Illuminated acroteria owls of Chicago Public Library is a photograph by John McArthur which was uploaded on May 17th, 2016.
Illuminated acroteria owls of Chicago Public Library
The Harold Washington Library Center (400 South State Street) stands stalwart in the South Loop, once a decaying and sad part of the city, now the... more
Title
Illuminated acroteria owls of Chicago Public Library
Artist
John McArthur
Medium
Photograph - Photography / Digital Art
Description
The Harold Washington Library Center (400 South State Street) stands stalwart in the South Loop, once a decaying and sad part of the city, now the nexus of regeneration and vitality. Opened to the public in 1991, the design of Chicago’s central library building has always been more than a little controversial.
The building that made the American Institute of Architects 2007 list of America’s Favorite Architecture also made Travel & Leisure magazine’s list of the World’s 15 Ugliest Buildings just two years later. Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin isn’t impressed: “I’ve never been a big fan of the Harold Washington Library Center–its classical facade is leaden, its rooftop ornament is cartoonish and its lobby has all the grace of a shopping mall.”
Artist Raymond Kaskey from Baltimore created the acroteria owls, which represent wisdom and learning (and are NOT gargoyles). The five owls are perched at the four corners and the largest (3,000 pounds and 20 feet tall) over the State Street entrance, clutching a book in its talons, preparing for flight. The owls are surrounded by exuberant foliage: five-leaf Greek palmettes, seedpods and feathered helixes. They are pitched forward to be visible from the street.
Uploaded
May 17th, 2016
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