In response to Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Architecture
The new library in the UK city of Birmingham was a building I was really looking forward to visiting and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The interior is as stunning as its exterior, with the added surprise of outdoor gardens on each tier giving great views of the city and beyond in all directions. It is set in Centenary Square across from the the city’s state of the art Symphony Hall which has world-class acoustics and music for all tastes.
More information on Birmingham Library can be found here.
Birmingham Library ©HelenBushe
Looking into Centenary Square ©HelenBushe
Birmingham’s Symphony Hall ©HelenBushe
20 Comments
eklastic · 1 June 2016 at 06:51
I was in Birmingham last autumn, and was equally impressed by the library there. Very impressive building and your photos do credit to it.
HMB · 1 June 2016 at 06:55
Thank you. Hope you got to see inside too.
eklastic · 1 June 2016 at 07:17
Unfortunately not. We were there for the Rugby World Cup and there just wasn’t time for everything.
kimboxin · 1 June 2016 at 03:30
Seriously lovely!
HMB · 1 June 2016 at 03:44
Thank you.
Cee Neuner · 31 May 2016 at 16:32
Congratulations! I have chosen this post to be featured in Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge.
https://ceenphotography.com/2016/05/31/cees-fun-foto-challenge-all-about-cities-skylines-to-street-photography/
I hope you have a great week.
HMB · 31 May 2016 at 18:20
Thanks Cee. That means a lot to me.
imnotsurebut · 25 May 2016 at 22:53
Those are great shots. I love the inside of the building. Wow, they probably have great acoustics the way the seating is laid out.
HMB · 25 May 2016 at 22:56
Yes the picture shows the Symphony Hall in same square. World class acoustics. Enjoyed part of Ring Cycle there .
Cee Neuner · 25 May 2016 at 16:43
Helen, your photos are superb for this week’s architecture theme. 😀 Thanks.
HMB · 25 May 2016 at 17:35
Thanks Cee. How kind of you to say so. Your challenge this week has given me the idea of doing a series on Architecture. There are so many different styles around here in NW England – everything from Tudor to ultra modern.
Marga Demmers · 25 May 2016 at 13:47
It looks like Birmingham values its library, always a good sign. The architecture is breathtaking and rather daring contrasting it with its neighbours. I love the idea of outdoor gardens. Thanks for sharing.
HMB · 25 May 2016 at 15:46
They had to reduce opening hours due to cut backs last year. Then google offered funds in exchange for setting up “digital garages” there . Also a language school moved in. Library now back to being open until 9.00pm. Great place to wander into for coffee in evening when on a city break! (Ps I haven’t a clue what a “digital garage ” is.)
Marga Demmers · 25 May 2016 at 16:02
Never heard of ‘digital garage’ before, so I looked it up. This is what I found: ‘Boost your digital knowledge. Free courses on everything from search to social media, to help you grow your business or career. Free tutorials from Google on everything from your website to online marketing and beyond. Choose the topics you want to learn, or complete the whole online course for a certification from Google and IAB Europe.’ I still do not understand what the library has to do with it, maybe offering space on their server (nitwit speaking)? Anyway, the library survived and the books with it which for me is the most important thing.
HMB · 25 May 2016 at 16:09
Wish Google would open one of their garages in our village. 40 libraries in Lancashire are due for closure ! Isn’t it wonderful how quickly we can learn things on the Internet? ( especially when someone else looks it up and sends me the explanation. Many thanks.
Emilio Pasquale · 24 May 2016 at 23:34
The library looks like it’s gift wrapped- which is appropriate since I love reading and the greatest gift, to me, is a book!
HMB · 25 May 2016 at 06:35
Thanks for stopping by ,Emilio. What a wonderful comment.
Laurie Graves · 24 May 2016 at 20:12
Holy guacamole! What a building!
HMB · 24 May 2016 at 20:15
Thanks Laurie. I love your comment. In Scotland we might saw “Aw Jings! Help ma boab! It’s pure dead brilliant. It’s a stoater! ”
Now that I live in England, it might be “Yes, actually it’s rather nice”
Laurie Graves · 24 May 2016 at 20:21
Oh, love the various sayings! They spice up language.