Rosslyn Chapel Trust has unveiled a new display in its visitor centre to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the publication of The Da Vinci Code, the bestselling novel that brought the Chapel to global prominence.
First published in 2003, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown has sold over 80 million copies worldwide in 44 languages, and it has left a lasting impact on Rosslyn Chapel, which featured prominently in the book’s climactic scenes. The display showcases an array of Da Vinci Code-related items, including travel guides, games, and a personal letter from actor Tom Hanks, who starred in the 2006 film adaptation.
The book and its subsequent film adaptation, starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou, significantly boosted Rosslyn Chapel’s visitor numbers, with annual visitors rising from approximately 38,000 before the book’s release to nearly 80,000 afterward, and to over 176,000 following the film’s debut. In his letter to The Countess of Rosslyn, Hanks reflected on his visit, writing, “few destinations live up to their billing… but Rosslyn was all that one could imagine or hope for.”
Ian Gardner, Director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust said, “I am delighted that we are able to mark this significant anniversary of The Da Vinci Code, which has had such a huge impact on the Chapel, with a special display in the Visitor Centre. We know from our research that it is still a strong influence today, with 49% of visitors saying that the book and film were factors affecting their decision to visit. As a charity, Rosslyn Chapel Trust depends on income from visitors to look after the Chapel for future generations, so we are very grateful that this level of support continues, 21 years after the book was first published. The display case has been acquired for the Visitor Centre with funding from the UK Government, through the Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by Midlothian Council, and we hope that it will add some further interest for our visitors.”
The display case, which houses the Da Vinci Code exhibit, was funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and administered by Midlothian Council.
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