Stowe House

Stowe House in Buckinghamshire is one of England’s earliest and most important Neo classical palaces and sits as the glorious centrepiece of the world famous Stowe landscape gardens. Built and remodelled throughout the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, Stowe House is considered an architectural masterpiece filled with the innovation and imagination of some of the greatest designers, artists and architects of all time. It captures the beauty and wisdom of ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Chinese and Saxon cultures and its architecture and decoration demonstrate how cultures from all over the world can inspire new thinking, creativity and design. In turn, Stowe has inspired creativity, literature and imaginative thought all over the world. The national and international importance of Stowe is further recognised by its inclusion on the list of potential World Heritage Sites.

The Enlightenment for All Project will radically transform visitor access and enjoyment of Stowe House. It will achieve this through the creation of innovative new visitor spaces and facilities and through the delivery of an exciting and imaginative combination of interpretation and activities that will break new ground in how we engage people with historic houses in the 21st century. Stowe House wants to revive visitors and communities as a place where past wisdom and beauty inspire exciting new ideas, creativity and imagination in people. By showing them that heritage can act as the inspirational starting point for their own forward-thinking creative journeys, and that history can inspire new creativity and new ideas in today’s modern lives. This creative spirit and approach will underpin all learning and participation opportunities created as part of the Enlightenment for All Project and should exist as a strong thread through all interpretative themes, storylines, tools, techniques and approaches.