Architecture Up Close

For weeks, I have been meaning to put up photos from a great activity that happens every year. A non-profit organization works with hundreds of businesses and organizations to open their doors to the public to show people architecture. And the great part, it is free!

I met up with a bunch of British friends to check out the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. From what I could gather from its function, it is like the State Department and the Commerce Department combined. Anyways, it is probably one of the only federal government buildings I will ever see the inside of!

Here is a picture of the outside. It has been at this location since 1793.

Once inside, it is a beautiful building. I laughed because the US federal buildings are so ugly. Just one of the many staircases.

Inside, many additions have been made. Such as this courtyard that has been covered.

This stairwell has a beautiful octagonal glass ceiling.

We also walked through many rooms, with amazing large doors.

Here is one of the many diplomatic rooms.

Here is another grand staircase. This one is three levels high and is made from marble and red and gold chrome.

Here is another view of the staircase.

After we were done touring the building for about 2 1/2 hours, we visited the Banqueting House. The House was built in 1622 and is the place where Charles I was executed. The building is literally one large room. Its highlight are the Rubens on the ceiling.


It was a nice Saturday activity and I look forward to next year's buildings!