With just over a week to go until Salon Privé 2025, organisers have revealed the centrepiece of this year’s 20th anniversary edition: a striking glass Automotive Gallery. Built from 1,206 panes of glass, the structure stands more than seven metres high and covers 4,460 square metres on the South Lawn of Blenheim Palace.
The awe-inspiring gallery will house 44 cars and welcome up to 2,000 guests at any one time across the five-day luxury motoring showcase. A build team of more than 30 people has spent over 4,300 hours creating the wrought-iron and glass atrium, which was first conceptualised two years ago.
Andrew Bagley, co-founder and Concours Chairman of Salon Privé, explained: “We’ve used similar ornate gallery structures at Salon Privé since 2020, but only ever using 400 square metres. The expression ‘go big or go home’ sprang to mind when conceptualising the plans for our 20th Anniversary event, over two years ago.
“Quite simply, nothing like this has ever been done before at an outdoor automotive event, or Concours event, in the world. I’m sure it will become the platinum standard for any event organiser wishing to give their guests the ultimate VIP experience going forward. We even have our very own model of Le Grand Palais, our stunning central feature, housing new sponsor Qatar Executive.”
The glass gallery is fully carpeted and includes elegant dining spaces for sponsors such as Aviva Private Clients, Lockton Private Clients and Boodles. Wide central walkways and viewing areas will showcase supercars from Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, McLaren, Pagani and more.
The structure also provides weather protection, ensuring the event runs seamlessly regardless of conditions.
Sustainability has also been central to the design. As the first B Corp-certified automotive event in the world, Salon Privé has chosen long-lasting wrought iron and glass over traditional PVC, reducing energy needs and emissions. Bamboo structures are also being used elsewhere on site.
Andrew added: “Assembling this H-structure, with five different major marquee component parts, on the lawns of Blenheim Palace, with a total run decline of 3.5 metres, has been a challenge of huge enormity to say the very least and it is incredible to now see our dream built.”
Salon Privé 2025 runs from 27 to 31 August at Blenheim Palace.
