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Discover the Forgotten 400-Foot War Mural: ‘Panthéon de la Guerre’

Katelyn Long05 mins

The Journey of the ‘Pantheon de la Guerre’

The ‘Pantheon de la Guerre’ is a significant cycloramic painting that was created by two French artists and exhibited in Paris until 1928. This magnificent artwork spans an impressive 402 feet in circumference and tells the story of World War I through its vivid imagery. However, its journey did not end in Paris.

Exhibition and Public Reception

In 1928, the painting was purchased by American businessmen and moved to New York for exhibition at Madison Square Garden. This move generated immense public interest, drawing in one million visitors in just eight weeks. The section of the artwork displaying British Red Cross nurses captured the hearts of many.

Storage Challenges

After its successful US tour, which concluded in 1940, the painting faced significant challenges. Due to its size, it was sent back to a storage company in Baltimore. Unfortunately, it was stored outside in a 55-foot crate, leading to deterioration, as shown in fragments that highlight British military personnel.

A New Home in Kansas City

In 1957, the painting found a new home when it was donated to the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. This transition marked a pivotal moment in the artwork’s journey, as it continued to be preserved and appreciated for its historical relevance.

Restoration and Adaptation

To adapt the panoramic artwork for display in the Memory Hall of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, artist Daniel MacMorris undertook the restoration project. The final adapted piece measures 70 feet wide and represents only 7 percent of the original ‘Pantheon de la Guerre,’ showcasing a remarkably preserved fragment of history.

Conclusion

The ‘Pantheon de la Guerre’ remains a testament to resilience, art, and the impact of historical events on culture. It continues to be an integral component of the narrative of World War I, offering visitors a glimpse into the past while preserving the memory of those who lived through that tumultuous time.

For further details on the painting’s history and its significance, you may want to visit relevant historical resources.

A section of The 'Pantheon de la Guerre' as it looks today on the wall of the Memory Hall at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. The painting, unveiled 100 years ago in Paris, has survived an unlikely journey that has seen it auctioned off, chopped up and forgotten.
A section of The ‘Pantheon de la Guerre’ as it looks today on the wall of the Memory Hall at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri.
The original 'Panthéon de la Guerre' was a cycloramic painting created by two French artists and exhibited in Paris until 1928. This fragment of the original canvas shows two British air force officers.
The original ‘Panthéon de la Guerre’ was a cycloramic painting created by two French artists and exhibited in Paris until 1928.
The painting was purchased in 1928 by American businessmen and transported to New York to be exhibited at Madison Square Garden, where it attracted one million visitors in eight weeks.
The painting was purchased in 1928 by American businessmen and transported to New York to be exhibited at Madison Square Garden.
After a US tour that lasted until 1940, the painting was sent back to a storage company in Baltimore which kept it outside in a 55-foot crate.
After a US tour that lasted until 1940, the painting was sent back to a storage company in Baltimore which kept it outside in a 55-foot crate.
The painting was donated to the Liberty Memorial of Kansas City, Missouri, and transported there in 1957.
The painting was donated to the Liberty Memorial of Kansas City, Missouri, and transported there in 1957.
Artist Daniel MacMorris was in charge of adapting the panoramic artwork for the walls of the Memory Hall.
Artist Daniel MacMorris was in charge of adapting the panoramic artwork for the walls of the Memory Hall.
The finished work is 70 feet wide and uses just 7 percent of the original 'Pantheon de la Guerre.'
The finished work is 70 feet wide and uses just 7 percent of the original ‘Pantheon de la Guerre.’

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