Castle in the Sky: The Municipal Building
[Explored]
The love the alignment of the Municipal Building, the Thurgood Marshall Federal Courthouse and One Court Square in Queens. Quite simply, this is my favorite building in New York City. This is one of my first shots with my 70-200 4 IS and I am very satisfied with its performance (it is almost prime sharp).
Manhattan Municipal Building
1 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
Date Built: 1909-1914
Architect: William M. Kendall / McKim Mead & White
"…an imposing building of real beauty…. one of the few monumental
skyscrapers of the early part of the Twentieth Century."
-- NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, in its 1966 designation
decision
The limestone building incorporates Roman, Italian Renaissance and Classical styles of architecture. A major feature in the design is an open plaza, screened by Corinthian columns, that appears to be carved out of the first three stories of the structure. The plaza flows into a central triumphal arch, inspired by the Arch of Constantine. So grand is the arch that automobile traffic flowed through it before Chambers Street traffic patterns were altered. Today, the barrel-vaulted passageway is open to foot traffic.
The building’s soaring classical exterior rises from modern roots: the Municipal Building was the first building in New York City to incorporate a subway station at its base. The subway station entrance at the south end of the building is covered by an arcaded plaza notable for its dramatic vaults of Guastavino tile construction.
Surmounting the central tower is a 20-foot tall gilded statue,"Civic Fame," fashioned by sculptor Adolph Weinman. Constructed of sheets of copper with a hollow core, this female figure stands barefoot on a sphere and wears a flowing dress and a crown of laurels to signify glory. In her left hand she holds out a five-pointed crown representing the five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island).
Comments and faves
1982Chris911 (Thank you 1.250.000 Times), DitMartian, Scott Hudson *, ~RichArtpix~, and 30 other people added this photo to their favorites.
Unlimit℮d (27 months ago | reply)
Beautiful light. Love the color and how that architecture really stands out.
bytegirl24 (27 months ago | reply)
excellent tones and exposure.. love this PoV.. don't know as I have ever paid attention to all the castle looking parts of this building
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Seen on your photo stream. (?)
fotophriendly (27 months ago | reply)
Wonderful image!
It's like the Disney building in the City:)
Congrat's on the awesome lens.
It looks to be treating you right!:)
Trish Mayo (27 months ago | reply)
Beautiful view. I agree with fotophriendly's comment -- my first thought was this looks like the Disney Castle
Scott Hudson * (27 months ago | reply)
Holy cow what an amazing view
you captured this perfectly
Hayes Peter Mauro (27 months ago | reply)
Great.
CANEOS7E (Eddie) (27 months ago | reply)
Fabulous ! ! !
andrew c mace (27 months ago | reply)
nice lens. yeah, the municipal building is from another time, one of the better parts of the downtown skyline.
~RichArtpix~ (27 months ago | reply)
this is truly spectacular! first off, it's easy to see why this building is a favorite of yours......and your loving treatment makes resemble a magical European castle!
stevensiegel260 (27 months ago | reply)
Great shot. Hmmm... I wonder if one can get up to the top of the Municipal Building... and get a close-up shot of the those turrets and that incredible golden statue.
Rafakoy (27 months ago | reply)
Wow! Terrific view! Impressive cityscape!
This photo was invited and added to the Ultimate Urban group.
!!WaynePhotoGuy (27 months ago | reply)
wow.. totally gorgeous work.. wow.
Barry Yanowitz (27 months ago | reply)
beautiful. i have the 70-200 f4 (but non IS) and love it. the quality & sharpness is stunning
mheidelberger2000 (27 months ago | reply)
The sharpness here is indeed superb!
Louise and Colin (27 months ago | reply)
Wonderful lighting and I love the almost pastel colours. Congratulations on Explore - this image deserves it.
lily_bart (27 months ago | reply)
A lovely treat to see your fantastic photo!
Andrea Gandolfo [deleted] (27 months ago | reply)
Wow beautiful !!!
hoifaileung (27 months ago | reply)
The color is great. Love that building myself. Have photographed there on the ground for more than a few times. Where exactly did you photograph this from? I always wonder how people can get into buildings to photograph.
doraclay1 (27 months ago | reply)
Spectacular image ! seen in Explore
RBudhu (27 months ago | reply)
Hi, this shot was taken from my apt in lower Manhattan.
LUCAS TATAGIBA (27 months ago | reply)
B e A u T i F u L
ANAHI82 (6 months ago | reply)
excelent peaple of Manhattan,I love.