Hesburgh Library: Difference between revisions

The idea of a mural on the facade had been conceived early, in part for the need to decorate the large structure which otherwise would‘vewould have seemed dull and resembleresembled a large [[Silo|grain silo]]. Hesburgh was also inspired by the mosaic murals of the [[Central Library (UNAM)|Central Library]] at the [[National Autonomous University of Mexico]] in Mexico City, which he had visited in April 1955.<ref name=":0" />

When the library opened in 1963, the mural had not yet been installed. American artist [[Millard Sheets]] was commissioned to create a work large enough to cover the entire side of the library facing Notre Dame's [[Notre Dame Stadium|football stadium]]. Fr. [[Theodore Hesburgh]] suggested that the theme should be saints and scholars through the ages. The artwork cost $200,000 and was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Howard V. Phalin of [[Winnetka, Illinois]]. Installation took place in the spring of 1964; the dedication ceremony was held on May 7, 1964. The mural is composed of 324 panels. It consists of 81 different stones from 16 countries in 171 finishes that includes 46 [[granite]]s and [[syenite]]s, 10 [[gabbro]]s and [[labradorite]]s, 4 metamorphic [[gneiss]]es, 12 [[Serpentine subgroup|serpentines]], 4 crystalline [[marble]]s, and 5 [[limestone]]s.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://library.nd.edu/about/history/mosaic.shtml |title = Hesburgh Library}}</ref>