Corn Palace, Multi-purpose hall in Mitchell, South Dakota
The Corn Palace is a multi-purpose hall in Moorish Revival style in Mitchell, South Dakota, with a central dome and side onion towers. The exterior facade consists of thousands of corn cobs and grains that are reapplied every year.
The first version was built in 1892 to promote regional agricultural development and attract settlers. After two earlier constructions, architects Rapp and Rapp designed the present form in 1921.
The yearly renewal of the facade connects artistic work with agricultural symbolism and recalls the harvest festivals of early settlers. Visitors see hand-laid mosaics made from different colors of corn, often depicting historical or contemporary motifs.
The building is open year-round and hosts concerts, sports events, and public gatherings indoors. The best views of the decorated exterior walls are from the main street, where you can examine the panels up close.
The murals are created using a specialized technique where colored corn kernels are attached to black tar paper. Each panel is numbered like a painting so the artists know which color goes where.
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