Bibliotheca Alexandrina architects chosen for SF MOMA addition

Those of you who attended last February's program on Alexander /Alexandria will probably remember some striking pictures of the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina, designed to be a modern counterpart to the ancient Library of Alexandria.  The modern Library embraces technology and a multi-cultural approach to create a world-class cultural institution and center of learning.  To find out more about the Library, visit its web site.

For a brief tour of the facility, take a look at this four-minute YouTube video.

That Library was the first major project of a Norwegian architectural firm (Snohetta) that has just been chosen to design the new addition to San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art.  To learn more about the firm and see other examples of its striking design work, visit its web site.

Happy Birthday, Mechanics' Institute.

Many Humanities West attendees are already familiar with the Mechanics' Institute, which has been a long-time friend and supporter of our programs.  They often provide a lovely venue for the "extra" talks that are presented in conjunction with our Herbst Theatre programs.  On July 15th, MI will be celebrating the centennial of the opening of their current building at 57 Post Street in San Francisco.  (The organization itself is considerably older than the building, having been founded in 1854, shortly after the Gold Rush.)  Here are the details about the event.  Please note that donors to Humanities West are entitled to the reduced rate of $10 for "co-sponsor members".

INVITE

Building Centennial Celebration 1910-2010

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2010

NOON – 8:00 PM

57 POST STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

You are cordially invited to celebrate the Mechanics’ Institute’s Building Centennial. Designed by renowned architect Albert Pissis, 57 Post Street is an historic landmark and a striking example of the Beaux Arts style. Come enjoy interior tours of our building—highlighting its unique architectural details—

and walking tours of Pissis’ other buildings in downtown San Francisco.

Participate in stimulating lectures and discussions on the legacy of Albert Pissis, the rebuilding of San Francisco after the earthquake and fire of 1906, and the socio-political landscape of 1910.

Delicious refreshments available at a re-creation of the Ritz Old Poodle Dog.

The celebration concludes with cake and champagne.  We look forward to seeing you!

Reservations required:

MI & Cosponsor Members $10; Public $25

415.393.0100 or rsvp@milibrary.org

For schedule of events, please visit www.milibrary.org

Card and commemorative poster courtesy of Anchor Brewing Company.

Promotional cosponsors include AIA San Francisco, Heyday Books,

Humanities West, San Francisco Architectural Heritage, San Francisco

Historical Society, William Stout Architectural Books & Publishing.

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Thursday, July 15, 12:00 noon – 8:00 pm

Mechanics’ Institute

Building Centennial Celebration

(1910 - 2010)

SCHEDULE OF DAY & PROGRAMS

12:00

Refreshments available in the Ritz Old Poodle Dog from Noon - 3:00 pm, 4^th floor

12:30 - 2:15 pm, 4^th floor

A Tribute to Architect Albert Pissis’ Legacy,

The Mechanics’ Institute Commission, and San Francisco circa 1910

Guest Speakers:

Charles Fracchia (When the Water Came Up to Montgomery Street:

 San Francisco During the Gold Rush),

William Kostura (Russian Hill: The Summit 1853-1906)

 Richard Reinhardt (Four Books, 300 Dollars and a Dream)

Chris VerPlanck, Architectural Historian and principal,

Knapp & VerPlanck, Preservation Architects.

2:30 - 4:30 pm

All Tours start  at Rangoni Firenze Shoes

Indoor Tours of the Mechanics’ Institute Library & Chess Room

Highlighting its unique architectural details

Lead by Rick Evans & MI Staff

Walking Tours of Pissis’ Architectural Gems in Downtown San Francisco

Lead by Michael Corbett, William Kostura, Therese Poletti, Chris VerPlanck

^^^^

Self-guided Tours

^^^

,

Historic Postcard Exhibit, Library 2^nd & 3^rd floors

 Provided by David Parry & John Freeman, SF Bay Area Postcard Club

^^^^

6:00 - 8:00 pm, 2^nd floor

From Earthquake Rubble to Beaux Arts Splendor:

Mechanics’ Institute and the Miraculous Rebuilding of San Francisco

Afternoon speakers will be joined by the following panelists:

Gray Brechin (Imperial San Francisco)

Alice Carey, Historical Architect, Carey & Company Architecture

 Michael Corbett (Splendid Survivors)

John King, Architecture Columnist, SF Chronicle,

Waverly Lowell, Curator, UCB, Environmental Design Archives

Therese Poletti (Art Deco San Francisco

Peter Booth Wiley (National Trust Guide: San Francisco)

Cake & Champagne

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Reservations required:

MI & Cosponsor Members $10; Public $25

415.393.0100 or rsvp@milibrary.org

For schedule of events, please visit www.milibrary.org