01 Jun images documenting ongoing restoration of 1893 world’s fair palace of fine arts building

the following images were taken earlier this month, when i was in hyde park documenting late 19th and early 20th century architecture. i haven’t followed restoration of the building’s dome closely, but will reconsider if and when i make a return trip.

the palace of fine arts building (known today as the museum of science and industry) was designed by charles atwood for d.h. burnham & company. unlike the majority of buildings erected during the 1893 chicago world’s fair, the fine arts building was built with a brick and steel frame under its ornamental staff (plaster mixture) facade.
the structure’s exterior was reconstructed in the late 1920’s – the original brick and steel frame was left intact – using bedford limestone. the interior was given an art deco treatment, designed by alfred p. shaw.

further reading:

serial view of the palace of fine arts building (1893) during its reconstruction in the 1920’s.