Welcome to the second post of my “Where To” series about the Royal Ontario Museum. In the first, Museum Station and the Chin Crystal / Westin Entrance exteriors were featured. This follow up post focuses on the contrast of the interior spaces of these entrances.

 

I say contrast because there really is no comparison between them. While something may be said for the Chin Crystal exterior design in terms of scale or shock value, there are few redeeming qualities to mention when discussing the interior space.

 

Upon entering the Crystal’s lobby, visitors are bombarded by sharply angled white walls and ugly flooring which lead into a three-story high atrium. It boggles the mind how anyone could have believed this space could make a good first impression for new visitors to the ROM.

 

The main architectural “attractions” of the atrium are the ironically-named Stair of Wonders, balconies which overlook the space and a small gallery space to the right of the entrance.

 

Other than the dinosaur exhibits, the best part of the atrium is the original façade, which stands in stark contrast to the white walls and seems to act as a barrier stopping the insanity of poor design from invading the rest of the original building.

 

The original building opened in 1914, and has expanded and been renovated many times over the past century.  The first expansion was completed in 1933 when an eastern wing was added, including what is now the Westin entrance.

 

The Westin entrance was closed in 2007 (when the Crystal opened) and the interior space was used as a café.  Thankfully, someone came to their senses and in 2017 the decision was made to re-open it.

 

The re-designed interior features a rotunda with built-in artefacts. The newly-opened space also allows patrons to see through the lobby to the exhibits at the far end of the building.  However, the standout feature of the space is still the glass-tiled ceiling.

 

I don’t think there can be any debate over which interior provides the better first impression for visitors.   Unfortunately, the differences in the entrances also extend to the gallery and exhibit spaces housed in both structures.   I will touch on those in my next blog!

 

Until then, I’d appreciate hearing what you liked about about this post! As well, I’d love to see any great shots you have of the ROM!

 

COMING SOON:  The third instalment in my “How To” series on how I created my subway image, focusing on my Lightroom editing process.  If you haven’t read the first or second post, please take a look!

 

Don’t forget to click like and recommend Jonathon C Photography to your friends or someone you know who may find it interesting.

 

Finally, please follow jonathoncphotography.com so you can always be first to hear about all the new content that I post!

 

 

 

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