piece measuring 42 feet high and 377 feet long, making the Cyclorama one of the largest, free-standing paintings in North America. The painting is a rendition of the famous “Pickett’s Charge” on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Suspended in-the-round from the ceiling, this massive work of art creates a spectacular 360-degree, three-dimensional illusion when viewed from the platform.

“An Evening with the Painting“ explores the history of the genre of cycloramas and the history of the Gettysburg Cyclorama. The presentation covers the fascinating creation of this historic piece of art, the rich symbolism found in the painting and an interesting discussion on the extensive conservation effort. Guests can enjoy additional time on the viewing platform to observe in full light the remarkable close-up details and distant battle scenes depicted in the painting. Program ticket holders have the opportunity to journey under the diorama and see what makes the three-dimensional illusion come alive. Time is provided for Q&A.

Limited to 40 attendees, the special presentation offers guests approximately two hours of programming. The program begins in the Ford Motor Company Fund Education Center and continues on the Cyclorama platform. “An Evening with the Painting” is also offered on the following dates in 2023:

To purchase tickets for “An Evening with the Painting,” call 717-334-2436 or visit GettysburgFoundation.org. Tickets can also be purchased in advance at the Ticket Counter in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, Pa.