Low Memorial Library (Columbia University)
Low Memorial Library was built in honor of Columbia University President Seth Low’s father, Abiel Abbot Low; Low funded much of the construction. Opening in 1897, Low Memorial Library was to serve as the university's main library until 1934, when more space was needed and the collection was eventually moved to Butler Library.
The building was designed by McKim, Mead and White in the Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical styles popular at the time. The library has a classical temple portico of Ionic columns that serves as the entrance. This square temple entrance is attached to Greek cross-shaped building with a dome in the center, which suggests the Pantheon’s design. The library collection was housed on the main floor with the dome open up to the second floor, which housed offices. There was no way to create new space for the expanding collection, hence the creation of Butler Library.
The domed area creates a very majestic space decorated with statuary and columns. Columns also adorn the hallways around the dome. A covered, lighted occulus is located at the center of the dome.