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Good morning everyone!!

Today we will be taking a step back from our usual Western displays to look into some works created elsewhere. Like some museums here in the states, they are rooted in colonialism where Western nations acquire and display cultural artifacts from colonized nations. This weekend, we will do things just a little bit differently.

Instead we are going across the globe! Presented before you are 7 amazing structures built by other cultures that are planted where the idea of these magnificent buildings were conceived.

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Giza Necropolis, Egypt; Ancient Egyptian Architecture; 2600-2500 B.C.;  	limestone, mortar, granite.

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Our first stop is The Great Pyramid of Giza. Also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, this is the largest of the three pyramids in Giza and one of the most famous landmarks in Egypt. It was built over 4,500 years ago as a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu and is also one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is made of limestone blocks, with some of the largest weighing over 80 tons. It stands at a height of 146 meters and has a base of over 230 meters, making it one of the largest man-made structures in the world. The construction of the pyramid is a remarkable achievement of engineering, with a precise alignment to the cardinal points of the compass and an intricate system of internal chambers and passageways. While it remains a mystery on how it was built without modern technology, it continues to be an enduring symbol of ancient Egypt's grandeur and ingenuity.

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Granada, Spain; Islamic architecture; 1238-1358; clay, aggregate, lime.

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Next stop up, we have The Alhambra. This complex serves as both a palace and a fortress. Built in the 14th century by the Nasrid Dynasty, this is a prime masterpiece of Islamic architecture and art. Its intricate designs and decorations are just some of the most stunning visuals to physically be connected to a building. From the stucco carvings, intricate tile work, and calligraphic inscriptions, there is no option but to adorn those walls and ceilings wrapping the complex.

The Alhambra is also home to lush gardens and courtyards. In 1984, The Alhambra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain. It is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic art and architecture in the world.

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Jerusalem;  Byzantine/Islamic architecture; 688–692 A.D.; mosaic, faience, marble, gold-plated stone slabs.

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For our third stop, we will be visiting The Dome of the Rock. is a beautiful piece of Islamic architecture which is placed in Jerusalem, Israel. It was completed in 962 AD and is the oldest existing Islamic monument. The dome is approximately 65 feet in diameter, and the structure is influenced through Byzantine architecture, which is evident through the actual dome itself and the geometric patterns on the piece of architecture itself.

The rock inside the dome is said to be the spot where the Prophet Muhammad was ascended into Heaven. The architectural features composed of the Dome of the Rock includes the structures being built with marble, and there are mosaics on the outside of the building which display examples of past Islamic art, which go to showcase to the world how advanced previous art was, and how ahead of its time it was. Throughout history, the Dome of the Rock has served various purposes, including as a place of prayer, a palace, a church, and even a stable. Today, it remains an important site of pilgrimage for Muslims and a significant symbol of the city of Jerusalem.

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Himeji, Japan; Prototypical Japanese architecture; 1581-1609 BCE.; wood, stone.

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For our 4th stop, we will visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Himeji Castle. Located in Japan, built in 1333, this castle is considered as Japan’s most spectacular castle due to its large size being preserved, where there are fortified buildings, gates, and moats still there, and there are supposedly 80+ structures still intact within. We see the beauty of this piece of architecture through the white plastered walls, and it is deemed as being a perfect example of prototypical Japanese architecture. During World War II, it was even spared from bombing by the United States due to its cultural significance.

This symbol of Japanese cultural heritage attracts millions annually to come and appreciate it for its architectural beauty, and to enjoy the stunning views from the top of the main keep.

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Dehli, India; Mughal Architecture; 1650-56 BCE.; red sandstone, white marble.

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Now, continuing to India, we have the Jama Masjid, which is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture. It is the principal mosque for Delhi, and the actual arabic meaning behind Jama Masjid is “Friday mosque”, meaning this is where everyone gathers to pray on Fridays. The exterior is composed of red sandstone and white marble, with 3 massive domes on top of the building.

This is an important landmark in India due to the beauty of the actual piece of architecture itself, and through viewing it and exploring, it gives a deeper insight to the history of India and what Mughal architecture really is. Also, it helps for the world to understand how different cultures can influence art as showcased above, where for example the use of marble to construct buildings is evident in other landmarks around the world, and helps to remind us that the “westernized” art that we think of are not the only examples of art in the world.

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Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia; Khmer architectural style; 1200; sandstone, laterite.

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Next up is the Bayon Temple. This 12th-century Khmer temple is located in the Angkor complex in Cambodia. It was built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII as the state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist empire. The temple is known for its iconic towers, each featuring four enigmatic faces, believed to represent Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The temple is also known for its extensive bas-reliefs, depicting scenes from everyday life, historical events, and mythological tales.

The temple is constructed of sandstone and features a unique architectural style that combines elements of both Hindu and Buddhist design. The most striking feature of the temple is the towers, which rise to a height of 45 meters and are decorated with more than 200 smiling faces. The temple also features a central sanctuary, surrounded by galleries and courtyards, and is believed to have been used for both religious and administrative purposes. Aside from being another tourist destination, this is one of the most important and one of the only well preserved temples there in the Angkor complex. It's complexity and beauty symbolize Cambodia's rich cultural heritage, especially since it combines Hindu and Buddhist designs.

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New York, New York; Gothic Revival Style; 1858-1879 A.D.; Tuckahoe marble

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We now move to New York City. The St. Patrick’s Cathedral is located in Manhattan, and was constructed by James Renwick Jr. The Cathedral holds value to the Catholic community, where it holds ceremonies, Mass, and it is a place for prayer, welcoming everyone who would like to look.

The Cathedral draws influence from a previous era in Europe, Gothic style architecture. It is evident in the construction of the Cathedral, with the pointed arches on the exterior, and also the stained glass within the interior of the Cathedral is also evident of the Gothic influence, which showcases how art is timeless, and different cultures will continue to influence future pieces of architecture and art itself.