WASHINGTON DC, United States — The striking glass ceiling and geometric architecture of the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. Designed by architect Pei and opened in 1978, the building's modernist design features triangular shapes and a central atrium flooded with natural light through its expansive skylight.
Photograph by David Coleman. The East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC is a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by renowned architect Pei. Opened in 1978, the building is known for its bold geometric design, prominently featuring triangular shapes that create a dynamic and visually striking structure. The focal point of the interior is the expansive glass ceiling, which forms a dramatic skylight over the central atrium. This architectural feature floods the space with natural light, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. The building's design ingeniously accommodates the trapezoidal plot on which it sits, with Pei using this constraint as inspiration for the overall triangular theme. Housing the museum's collection of modern and contemporary art, the East Building complements the neoclassical West Building of the National Gallery. The structure's innovative use of space, light, and form has made it an iconic example of late 20th-century museum architecture. In addition to its exhibition spaces, the building includes a research center, offices, and a rooftop sculpture terrace offering panoramic views of Washington DC.
Size: 7728px × 5152px
Location: National Mall, Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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