Cyclorama of Jerusalem, Circular panoramic painting in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Canada
The Cyclorama of Jerusalem is a circular panoramic painting displayed inside a rotunda building in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, showing detailed scenes from ancient Jerusalem. The entire inner surface is covered with painted details that visitors view from an elevated observation platform positioned in the center.
The panoramic painting was created between 1887 and 1888 in New York under the direction of Paul Philippoteaux, with artists contributing from Paris, Chicago, and London. The rotunda building that houses it was constructed later and designated as heritage property in 2017.
The painting shows the crucifixion of Jesus and offers a complete view of Jerusalem as it appeared in biblical times. This visual story helps visitors connect with religious history and understand the geography of ancient places.
Visitors enter the rotunda building and climb to an elevated central platform to view the entire panoramic painting from inside. This central vantage point provides the best perspective to see all sides of the artwork at once.
This is the only surviving cyclorama in North America still displayed in its original rotunda structure built on stilts. It represents a rare example of this distinctive visual art form from the 1800s that has been preserved in its authentic setting.
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