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The wrought iron gate features the coat of arms of Seville, showcasing intricate designs at the Royal Artillery Factory in Andalusia.
Once the city’s central post office, this grand Romanesque Revival structure now serves as the Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C.—a luxury hotel steeped in architectural heritage. Built between 1892 and 1899 and located at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the building was originally the Old Post Office Pavilion and is one of the few late 19th-century federal buildings to survive in the area.
This photograph captures the front portico entrance with its massive central arch, heavy rusticated stone, and richly detailed carvings—all hallmarks of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Architect Willoughby J. Edbrooke designed the structure while serving as Supervising Architect of the U.S. Treasury, favoring rounded arches, fortress-like massing, and medieval references that evoke strength and permanence.
Above the main entry is a contemporary gold Waldorf Astoria sign, while the flanking arched windows now house the Peacock Alley restaurant and the Waldorf Astoria Spa. These adaptations highlight a thoughtful preservation approach: retaining the building’s historic fabric while accommodating modern luxury.
After narrowly avoiding demolition in the mid-20th century, the Old Post Office was repurposed in the 1980s and underwent another major transformation in the 2010s when it was converted into a hotel. Through each chapter, its architectural integrity has been largely maintained, making it a rare and prominent example of Romanesque civic design in Washington, D.C.
HABS Architectural Survey Standard:
Documented according to standards of the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS):
Structure Name: Old Post Office
Location: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
Style: Richardsonian Romanesque
Date of Construction: 1892–1899
Architect: Willoughby J. Edbrooke
HABS Reference Number: DC-275
The clean, modernist lines of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History stand in quiet contrast to the lively stories housed within. Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this museum preserves and presents the rich tapestry of American life—from the original Star-Spangled Banner to Dorothy’s ruby slippers, from presidential artifacts to pop culture icons.
This photo captures the museum’s north-facing facade, featuring polished marble panels and a recessed portico that stretches across its monumental elevation. Vertical banners flank the entrance, highlighting the museum’s vibrant rotating exhibitions. The tiered steps and dry fountain in the foreground are part of the museum’s adjacent plaza and amphitheater area, offering a place of reflection in the heart of the capital.
Designed by McKim, Mead & White associate Walker Cain and completed in 1964, the building originally opened as the Museum of History and Technology. Its stripped Classical style aligns with the postwar architectural sensibility seen in several Smithsonian institutions, emphasizing form and function while maintaining a dignified presence on the Mall. In 1980, it was renamed the National Museum of American History to better reflect its evolving mission.
Despite its austere exterior, the museum inside pulses with stories of innovation, struggle, creativity, and identity—making it one of the most visited museums in the United States. The inscription on the facade proudly reads: Kenneth E. Behring Center, recognizing a major donor whose contributions helped fund critical renovations in the early 2000s.
HABS Architectural Survey Standard:
Documented according to standards of the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS):
Structure Name: National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Location: 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
Style: Stripped Classical / Modernist
Date of Construction: 1958–1964
Architect: Walker Cain (McKim, Mead & White successor firm)
HABS Reference Number: DC-857
High above the Helsinki Cathedral stands Saint Peter, keeper of the keys to Heaven. A symbolic guardian watching over the city from one of its most iconic landmarks.
Easter 2025, Helsinki, Finland.
Pääsiäinen 2025, Helsingin tuomiokirkko, Suomi.
Rising regally in the heart of Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s Daimaru flagship department store is a masterclass in early 20th-century Art Deco architecture. Originally designed by American architect William Merrell Vories and opened in 1933, this iconic building is beloved for its geometric harmony, rich material palette, and sheer visual impact. In 2019, the landmark underwent a meticulous renovation that preserved the historic façade while upgrading the interiors to modern luxury standards.
The building’s lower half is clad in creamy stone, intricately carved with floral and lattice motifs. The grand entry arch glows with a striking line of lotus-inspired lights, dramatically backlighting a series of recessed floral medallions. Cast ironwork grilles above the doors feature traditional Japanese elements filtered through a Deco lens—symmetry meets symbolism. Above, the brick façade and rhythmic window pattern evoke a sense of urban elegance, culminating in a tiled upper story that feels both regal and futuristic.
Every element of this structure tells a story: of imported design philosophies mingling with Japanese craft traditions, of Osaka’s post-industrial growth, and of a retail institution adapting gracefully to a new century.
Today, Daimaru Shinsaibashi isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a place to look up, breathe in, and admire a city that holds its history close while always moving forward.
Skyline of Seville blending historical landmarks with contemporary buildings and city landscapes.
Intricate lion head carvings and sekba designs adorn the facade of San Marcos church, showcasing mudéjar architectural style in Seville.
The New Synagogue in Berlin showcases stunning Moorish architecture on Oranienburger Strasse surrounded by lush greenery.
The majestic silhouette of the equestrian statue of King Dom Joao I stands prominently in Praca da Figueira, Lisbon, during sunset.
Discover the stunning panoramic view of Lisbon from Santa Luzia, featuring the distinctive Santo Estevao church and the Tagus River.
Berlin, Germany, July 24 2009, People walk among classical sculptures in the rotunda of Berlin\'s Altes Museum, surrounded by architectural beauty and history.
The Fernsehturm reflects beautifully on the glass facade of Das Haus am Werderschen Markt in Berlin, showcasing modern architecture.
Berlin, Germany, July 24 2009, The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church stands as a historical symbol in Berlin, showcasing its war damage from World War II.
The iconic Französische Dom stands majestically in Gendarmenmarkt, surrounded by vibrant activity in the heart of Berlin.
Captured in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, this photo showcases the striking contrast between modern architecture and natural beauty. The towering skyscraper and the uniquely designed K11 Musea shopping mall stand out against a backdrop of a clear blue sky, with vibrant yellow flowers adding a touch of nature to the urban landscape.
This captivating image showcases the iconic Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris, France, framed by a dramatic sky. The architectural grandeur of the station, with its ornate façade and classic clock, contrasts beautifully with the modern sculpture of stacked clocks in the foreground, symbolizing the passage of time. The composition draws the viewer's eye from the bustling crowd to the intricate details of the building, creating a narrative of urban life and history. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the textures of the stonework, inviting viewers to appreciate both the historical significance and contemporary artistry present in this vibrant locale.
I used to visit the Palm House in Liverpool as a child, The delightful scent of the inside always contrasted with the severe marble and bronze statues of Henry Yates Thompson outside.
Returning today I noted that several of the figures are now rather more colorful.
I learn they have been subjects of artistic interventions aimed at recontextualizing their historical narratives. In 2021, fashion designer Taya Hughes adorned the statues of Christopher Columbus shown here and those of Captain Cook, and Henry the Navigator with elaborate Elizabethan-style ruffs made from fabrics associated with indigenous populations in Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. This "Statues Redressed" project sought to prompt discussions about the legacies of these historical figures, many of whom were involved in colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade.
The project aimed to engage the public in conversations about how we should respond to statues that were built to honor individuals now viewed in a different light. Whatever, they are certainly less scary than I recall.
özleyenler icin;
Londra Merkez Camii ve mavi bisiklet (:
