Michael Graves, architect of the Central Library, is hailed worldwide as a co-founder of the Postmodern school of architecture. Postmodernists reject modern skyscrapers for the classical forms, natural materials and colors of centuries past. Some of Graves' best-known projects are the Walt Disney Corporate Headquarters in Burbank, California; Disneyworld Swan and Dolphin Hotels in Orlando, Florida; The Portland (Oregon) Building; and The Humana Building (Louisville, Kentucky). The New York Times calls Michael Graves "the most truly original voice that American architecture has produced in some time."
Construction of the new Central Library was funded by a bond issue approved by a 75 percent majority of Denver voters in 1990. In 1995, the new Central Library opened to nationwide acclaim. It is now the largest library between Los Angeles and Chicago, and each year over a million people visit the Central Library.
South View
Floor 2 Rotunda
Ceiling Detail
Study Room
Ceiling Detail
East View of Central Library
Vida Ellison Gallery
O'Fallon Genealogy Room
Check out Michael Graves at the library.
View Michael Graves' projects, profile and products online.