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Opening Ceremony Collection

From Super Bowl spectacles to historic Olympic moments, opening ceremonies have always been a grand display of talent and excitement

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Us-Super Bowl-Prince

Us-Super Bowl-Prince
US musician Prince performs during half-time 04 February 2007 at Super Bowl XLI at Dolphin Stadium in Miami between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Fbn-Super Bowl-Prince

Fbn-Super Bowl-Prince
US musician Prince performs during half-time 04 February 2007 at Super Bowl XLI at Dolphin Stadium in Miami between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Fbn-Super Bowl-Prince

Fbn-Super Bowl-Prince
US musician Prince performs during half-time 04 February 2007 in Super Bowl XLI at Dolphin Stadium in Miami between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: 1956 Winter Olympic Games at Cortina d Ampezzo in Italy

1956 Winter Olympic Games at Cortina d Ampezzo in Italy. British Olympic Team parade through town during the opening ceremony

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Athletics-World-Russia-Stadium

Athletics-World-Russia-Stadium
Photo from Moscow shows a general view of the Luzhniki stadium during a rehearsal of the opening ceremony ahead of the world athletics championships. AFP PHOTO / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Tsar Nicholas II at the opening ceremony of the first Duma, St Petersburg, Russia, 1906

Tsar Nicholas II at the opening ceremony of the first Duma, St Petersburg, Russia, 1906. The Duma, the elected legislative assembly of the Russian Empire

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, accompanied by Miss Great Britain Carolyn Moore

Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, accompanied by Miss Great Britain Carolyn Moore, open new Burtons Superstore in Leeds, Thursday 3rd February 1972

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Britain-Royals-Politics

Britain-Royals-Politics
Yeoman of the Guard walk in through the Sovereigns entrance before Britains Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, arrive at the Houses of Parliament on May 18, 2016

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: The opening of the Congregational Church in Eltham, Kent. 1938

The opening of the Congregational Church in Eltham, Kent. 1938

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: The Opening of the Universal Exhibition by the President of the Republic, Paris, 1900

The Opening of the Universal Exhibition by the President of the Republic, Paris, 1900. The Exposition Universelle of 1900 was a worlds fair held in Paris, France

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Veronica Wilson, girlfriend of Freddie Trueman, at the opening of the new Saxon Motor

Veronica Wilson, girlfriend of Freddie Trueman, at the opening of the new Saxon Motor hotel, Ainley Top, Huddersfield. January 1972 72-00100-002

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening Yate Shopping Centre JLP01_08_071866

Opening Yate Shopping Centre JLP01_08_071866
Yate Shopping Centre, Yate, South Gloucestershire. A large crowd of people gathered around the fountain on Four Seasons Square for the official opening of Yate Shopping Centre

Formula 1 2023: Las Vegas GP
STREETS OF LAS VEGAS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - NOVEMBER 15: Lando Norris, McLaren, and Oscar Piastri, McLaren, during the opening ceremony during the Las Vegas GP at Streets of Las Vegas

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Formula 1 2023: Las Vegas GP

Formula 1 2023: Las Vegas GP
STREETS OF LAS VEGAS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - NOVEMBER 15: The opening ceremony during the Las Vegas GP at Streets of Las Vegas on Wednesday November 15, 2023, United States of America

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Reopening of the Chapel in the Royal Palace of Frederiksborg, Denmark, 1864. Creator: Unknown

Reopening of the Chapel in the Royal Palace of Frederiksborg, Denmark, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Reopening of the Chapel in the Royal Palace of Frederiksborg, Denmark, 1864. Engraving from a sketch by M. Simon Simonsen, showing '...the moment when the Bishop of Zeeland, before the altar

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: His Excellency the Earl of Carlisle opening the National Gallery of Ireland, 1864. Creator: Unknown

His Excellency the Earl of Carlisle opening the National Gallery of Ireland, 1864. Creator: Unknown
His Excellency the Earl of Carlisle opening the National Gallery of Ireland, 1864. The National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin houses the national collection of Irish and European art

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening of the railway from Gottenburg to Stockholm: arrival of the King of Sweden…, 1862

