Friday, December 14, 2012

St. Louis Central Library Reopening: Old Design Restored

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The interior of the 1912 Central Branch Library contained a sampler of architectural styles. Much of it has been lovingly restored, yet enhanced with modern technology.

I'm afraid that I buzzed through the building rather quickly, grabbing images rather than learning the purpose of each room. The top image, though, is the transept inside the main entrance. The stairs lead up to the pair of large stained glass windows, one of which we saw a few days ago.

The second picture is something of a great hall. Not exactly a main reading room - it doesn't have any books - and I suspect that the library would like to rent it as event space. Since the library is ten minutes walk from my office, I can see the possibility of going there to get some work done without interruption.

The next two rooms are notable for their ceilings. I don't know enough to identify the style of the green and gold molding, but a staff member told me it was made of painted plaster. The last room has a decorated wood beam ceiling in a Renaissance style.

Other parts pf the library are quite modern. The transition can be jarring but the new parts are, in their own way, just as powerful. Some of that tomorrow.     

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6 comments:

Olivier said...

c'est magnifique

cieldequimper said...

The great hall is simply stunning!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

The new library is fantastic Bob, how lucky are you to be so close to take advantage of this inspiring space..

Birdman said...

A branch library??? Here in my town a branch is a library in a converted house. NOW, this is one big, elaborate house!

William Kendall said...

That is an astonishing building!

I'm envious!

Unknown said...

The have done a great restoration work. The building looks awesome!