The Faces of Corinthian Hall
Community Curator lecture and exhibit in print detail the decorative ornamentation
of Kansas City’s original grand mansion
David Dowell, principal of el dorado architects, examines the extraordinary human figural ornamentation appearing on Corinthian Hall, the former residence of Robert Long and the home of Kansas City Museum, during his free lecture as Community Curator. The event will be held in the Town Hall at Union Station Kansas City on Tuesday, February 24 at 6pm.
Mr. Dowell will present "Ornament and Architecture" as the Museum’s guest Community Curator, in conjunction with the Corinthian Hall Centennial celebration. Register now.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America, highly formal architecture included masses of decorative ornament. Corinthian Hall, arguably the most important historic architecture in the region, is a spectacular example of Ecole des Beaux Arts design. The mansion was designed by architect Henry F. Hoit and completed in 1910.
A lively exhibit in print
The Museum has developed another compelling ‘exhibit in print,’ a publication documenting the human figure in architectural ornamentation throughout Corinthian Hall. Found in the capitals of columns, tucked into mantles and peeking down from ceilings, elements of human and animal faces can be found represented in many materials across the estate.
On February 21, 2010 the Museum will release Faces of Corinthian Hall as part of its Centennial celebration of the building. In additon, historic preservation consultant Elizabeth Rosin will present a detailed inventory and narrative description of these remarkable decorative elements. Learn more about Faces of Corinthian Hall.
The publication will join the “Restoration of a Window” publication produced last year and continues the process of documenting the building’s preservation.