Opening of the railway from Gottenburg to Stockholm: arrival of the King of Sweden…, 1862. Creator: Unknown
Opening of the railway from Gottenburg to Stockholm: arrival of the King of Sweden at the railway station at Gottenburg - from a sketch by our special artist, 1862

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Consecration of All Saints' Church, Windsor, 1864. Creator: Unknown

Consecration of All Saints' Church, Windsor, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Consecration of All Saints' Church, Windsor, 1864. 'The church, an adaptation of the Gothic, has been erected as a chapel of ease to the parish church of New Windsor

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening of the new pier at Deal, 1864. Creator: Unknown

Opening of the new pier at Deal, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Opening of the new pier at Deal, [in Kent], 1864. 'There was a great concourse of spectators...to witness this ceremony, which was performed by Mrs

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening of the Cape Town and Wellington Railway: arrival of the first train..., 1864

Opening of the Cape Town and Wellington Railway: arrival of the first train..., 1864. Creator: Unknown
Opening of the Cape Town and Wellington Railway: arrival of the first train at Wellington Station, 1864. 'This is the only considerable railway undertaking begun in South Africa

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening of the Crystal Palace at Amsterdam for the Exhibition of Arts and Industry, 1864

Opening of the Crystal Palace at Amsterdam for the Exhibition of Arts and Industry, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Opening of the Crystal Palace at Amsterdam for the Exhibition of Arts and Industry, 1864. 'The fashion set by England, in 1851, of erecting a Crystal Palace

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Coke-Chemical Complex. Opening Ceremony, 1924. Creator: Unknown

Coke-Chemical Complex. Opening Ceremony, 1924. Creator: Unknown
Coke-Chemical Complex. Opening Ceremony, 1924. The "Kuzbass" autonomous industrial colony was created in 1921. It was organized by American workers

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Buffalo and Lake Huron Railway: Opening Ceremonies at Goderich, Canada West, 1858. Creator: Unknown

Buffalo and Lake Huron Railway: Opening Ceremonies at Goderich, Canada West, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Buffalo and Lake Huron Railway: Opening Ceremonies at Goderich, Canada West, 1858. This railway, which is largely held by English capitalists, connects that inland sea, Lake Huron, through Buffalo

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Inauguration of the Ceylon Railway: East End of the Banquet Bungalow, 1858. Creator: Unknown

Inauguration of the Ceylon Railway: East End of the Banquet Bungalow, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Inauguration of the Ceylon Railway: East End of the Banquet Bungalow, 1858. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. Parting. The centre of attraction was, of course, the magnificent bungalow

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Inauguration of the Townhall, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 1858. Creator: Unknown

Inauguration of the Townhall, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Inauguration of the Townhall, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 1858. The inauguration of the new public buildings in Nicholas-square, Newcastle, took place in the beginning of this month

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: The Queen's Visit to Birmingham - Reading of the Address of the Interim Managers to Her... 1858

The Queen's Visit to Birmingham - Reading of the Address of the Interim Managers to Her... 1858. Creator: Unknown
The Queen's Visit to Birmingham - Reading of the Address of the Interim Managers to Her Majesty in the Great Gallery of Aston Hall, 1858. Queen Victoria opens a public amenity

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Street in Philadelphia on the Opening Day of the American Centennial Exhibition...1876. Creator: C.R

Street in Philadelphia on the Opening Day of the American Centennial Exhibition...1876. Creator: C.R
Street in Philadelphia on the Opening Day of the American Centennial Exhibition, from a sketch by our special artist, 1876. From "Illustrated London News", 1876

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening of the American Centennial Exhibition: Official Procession...1876. Creator: Melton Prior

Opening of the American Centennial Exhibition: Official Procession...1876. Creator: Melton Prior
Opening of the American Centennial Exhibition: Official Procession through the Exhibition Building, from a sketch by our special artist, 1876

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Triumphal Arch on the Alexandra Railway Bridge at Wuzeerabad...1876. Creator: Unknown

