I don’t think I put two and two together before walked up to the Morgan Library & Museum. I’ve walked by this building many times because when I’m not in a rush, I figure why not walk wherever I’m going, even if that means an 80 block walk. More recently I walked past this building with my dad, and he kept saying how we should go together sometime. Even when I read the syllabus, I didn’t really click until we walked up to it.
I was really impressed with the combining of the new space and the old space. The new space was so airy, bright, and fresh. There was a cafe and a restaurant. That wasn’t the part that impressed me. But the cafe was so airy, and had big floor to ceiling windows, with trees and greenery being invited in with the sun. At the end of class, I looked in on the restaurant, and it was more of the style/period as the rest of the library. I felt like that was a good pairing. The original portion is filled with extravagance, from floor to wall to ceiling. Every bit was curated with the finest marbles, woods, art, and other priceless originals.
I wish we were allowed to see more of the library/house, there has to be more besides those 3 rooms. I mean this place had hidden staircases, and he was the richest banker in NY, I think the other rooms must be pretty interesting. He must have spent hours and hours in that library. It was filled with rare literature, frescos, ceiling paintings, a fireplace, and so much more. I wonder how many of those books he has actually read, I usually ask people that when I see they have a big book collection (obviously not as big as his).
I really loved just walking through the spaces. There were so many different materials and mediums used in curating these spaces. It would be interesting to have been able to see how these spaces were used on a daily basis.
There were incredibly unique details, even in not normally significant areas, such as this ceiling. The ceiling is detailed birds and other intricate details. This lets in light in different ways, I would have liked to see the room without the additional track lights on.
I really liked the contents off photography exhibit, but I really disliked the space. I feel like they ruined the integrity of the space, even if it’s for temporary exhibits.
The photography exhibit was so interesting, but I feel like the set up of the space took away from the work. I could see where some original details from before the space was altered. But I really loved the photographs.