Temple of Invention: History of a National Landmark - Softcover

Temple of Invention; History of a National Landmark

Trade paperback. Zustand: Very good. First Printing [Stated]. The format is approximately 9.125 by 8.75 inches. Illustrations (some in color). Notes. Selected Bibliography. Index. Decorative front and back covers. Covers have flaps. This was published in conjunction with the exhibition of the same name, on view at the historic Paten Office Building, Washington, D.C., July 2006-July 2007. Organized by the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Charles Robertson retired as deputy director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) in 2002. Since then he has actively pursued his long-standing interests in architecture and historic preservation. "One of my pleasures in retirement has been the opportunity to curate four small exhibitions focusing on the history of the historic Patent Office Building, which SAAM has occupied since 1968," Robertson noted. He has also authored popular books on this building and on SAAM's Renwick Gallery Building. Yet it is not just the buildings that matter to Robertsonit is also what is in them. To complement his oversight of exhibitions while at SAAM, he has donations to the collections of SAAM and other Smithsonian museums. "What impresses me most about the Smithsonian is its diversity, in both collections and staff," said Robertson. He also appreciates its independent governance that fosters "freedom of exploration, scholarship, and admission to its many museums." Through his multifaceted giving, Robertson is helping to sustain these freedoms for future generations. The Smithsonian American Art Museum, along with the National Portrait Gallery, occupies the historic Patent Office Building, re-opening in 2006. One of the finest neoclassical structures in the world, its Greek Revival design dates from 1836. Completed in 1867 as the third Federal building in Washington, DC, this national landmark was hailed by Walt Whitman as 'the noblest of Washington buildings'. Several important early American architects were involved in the original design of the building. Here inventors such as Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison obtained title to their work. During the Civil War, it served initially as temporary barracks, hospital and morgue, and, in 1865, as the site of Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural ball. In 1958, the Smithsonian acquired the building, saving it from demolition. An architectural adaptation gave it new life, and in 1968 the Smithsonian American Art Museum opened to the public. Artikel-Nr. 89398

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