West Elevation 18 - 1912

This is the west elevation of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, drawn by McKim, Mead & White in the late 19th or early 20th century. Notice the prominent use of classical columns. These columns, rooted in ancient Greece and Rome, are more than mere architectural supports. They echo principles of order, reason, and democracy, harking back to a glorified past. We see them echoed through the ages—in Renaissance palaces, government buildings, and even grand museums like this one. The column, like a persistent memory, resurfaces across epochs, each time reaffirming cultural and historical connections. Consider how, during the Renaissance, the rediscovery of classical texts sparked a revival of ancient forms, and how the column became a symbol of enlightenment ideals. This architectural motif acts as a bridge, transporting us across time and space. The emotional impact is palpable: a sense of grandeur, permanence, and a link to our collective cultural heritage.