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On September 24th and 25th, 2011, for the second year in a row, Victoria, British Columbia, will host an art-happening of steampunk art, tech, fashion, music, architecture, story, film and food. This year’s Victoria Steam Exposition is being hosted by Craigdarroch Castle, a building that exemplifies the lavish Victorian lifestyle.  Featuring two full days of exhibiting artists, performances, food and an exquisitely eccentric Cabaret-style evening celebration, this event is not to be missed.

For those of you who enjoy Touring the Castle but aren’t familiar with Steampunk, let us explain.  Steampunk culture depicts an era or world where steam power is still widely used, usually inspired by the 19th century and often-Victorian era Britain and incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy.  Works of steampunk often feature futuristic innovations as Victorians may have envisioned them that are based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, and art.  (Think teak-paneled computers, corsets and jetpacks, top hats and rayguns.)

By the time the Dunsmuir family moved into Craigdarroch Castle, Jules Verne had published many of his now well-known works.  Fantastic stories like A Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and The Steam House, a novel recounting the travels of a group of British colonists in a wheeled house pulled by a steam-powered mechanical elephant, had been in print since the 1860’s.

Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society is inspired by this opportunity to engage different audiences and offer alternate ways to experience this historically significant building.  Steampunk in the Castle will be a fresh and exciting new use for the beautiful and unique space.  Entrance is limited to 200 passes for the weekend, which includes entry to the cabaret celebration (must be 18 + to attend the cabaret.)  We suggest purchasing your tickets soon, as this event is sure to sell out.