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I.M. Pei creations: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Museum of Islamic Art
When I was recently visiting my friend in Denmark, she remembered going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum when she visited me 10 years ago. The day we headed inside this I.M. Pei designed building, we didn't have time to see the museum's exhibits and films, but I wanted her see Lake Erie from the building's unique perspective and to enjoy the angles, light and concept of I.M. Pei's design.
I am a bit of a building nut. A city's buildings can be one of a city's selling points. Cleveland has several, but the Hall of Fame is one of my favorites. It's worth visiting for the architecture alone.
The building juts out onto Lake Erie affording a gorgeous view, creating the sense that the lake is part of the design because of the lobby and atrium. The atrium reaches upwards in a stunning span of glass past each floor's balcony.
To get the full effect, take the escalator down from the lobby to the ground floor. Although, there's an admission fee to see the exhibits, you can enjoy aspects of the building and the gift shop for free.
In this New York Times article, Nicolai Ouroussoff waxes poetic about the new Museum of Islamic Art, the latest I.M. Pei creation. The museum located in Doha, Qatar sits on a man-made island.
The way the water is part of the building's design, reminds me of the Hall of Fame's positioning. This past November, the art museum opened with fanfare and a plan to be the site of the first Tribeca Film Festival in Doha thanks to plans by actor Robert De Niro.
After reading both Ouroussoff's article and this Al Arabiya New Channel article about the museum, I felt refreshed.
What both articles point out through their explanation of I.M. Pei's work and the creation of this museum is that, despite the steady drone of what is horrible in the world, when it comes to conflicts and people's penchant for not getting along, there's a whole different side to humanity that gets far too little press. The collection and the building are one way to show the endurance of people's humanity and vision.
For Doha, the museum offers a broader look at the vastness and scope of Islamic culture. The collection certainly interests me. Because of I.M. Pei's connection to the building and the vision he describes in the article, Qatar has made it on my list of places to go one day.
* The photo of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is courtesy of the museum's Web site.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Stories, Qatar, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jeremy Dec 20th 2008 12:47PM
I live near Cleveland and I was stationed in Qatar for a minute with the Army. The Museum is a fascinating design to see in person. The horizontal ovals at the top are supposed to look like a woman's eyes revealed through her veil. It's a very impressive thing to see in person. It's a long trip from Ohio to Qatar, but there's quite a bit of interesting history in that region that make it worth the trip.
Jamie Rhein Dec 20th 2008 12:49PM
Great connection! Tne details about the eyes are wonderful. Thanks for adding your personal experience to the mix.
Reena Dec 23rd 2008 2:52PM
I work in the communications department at the Rock Hall and loved reading your post about your appreciation of the Museum’s architecture. It is a work of art to behold in itself! Please email me at rsamaan at rockhall.org when you have a moment – we’d love to have you visit the Museum the next time you are in Cleveland, we have a number of new exhibits and free evening programs each month. Thanks for your support!
Jamie Rhein Dec 23rd 2008 3:40PM
Reena, thanks! I do find the building magnificent. How neat that you work there. My sister-in-law is a docent.
Greg Jan 8th 2009 7:32PM
you have to love any building that has artcars displayed in the lobby!!!