One of the halls of the former Chicago Public Library is decorated with beautiful mosaic ornaments with embedded classic quotes from Milton, Hugo, and Bacon.
Yesterday, I’ve found a wonderful photo of a mosaic quote at the Chicago Cultural Center. The photo’s author said that there are many literary quotes in the building, so I decided to explore the topic.
This breathtaking Beaux-Arts building is located in the downtown Chicago, at 78 East Washington Street. It was designed by George Foster Shepley, and opened in 1897 as the Chicago Public Library and a Civil War memorial.
The Chicago Cultural Center is a popular tourist destination, best known for its two magnificent stained-glass domes.
But there are many more treasures waiting for the eyes of the visitors. And one of them is a hall and staircase with four book quotes being a part of an astonishing mosaic ornament.
The quotes are located in the staircase that leads from the Preston Bradley Hall – the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome. Approximately 38 feet in diameter, the dome spans more than 1,000 square feet.
It’s worth noting that the hall was originally the place where people picked up the books they had requested.
I have found out that Yelp is the best source of high-quality photos of the book quotes, so I’m sharing them below, together with the details.
Are you planning to visit Chicago? Remember about Milton, Hugo, Barrow, and Bacon.
Mosaic quotes of the Chicago Cultural Center
1
A good book is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to life beyond life. – John Milton
📷 by Aesha E.
2
The real use of all knowledge is this that we should dedicate that reason which was given us by God for the use and advantage of man. – Francis Bacon
📷 by Jeannie T.
3
A library implies an act of faith which generations, still in darkness hid, sign in their night in witness of the dawn. – Victor Hugo
📷 by Kathy X.
4
He that loves a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counselor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter. – Issac Barrow
📷 by Jeannie T.
More info: Chicago Cultural Center / Lead image by Sandy Y.
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