I got so many comments about Gammage Auditorium yesterday that I thought I'd repeat a post I did back in 2011. I think this might be the first time I've ever repeated a photo but, this really is the best one I have that shows the whole building in all it's splendor.
This a Frank Lloyd Wright designed building that was constructed on this prominent corner of the ASU campus back in 1962. There is an interesting story that goes with that construction. Back in 1957, Grady Gammage was President of ASU and he wanted an auditorium on the campus that would stand out as a true landmark. He consulted his good friend Frank Lloyd Wright who dusted off some plans he had created for a center in Baghdad Iraq. He adapted that design to the university's use and the plan was put in place. The sad part of the story is that neither man lived to see the finished building. They both passed away in 1959. When construction began in 1962, Grady Gammage Jr. turned the first shovel.
The auditorium is a much loved landmark on the Tempe campus. It sits on the corner of Mill Ave and Apache Blvd right where Apache curves to merge into Mill Ave. The the street seems to wrap itself around the this round building.
I've had tickets to the Valley Broadway series of Broadway shows for many years along with my friends Julie & Dave. You know them from Scottsdale Daily Photo and Tamarindo Costa Rico Daily Photo. All of the Broadway series productions are staged here so I've been here often. The theatre is just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.
15 comments:
This building is a true asset for the community and your well composed photos do it justice. Julie and I enjoy seeing you at the shows, and even more so when we can get together before the shows.
It does look like it would fit perfectly in a middle-eastern country! Gorgeous is not quite enough of a description. Those flowing circular lines stabbed by the long poles and covered by what appear to be concrete drapes - just superb!
It was on campus when I was there but I can't for the life of me remember ever being inside!
Stunning photo of a stunning place.
Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography
As I said yesterday, I like this building, and also the shadow of the palm!
Looks like a spaceship has lannded
I believe this is counted as FLW's last work. Such a shame neither man got to see it. I like this picture of it.
It really is a grand place!
I remember It and certainly don't mind seeing it again, Sharon!
It's really impressive seen like that, almost like a temple. Love the shadows!
I love this building and thanks for the history on the construction. So sad that neither of them saw the finished project.
The last time I was there I saw Annie Lennox in concert. I will never forget that night.
It's a very modern looking building, with a classic twist!
The Auditorium is an amazing architectural achievement Sharon.. thank you for the history,always completes the vision. Love that it's sitting on Apache Blvd :)
Thanks for the touch of history. It's a good thing Wright didn't build it in Baghdad. It probably wouldn't be there today.
This is completely different from any other Wright building that I have seen. I am amazed.
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