02 Nov revisiting the bldg. 51 museum collection as it appeared in 2017

the following selection of photographs offers a rare glimpse into the bldg. 51 museum, taken over the past few years. new acquisitions are continually being added to this ever-growing repository of historically important building artifacts; to enrich narratives, contribute to and expand upon existing exhibits, and strengthen the depth and scope of knowledge pertaining to the 19th and early 20th century american architectural history and theory — based on traditions, regions, overarching stylistic trends, and technology. a “snapshot” of the collection was thoroughly documented through the publication of the bldg. 51 museum book, which focuses on artifacts from notable architects such as frank lloyd wright and louis h. sullivan, along with a selection of chicago’s commercial buildings and theaters. the book, published in 2015, can be purchased here.

note: the majority of the images – left unedited – were taken between 2015-2017:

newly discovered narratives assign greater meaning to the architectural ornament.

daniel burnham’s fisher building (1896) interior elevator door, fabricated by the winslow brothers.

adler and sullivan chicago stock exchange (1895) double-sided cast brass electrolier.

strongly geometric cast concrete midway gardens (1914) exterior fragment. frank lloyd wright, architect.

speckled sullivanesque terra cotta fragment salvaged from michael reese hospital (1907) during its demolition. hugh garden designed the hospital’s ornament.

adler & sullivan’s auditorium building (1889) hotel lobby leaded glass window. executed by healy & millet.