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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Noon today, The Supreme Court



The Supreme Court Building was designed by architect Cass Gilbert and built between 1932 and 1935.



"Contemplation of Justice"


"Equal Justice Under Law"



One of two identical self-supporting elliptical spiral staircases designed by the architect Cass Gilbert.  Five stories, seven spirals, 136 steps each.  Pretty amazing.


You can see here how the limestone steps are cantilevered out from the wall.


Another beautiful staircase....I love the handrail carved into the limestone wall.


Remind you of anyplace?


The Pantheon in Rome....same eight Corinthian columns across the front under a pediment.   Maybe the Pantheon originally had the front steps as well....the building has been sinking for two millennia.