Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Not So Wordless Wednesday: Chicago #6



I figured everyone would be interested in seeing the bizarre but compelling architecture of the Harold Washington Library in downtown Chicago, on State Street just South of Loop L.  At the time it opened in 1991, it was the largest municipal library in the world with 756,640 square feet.  It is gargantuan!  

The most notable features of the library though are what appears to be big winged gargoyles on each corner.  Well, I looked it up and I guess my eyesight is poor because they are actually called "acroteria" in the design of an owl (for knowledge) and seed pods (for the natural bounty of the Midwest).  

Considering that the library in downtown Orlando looks like a modern bomb shelter, I'm always quite taken with this one in Chicago.




6 comments:

bermudaonion said...

Our main library is rather interesting but not as interesting as that one.

rhapsodyinbooks said...

I am always interested in seeing your Chicago pics since it is too cold and too far for me to go there! :--)

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

I love this library. When I was there in October we visited it and went all the way to the top floor. It has a giant atrium with a glass ceiling. I couldn't get over how beautiful it was.

caite said...

Our local library is an old converted building...not too bad but quite small.
That one looks quite interesting!

Darlene said...

Wow, that looks so cool. Our libraries are pretty boring here so I always love to see your pics.

Zibilee said...

It's true that the architecture here in Orlando is rather plain and not that pretty, so I am glad to get to see this. It is funny how cities can differ so much. Excellent capture today!