Art Deco Architecture

Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska
by Tim O’Brien

You know those 3D star-sahepd metal lantern/lights that were being sold everywhere for a while in trendy home goods places? This chandelier is like the original, giant monster version of those. Meanwhile this is possibly my favorite photo from this one photoset.

From Wikipedia:

Hildreth Meiere, a New York-based tile and mosaic designer, working with Alexander, was responsible for much of the original interior design. She collaborated closely with the Guastavino Company of New York to create the elaborate tile vaulting, which is both structural and decorative. Buffaloes, corn, wheat, sunflowers, and wild native animals motifs are repeated throughout the building’s ornament. The theme of Meiere’s work is nature and the cultivation of the prairie.

Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska
by Tim O’Brien

The geometric symmetry of this is all too much for me.

From Wikipedia:

Hildreth Meiere, a New York-based tile and mosaic designer, working with Alexander, was responsible for much of the original interior design. She collaborated closely with the Guastavino Company of New York to create the elaborate tile vaulting, which is both structural and decorative. Buffaloes, corn, wheat, sunflowers, and wild native animals motifs are repeated throughout the building’s ornament. The theme of Meiere’s work is nature and the cultivation of the prairie.

Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska
by Tim O’Brien

Looking straight up at the chandelier and a mosaic above it on the vaulted ceiling.

From Wikipedia:

Hildreth Meiere, a New York-based tile and mosaic designer, working with Alexander, was responsible for much of the original interior design. She collaborated closely with the Guastavino Company of New York to create the elaborate tile vaulting, which is both structural and decorative. Buffaloes, corn, wheat, sunflowers, and wild native animals motifs are repeated throughout the building’s ornament. The theme of Meiere’s work is nature and the cultivation of the prairie.

Chandelier, Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska
by Tim O’Brien

Wider shot showing the context of that corn chandelier.

From Wikipedia:

Hildreth Meiere, a New York-based tile and mosaic designer, working with Alexander, was responsible for much of the original interior design. She collaborated closely with the Guastavino Company of New York to create the elaborate tile vaulting, which is both structural and decorative. Buffaloes, corn, wheat, sunflowers, and wild native animals motifs are repeated throughout the building’s ornament. The theme of Meiere’s work is nature and the cultivation of the prairie.

Chandelier, Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska
by Tim O’Brien

Yes, that’s CORN worked into the design of this enormous chandelier.

From Wikipedia:

Hildreth Meiere, a New York-based tile and mosaic designer, working with Alexander, was responsible for much of the original interior design. She collaborated closely with the Guastavino Company of New York to create the elaborate tile vaulting, which is both structural and decorative. Buffaloes, corn, wheat, sunflowers, and wild native animals motifs are repeated throughout the building’s ornament. The theme of Meiere’s work is nature and the cultivation of the prairie.

Vaulted Ceiling, Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska
by Tim O’Brien

Another look at the elaborate vaulting ceilings.

From Wikipedia:

Hildreth Meiere, a New York-based tile and mosaic designer, working with Alexander, was responsible for much of the original interior design. She collaborated closely with the Guastavino Company of New York to create the elaborate tile vaulting, which is both structural and decorative. Buffaloes, corn, wheat, sunflowers, and wild native animals motifs are repeated throughout the building’s ornament. The theme of Meiere’s work is nature and the cultivation of the prairie.

Light Fixture, Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska
by Tim O’Brien

The detail work at every level in the original building work is amazing — exterior, walls, ceilings, floors, doors, stairs, lamps, etc.

From Wikipedia:

Hildreth Meiere, a New York-based tile and mosaic designer, working with Alexander, was responsible for much of the original interior design. She collaborated closely with the Guastavino Company of New York to create the elaborate tile vaulting, which is both structural and decorative. Buffaloes, corn, wheat, sunflowers, and wild native animals motifs are repeated throughout the building’s ornament. The theme of Meiere’s work is nature and the cultivation of the prairie.

Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska
by O’Brien Digital

Those marvelous doors again.

From Wikipedia:

The doors to the East Chamber, designed by Lee Lawrie and executed by Keats Lorenz of Lincoln, are a product of master craftsmanship. The doors weigh more than 340 kg (750 lb.) each, and took Lorenz more than six months to carve.

Interior Detail, Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska
by O’Brien Digital

Back up to those men in the headdresses.

From Wikipedia:

The sculptural elements of the building were designed by sculptor Lee Lawrie. Hartley Burr Alexander, a Lincoln native and professor of philosophy, served as “thematic consultant.” It was Alexander’s influence that resulted in the strong American Indian symbology.