(Large image of Cupola)
Merchants' Exchange Building is based on Classical Greek architecture
Choragic Monument of Lysicrates
(Image of stereograph)
Illustrated above in a 1907 stereograph, the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athen, Greece was built between 335/334 BC and is the first Classical Greek structure to used exterior Corinthian capitals.
Published in 1762, Stuart & Revett's The Antiquities of Athens' plate at the right was part of the first scholarly study of Classical Greek architecture. Architect William Strickland used it to design the Exchange's cupola.
(Black & white illustration.)
Plate Chap. IC, Plate III. The Antiquities of Athens, 1762, Stuart & Revett.
Problems of repairs.
(Three color images.)
Deteriorated window sash
Deteriorated column bases
Failing protection paint coating
The Cupola has Changed Over Time
(Six images dated 1864, 1947, 1963, 1964, 1971, Today)
Over the years, the Merchants' Exchange Building cupola has undergone changes. As seen in this 1864 photograph, architect William Strickland based the cupola on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. In 1901 as part of a complete building rehabilitation, architect Louis Hickman demolished the original cupola and, as seen in the 1947 photograph, moved
it to the center of the east circular apse believing that that he was correcting Stickland's design mistake. In 1963, the National Park Service removed Hickman's cupola and began reconstructing the original design in 1964. In 1971, repairs were made and, again today, they are required.
Maintenance is preservation.
Funded by the National Park Service Repair/Rehabilitation Program.
Visit the Merchants' Exchange Building exhibition accessible from Third Street, 8:00 to 4:30 Mon - Fri.
Park Information
Please call (215) 597-8787 or visit http://www.nps.gov.inde for information.
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