Triumphal Arch on the Alexandra Railway Bridge at Wuzeerabad...1876. Creator: Unknown
Triumphal Arch on the Alexandra Railway Bridge at Wuzeerabad, from a sketch by one of our special artists, 1876. The Prince [of Wales

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: The Royal Visit to the East End: the Queen declaring the new wing of the London Hospital open

The Royal Visit to the East End: the Queen declaring the new wing of the London Hospital open, 1876. Creator: C.R
The Royal Visit to the East End: the Queen declaring the new wing of the London Hospital open, 1876. The Duke of Cambridge, president of the hospital, the Archbishop of Canterbury

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening of the Royal Aquarium and Summer and Winter Garden, Westminster...1876. Creator: C. R

Opening of the Royal Aquarium and Summer and Winter Garden, Westminster...1876. Creator: C. R
Opening of the Royal Aquarium and Summer and Winter Garden, Westminster, by the Duke of Edinburgh, 1876. There was an assembly of nearly ten thousand ladies

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening of the South Indian Railway between Tuticorin and Madura, Madras Presidency... 1876

Opening of the South Indian Railway between Tuticorin and Madura, Madras Presidency... 1876. Creator: Unknown
Opening of the South Indian Railway between Tuticorin and Madura, Madras Presidency: Natives waiting to see the Prince [of Wales], from a sketch by one of our special artists

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Inauguration of a Life-boat and Life Boat House at Sunderland, 1858. Creator: Unknown

Inauguration of a Life-boat and Life Boat House at Sunderland, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Inauguration of a Life-boat and Life Boat House at Sunderland, 1858. Miss Burdett Coutts has, with her usual wakeful sympathy

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: The Great Rifle-shooting Match on Wimbledon Common - Her Majesty firing the first shot, 1860

The Great Rifle-shooting Match on Wimbledon Common - Her Majesty firing the first shot, 1860. Creator: Unknown
The Great Rifle-shooting Match on Wimbledon Common [in London] - Her Majesty firing the first shot, 1860. Queen Victoria inaugurates the meeting of the National Rifle Association by firing the first

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: The Prince of Wales laying the last stone of the Victoria Bridge over the St. Lawrence... 1860

The Prince of Wales laying the last stone of the Victoria Bridge over the St. Lawrence... 1860. Creator: Unknown
The Prince of Wales laying the last stone of the Victoria Bridge over the St. Lawrence - from a sketch by our special artist in Canada, G. H

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: The Prince of Wales closing the last rivet of the Victoria Tubular Bridge over the St. Lawrence

The Prince of Wales closing the last rivet of the Victoria Tubular Bridge over the St. Lawrence... Creator: Unknown
The Prince of Wales closing the last rivet of the Victoria Tubular Bridge over the St. Lawrence - from a sketch by our special artist in Canada, G. H. Andrews, 1860

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: The Prince opening the Industrial Exhibition in the Crystal Palace, 1860. Creator: Unknown

The Prince opening the Industrial Exhibition in the Crystal Palace, 1860. Creator: Unknown
The Prince of Wales at Montreal - The Prince opening the Industrial Exhibition in the Crystal Palace, 1860. Exhibition hall designed by John William Hopkins....the Prince entered

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening of the New Corn Exchange, at Hull, 1856. Creator: Unknown

Opening of the New Corn Exchange, at Hull, 1856. Creator: Unknown
Opening of the New Corn Exchange, at Hull, 1856. The centre part [of the building] is the magnificent Exchange-hall, 160 feet long by 45 wide

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening of the Valparaiso and Santiago Railway - Train leaving the Valparaiso Station, 1856

Opening of the Valparaiso and Santiago Railway - Train leaving the Valparaiso Station, 1856. Creator: Unknown
Opening of the Valparaiso and Santiago Railway - Train leaving the Valparaiso Station, 1856. View after a photograph by Mr

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening of the Barnsley Branch Railway: the Procession entering the Regent-Street Station, 1857

Opening of the Barnsley Branch Railway: the Procession entering the Regent-Street Station, 1857. Creator: Unknown
Opening of the Barnsley Branch Railway: the Procession entering the Regent-Street Station, 1857. The opening ceremony consisted of a procession of the workmen employed in the construction of

