The Graduate Reading Room in the University of Washington's Suzzallo Library has the feel of a room one might find in a certain school of wizardry. The Collegiate Gothic style architecture of this 1920s building makes it one of the most recognizable on campus. In the words of the university president, and the library's namesake, it is a cathedral of learning. The grand room runs the length of the building and measures 250' long with a vaulted ceiling that reaches 65' high. The ceiling panels are stenciled and painted, the oak bookcases are topped by hand-carved friezes of native plants. The 35' high stained glass panels feature reproductions of Renaissance watermarks. At either end of the room hang painted globes.
The exterior of the library features 12 spires with terra cotta figures that include influential artists and thinkers including Plato, Benjamin Franklin and Shakespeare. The library borders Red Square. From the edge of Red Square one can look down the Rainier Vista walkway towards Drumheller Fountain and Mount Rainier beyond.
The exterior of the library features 12 spires with terra cotta figures that include influential artists and thinkers including Plato, Benjamin Franklin and Shakespeare. The library borders Red Square. From the edge of Red Square one can look down the Rainier Vista walkway towards Drumheller Fountain and Mount Rainier beyond.
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