Archive for the ‘Cyclorama’ Category
Cyclorama Hits Hard Times, Remains Totally Awesome. So Go!
I’ve never made any secret of my overwhelming love of the Cyclorama, the largest painting in the world that’s just down the street from us in Grant Park. It is so awesome, guys.
Unfortunately, it rarely makes it into the news unless there’s trouble afoot, so it’s with a touch of displeasure that I mention yesterday’s article in the AJC. Although, publicity! Good, right?!
The actual news, however, isn’t so heartening. Director Keith Lauer has been let go and his position has been “frozen” after the staff had already been reduced to a skeleton crew. Naturally, visiting hours have been affected. In short, things are rough for one of the country’s most unique attractions.
To put that in perspective, the only other cyclorama painting, the Gettysburg Painting, recently underwent a multi-million dollar restoration and has a brand new museum to house it. Lucky.
A seemingly noteworthy difference between the Gettysburg Painting and Atlanta’s Cyclorama is the fact that the city of Atlanta owns the latter painting and employs its staff, whereas the National Park Service runs the former.
Is being run by a federal agency is the way to go? Or perhaps they should become a 501c3, a la Grady Hospital or countless other nonprofit institutions? What do you think?
No matter what, you should visit the Cyclorama. It really is one-of-a-kind and super neat, and it misses you.
Categories: Atlanta, Birds of a feather, Cyclorama, Historic Preservation, Very Serious Posts With No Funny Business |
Things We Missed During Our Brief Blogging Hiatus
Hi folks. Apologies to all one of you who have been waiting with baited breath for our return.
Here are a few items we would have mentioned, in depth, in a timely manner, had we been here. Instead, let’s glance, late!
1. The Grant Mansion in nearby Grant Park is undergoing a much-needed restoration.
The pre-Civil War mansion (where Bobby Jones was born and the home of the Atlanta Preservation Center) is being restored …slowly. Artifacts still need to be identified, and the architects are struggling to be true to original building plans, and on and on. We feel you.
I especially like the note about the craftsmanship evident in these old homes, the levels of which are pretty much unseen today. There's something to be said for a century old home that suffered years of negligence and is still standing *cough cough*.
2. The Atlanta Cyclorama needs some attention too.
How much, Bo Emerson writes, is up for contention. Ignore me for a few minutes and read the article about a gigantic painting's upkeep. Somehow, it's riveting. Go on--I'll wait.
Now that you've read it, you should know this: I love the Cyclorama. Seriously, it is the craziest and most bizarre relic in town, and you should go see it right now. I'll wait again.
See?! Awesome. If it induces vertigo, it's a success.
The article also touches on an issue we experience ourselves--what to do about ill-advised additions over the years. When historical accuracy is the goal, there's no such thing as a good addition, and the best 1980 has to offer is often 2008's problem. Tricky!
3. Remember the Crum and Forster building?
The Georgia Historic Trust's "Places in Peril" list did, much like they remembered the Wren's Nest in 2007. This is good news for historic preservation enthusiasts like us, and for Atlanta overall.
Preserving history > parking lot.
Anything else we missed? Let me know.
Categories: Atlanta, Cyclorama, Grant Mansion, Historic Preservation, Kirk |