Tuesday 31 December 2013

Lifting the spirit

Art Gallery of NSW, old wing 1896 - 1909

These would have to be two of my favourite buildings in the city. Not just the facades mind you with their towering columns, and glorious, honey-coloured sandstone. If you are a traditionalist like yours truly, the facade stirs the blood. But walk inside and the main area takes one's breath away. The main reading room of the library may have the edge visually. However, the feeling of freedom and creativity that the main court of the AG-NSW engenders can have me on a high for days.

State Library of NSW, Mitchell Wing 1906 - 1910

4 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

You're so right, Julie. They are beautiful facades, and the sandstone is so warm in the sunlight. I like the "one planet" sentiment on the library. I think the large red letters spelling "America" are rather blatant even if the art gallery is showing American artists, unless the library has huge red letters for every country whose artists are featured here. (Just a little bit of Canadian objection to overbearing Americanism here.)
I hope 2014 finds you well enough to continue taking photographs and featuring them here on your blog, Julie.
Love, K

Joan Elizabeth said...

I agree both buildings are lovely. The old bank buildings in the city are similarly impressive I side and out.

Jim said...

Love the Form One Planet hanging.

diane b said...

The Library always reminds me of my college days when we went there to do research. It was the first time I had been there and I was awe struck. It was like something out of a movie. I remember first eating spaghetti, Italian style, nearby for dinner after visiting the library.