Another eden tower of time floor 8 full#

A correction table for different periods of the year is located at the base of the sundial.Įdward Bok’s Singing Tower was sited at the highest elevation south of the reflection pool, so the water reflects its full image. The hours are marked by the 12 signs of the zodiac. The gnomon, which indicates time by casting a shadow on the dial face, is made with a bronze rod supported by a bronze snake – the ancient symbol of time. The sundial on the south side of the Tower was set in place on October 26, 1928. The iron gates leading to the Tower were hand-wrought and showcase zoomorphic figures with various expressions and wings for flight. The door depicts the Book of Genesis, starting with the creation of light and ending with Adam and Eve being ousted from the Garden of Eden. The Great Brass Door and wrought iron gates on the north side of the Tower are the masterpiece of Samuel Yellin, America’s premier metalworker. Dulles Allen depicting the perfect balance in nature, species and gender. The colorful tiles found only in the top third of the Tower were designed by J. Besides various flowers and trees, you can find cranes, herons, eagles, seahorses, jellyfish, fin fish, pelicans, flamingos, geese, swans, foxes, storks, tortoises, hares, baboons, Adam and Eve, and the serpent. The scheme for the sculptures and grille work is mostly birds and plants with a few other forms of wildlife depicted. The Masters Behind the Masterpieceīok, Medary and Lawrie made it a goal to create perfect unity and symbolism in the design of the Tower. A platform allows access for maintenance. Several modern necessities have been installed on the roof including lightning rods and HVAC units. Level 8 – Parapet & FinialsĪt the top of the Tower, 205-feet above the base, are eight marble heron statues. A catwalk staircase allows access to the roof. There are four balconies that look out over the Gardens and the surrounding area. This level houses the 60-bell carillon and a soundproof playing cabinet for the keyboard. Level 7 – Carillon Bells & Playing Cabinet On the floor just below is a practice carillon which uses tone bars instead of bells and allows rehearsal without the music being heard in the Gardens. Recording equipment and carillon recordings are stored at this level. The library contains many of Edward Bok’s writings and is the largest collection of carillon history and music in the world including the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America Archives and the Ronald Barnes Collection. Some of their tasks include polishing the Great Brass Door, maintaining the carillon, and servicing the elevator. Our Facilities & Operations team use this workshop when working on projects within the Tower. Today, we use modern irrigation so these tanks are now used for storage. Two large tanks housed on this level were once used to irrigate the Gardens with water that would flow from the roof of the Singing Tower. This dedicated archival room houses the correspondence, papers, plans, photographs and historic objects of the Gardens including the guest register signed by President Coolidge and Edward Bok on February 1, 1929. A 211-step wrought-iron and steel staircase begins on this floor and an original Otis electric elevator is still in operation today. The first level of the Singing Tower contains a fireplace, antique furniture and a ceramic tile floor. Interested in touring the inside of the Singing Tower?Īt the Sustainer Level Membership and above you will receive an invitation for two to one of the four annual Founder’s Room tours! Find out more about becoming a member of Bok Tower Gardens! So what’s behind the Great Brass Door? Level 1 – The Founder’s Room Concerts from the 60-bell carillon at 1 and 3 p.m. Medary and ornately crafted by noted stone sculptor Lee Lawrie, the Tower houses one of the world’s finest carillons. Looking up at the 205-foot neo-Gothic and art deco Singing Tower carillon is an experience like no other.