The Romantic Soul of Stanford University

Inspired by her travels to the Piazza San Marco in Venice, and built by Jane Stanford in 1903 as a memorial to her husband, the Memorial Chapel is the irresistibly romantic soul of one of the most innovative and intellectual centers for the development of modern, high technology.

Built in a period of American eclecticism, the Chapel is Romanesque in form with semi-circular arches, symmetry and massive quality; yet Byzantine in detail, with extensive mosaics and foliate stone carvings. The original building featured a huge quatrefoil window in its facade, which was damaged in the earthquake of 1906, and subsequently replaced with the arched window we see today.

Gorgeous Mosaics by Venetian Artist

Maurizio Camerino Adorn the Facade

(this gorgeous photo is by Jill Clardy; the rest of the photos below were taken

by me with my iPhone while I waited for a friend)

Foliated Stone Carved Arches and Mosaics of the Facade

Ornate Entry Doorway

Foliated Stone Carved Quatrefoil in the Interior

Memorial Plaque and Detail of Mosaics of the Facade

Flowers Arrangement by my friend Robert Fountain Greets Visitors

If you live in Silicon Valley, you have undoubtedly seen the Stanford Campus with its magnificent architecture, beautiful and natural landscaping, and its Cantor Arts Center and Rodin Sculpture Garden. Go have lunch at the Cantor Cafe, visit the museum and marvel at the collection; then wander through the grounds for a lovely way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon in Palo Alto.

Then reflect for a moment: you are reading this blog on the internet largely because of the ingenious creativity of the brilliant minds right here at Stanford University. Go visit its soul.

The Gates of Hell, Rodin Sculpture Garden, Cantor Arts Center

The Burghers of Calais, Rodin Sculpture Garden, Cantor Arts Center

Kit Golson Design

for elegant, sustainable and pragmatic

Chic Provence Interior Design