Duane Library, Gothic Revival library at Fordham University, Bronx, United States
Duane Library is a Gothic Revival structure on the Fordham University campus in the Bronx that houses several university departments and facilities. The building features oak paneling throughout, a central spiral staircase, and traditional architectural details arranged across its multiple levels.
The structure was built between 1926 and 1928 and named after Father William J. Duane, who led the university as president from 1924 to 1930. It was constructed during a period when the university was expanding its facilities and strengthening its presence in the region.
The Butler Commons within the building displays a quarter-scale digital reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling fresco, a gift from the Metropolitan Museum of Art that brings Renaissance artistry into an academic setting.
The building houses the university admissions office, theology department, lecture halls, and study areas for students and visitors. A major renovation has modernized the interior while preserving the original architectural character and improving accessibility throughout.
During renovation, original marble slabs from the building's former book stacks were repurposed to create a new central staircase inside. This thoughtful reuse connects the space's past with its present function.
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