The Palace of Fine Arts has been reserved exclusively for painting,
sculpture and prints, with the result that the material of the usual
"arts and crafts" exhibitions has been badly scattered. Certain exhibits
have been taken to the state and foreign buildings, some of which are
also of interest architecturally; but most of the craftswork is to be
found in the four exhibition palaces on the Avenue of Palms.
The Palace of Varied Industries contains, between 5th and 6th Streets,
three important displays: at Avenue A is Denmark's exhibition of
porcelain and pottery, with a small section devoted to the book arts; at
Avenue B is an excellent display of German porcelain; and at Avenue D is
the Netherlands exhibit of porcelain and pottery. At 4th Street and
Avenue C is the exhibition of Chinese arts and crafts. The American
section of so-called "Domestic Arts and Crafts" is at 1st Street and
Avenue C, and contains a very small but select showing of all the usual
handicrafts. Elsewhere in the building there are minor displays of
textiles, ceramics, tapestries, silver work, and interior decoration,
installed by commercial firms. One can see looms working, jewelry being
made, and China being painted.
The Palace of Manufactures is notable for the extensive arts and crafts
exhibit of Japan, which covers almost one-quarter of the building's
floor space; for that of Italy, which includes a large number of
statuettes besides the usual departments; and for those of France, and
Great Britain and Ireland. One will find all of these displays by
walking along Avenue C.
The Palace of Liberal Arts contains a few exhibits of the book arts and
architecture. The most important architectural display is that in the
United States Government Section, shown by the National Fine Arts
Commission. On Avenue D between 1st and 5th Streets there are displays
of fine photography.
The Palace of Education contains the exhibition of the American art
schools, at Avenue B and 6th Street. At Avenue E and 3rd Street pottery
is made.
In the group of palaces on the Marina there is little to interest in art
matters. In the Mines Palace the Government's exhibit of coins and
medals is of some interest. In the Transportation Palace the student of
applied art can find much to think about in the relation of art to
automobile design. In the Agriculture and Food Products Palaces there is
little to attract the art-lover except at meal-time.
The Italian Buildings contain an extensive museum of national historic
art and archaeology, which is well worth seeing. The mural painting in
the Royal Salon represents "The Glorification of Italy." The buildings
reproduce historic Italian styles of architecture. The charming central
court, the gardens, and the buildings contain many replicas of
masterpieces of sculpture.
The French Building was unfinished at the time this was written (June
first), but it is to contain an extensive art display. There are to be a
number of statues by Rodin, the greatest of modern sculptors, which
alone would make a visit imperative for every art lover.
The Swedish Building is one of the most interesting architecturally,
suggesting the fine originality of recent Scandinavian architecture. It
is worthy of note too, that the Norwegian and Danish buildings strike a
note of freshness that is in fine contrast with most of the foreign
pavilions. In all three of these buildings there are small exhibits of
painting and handiwork.
The Turkish Building contains an attractive exhibit of rugs; and in the
Philippine Building there is a display of metal work and basketry.
The State Buildings are in general designed for social purposes. That of
Pennsylvania is an interesting bit of Colonial architecture, and
contains two virile and colorful decorations by John Trumbull,
representing "Penn's Treaty with the Indians" and "The Industries of
Pennsylvania." The Maryland Building is also a simple, dignified bit of
Colonial design. The Massachusetts Building reproduces the famous
"Bulfinch front" of the Boston State House. The Mission style of
architecture is pleasingly exemplified in the California Building.