Volltext Seite (XML)
GENERAL REPORT OF THE JUDGES OF GROUP XXVI. 7 in the angles. Good hanging-space is thus gained, but at the expense of considerable perplexity to the visitor. The State Buildings of Ohio, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Con necticut are to be commended, the two latter being in the style of the old colonial homes of New England, the former representing types of our modern country-houses. In the Ohio Building a great variety of the building-materials of that State are cleverly introduced. The New York State Building is truly remarkable from quite another point of view, and may be intended $.s a representation of the “ new American style or order of architecture, based on hexagonal prin ciples,” models of which form a curious exhibit in the Agricultural Hall. A marked contrast exists between most of these State structures and those of England, Germany, Sweden, France, and Japan, all of which are very praiseworthy, and typical in design and execution. A few words, in conclusion, about those of the Exhibition buildings which are destined to remain, viz., Memorial and Horticultural Halls. The latter, constructed in the Moorish style, is appropriately located on a terrace. On either side of a central conservatory 230 feet by 80 feet, and 55 feet high, are forcing-houses. The ends of the building are devoted to reception- and dining-rooms, offices, etc. Four prin cipal entrance-vestibules occupy the middle of the four sides; from these stairs lead to the interior and exterior galleries above. In the basement, which is fire-proof, are the kitchens, store-rooms, heating apparatus, etc. This building, with an area for exhibition purposes of 122,500 square feet, was built in eleven months, at a cost of $300,000. The ensemble is satisfactory, especially when viewed at an angle; the curved surfaces of the glass roofs of the forcing-houses gracefully harmonizing with the middle portion above, which is surmounted by a lantern. Memorial Hall, erected by the State of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia, is by far the most pretentious structure on the Exhi bition grounds. It is fire-proof, and covers about an acre and a half, being 365 feet by 200 feet, and is 59 feet high over a basement 12 feet in height. Its cost was $1,500,000, and twenty months were em ployed in its construction. It is hereafter to be used as an industrial art museum to be inaugurated at the close of the Exhibition. The principal entrance-vestibule, 82 feet by 60 feet and 53 feet high, opens into a grand central hall, 83 feet square and 80 feet high ; the square dome above rising exteriorly to the height of 150 feet. On either side of this central hall are located the main galleries, 98 feet long and of the same width as the hall. These are flanked by cross-galleries at