BIG TV BLOCKBUSTERS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF HERITAGE AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION: THE CASE OF THE GAME OF THRONES TAPESTRY AT THE ULSTER MUSEUM (BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND)
Abstract
The influence of film or television shootings on the tourist interest of certain destinations has taken on an unusual force lately. Regarding the HBO’s blockbuster Game of Thrones, shot in different international destinations, it should be noted that its presence in Northern Ireland has been much more than important. Possibly, a lot more than anywhere else the series has been shot. The Ulster government signed an agreement with the production company through which it could use everything related to the series as an instrument for promoting tourism in its territory, which has greatly benefited both parties. In this regard, Tourism Ireland wanted to commemorate the contribution of the series to its territory with the commission of a big hand- woven tapestry, created together with the company HBO and coordinated by the Ulster Museum, in Belfast (where it is currently shown). This tapestry shows the full story of the epic television drama, from the first to the eighth season. In this communication, we will analyse the creation of this art piece as an instrument for the current “construction” of heritage linked to an international blockbuster, with a tourist purpose and which has ended up becoming one of the greatest attractions of the Ulster Museum.
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