Castle Howard is marking the 300th anniversary of Sir John Vanbrugh’s death with a major new exhibition celebrating his life and legacy. Titled “Staging the Baroque: Vanbrugh at Castle Howard,” the exhibition opened on 26 March 2026 and explores the vision of one of Britain’s most influential architects.
Often described as the “rockstar of the English Baroque,” Vanbrugh was not only an architect but also a playwright, soldier, diplomat and designer. His bold ideas helped shape Castle Howard, one of the UK’s most iconic stately homes.
Historic documents on display
For the first time, visitors can see original letters written by Vanbrugh, alongside 18th-century editions of his plays and early engravings of Castle Howard. The exhibition also features a large-scale model of the estate and a newly commissioned film showcasing the architecture and landscape.
Designed by architect Roz Barr, the exhibition highlights Vanbrugh’s innovative use of scale, light and shadow, as well as his collaboration with Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle, who commissioned the house.
Year-long celebrations
The exhibition forms part of a wider programme marking the Vanbrugh300 anniversary. Throughout 2026, Castle Howard will host talks, workshops, installations and performances.
In June, artist Es Devlin will unveil a new installation at the Temple of the Four Winds, while from May, families can enjoy an interactive experience inspired by Vanbrugh’s architectural vision.
Castle Howard, located in North Yorkshire, is one of Britain’s most famous historic houses and has featured in productions such as Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton.
The exhibition runs until 31 October 2026 and is included with a standard house ticket.