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening of the New Docks at West Hartlepool, 1856. Creator: Unknown

Opening of the New Docks at West Hartlepool, 1856. Creator: Unknown
Opening of the New Docks at West Hartlepool, 1856. It was calculated by those accustomed to estimate numbers of people congregated together that 50

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Opening of the South Wales Extension Railway, to Milford Haven, 1856. Creator: Ebenezer Landells

Opening of the South Wales Extension Railway, to Milford Haven, 1856. Creator: Ebenezer Landells
Opening of the South Wales Extension Railway, to Milford Haven, 1856. View of the Railway Terminus at Neyland, with the huts of the Montgomery, North Gloucester, and Monmouthshire Militia

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Commencement of the Salisbury and Yeovil Railway, 1856. Creator: Unknown

Commencement of the Salisbury and Yeovil Railway, 1856. Creator: Unknown
Commencement of the Salisbury and Yeovil Railway, 1856. Notwithstanding the heavy rain, which began at an early hour and continued without the slightest intermission all day

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Roosevelt Dam, Arizona - Salt River Project of Bureau of Reclamation, Dedication Scene, 1912

Roosevelt Dam, Arizona - Salt River Project of Bureau of Reclamation, Dedication Scene, 1912. Creator: Harris & Ewing
Roosevelt Dam, Arizona - Salt River Project of Bureau of Reclamation, Dedication Scene, 1912. Dam named after President Theodore Roosevelt, serving mainly for irrigation, water supply

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: Theodore Roosevelt at National Museum, between 1914 and 1917. Creator: Harris & Ewing

Theodore Roosevelt at National Museum, between 1914 and 1917. Creator: Harris & Ewing
Theodore Roosevelt at National Museum, between 1914 and 1917. Former US president (third from left) visits taxidermised wildlife display, Washington, D.C

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: 'The Opening of the Edinburgh Exhibition by H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, 1890. Creator: Unknown

'The Opening of the Edinburgh Exhibition by H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, 1890. Creator: Unknown
The Opening of the Edinburgh Exhibition by H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, 1890. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper", Volume 41. January to June, 1890

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: The Opening of the new bridge over the Thames at Putney by the Prince and Princess of Wales, 1886

The Opening of the new bridge over the Thames at Putney by the Prince and Princess of Wales, 1886. Creator: Unknown
The Opening of the new bridge over the Thames at Putney by the Prince and Princess of Wales, 1886. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Volume 33. January to June, 1886"

Background imageOpening Ceremony Collection: The opening festival of the Gordon Boys home - The Prince of Wales receiving the guests, 1886

The opening festival of the Gordon Boys home - The Prince of Wales receiving the guests, 1886. Creator: Unknown
The opening festival of the Gordon Boys home - The Prince of Wales receiving the guests, 1886. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Volume 33. January to June, 1886"



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From Super Bowl spectacles to historic Olympic moments, opening ceremonies have always been a grand display of talent and excitement. Just like Prince's unforgettable halftime show at the 2007 Super Bowl or his iconic performance at the 1956 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, these events leave an indelible mark on our memories. Even as far back as Tsar Nicholas II attending the first Duma's opening ceremony in St Petersburg in 1906, we can see how important these gatherings are for politics and royalty alike. But it's not just about famous faces and prestigious occasions. Opening ceremonies also bring together beloved entertainers like Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, who were joined by Miss Great Britain Carolyn Moore in their delightful performances. And let's not forget about Red Rum, the legendary Grand National winner who made a grand entrance at the opening of the Rum Runner nightclub not once but three times. Whether it's a sports event or a community gathering like the opening of Eltham's Congregational Church in Kent back in 1938, there is something truly magical about witnessing beginnings unfold before our eyes. These ceremonies symbolize unity, celebration, and new possibilities that lie ahead. So next time you find yourself immersed in an opening ceremony - be it on TV or right there among the crowd - take a moment to appreciate its significance, and is through these captivating displays that we come together as one, embracing shared experiences and creating lasting memories.