Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Caltech

I toured the Caltech campus yesterday afternoon. My friend Barbara works there, and was kind enough to show me around. I took tons of pictures. I gasped a lot, and not just at how pretty the place is.

Caltech is more than just a campus. It's a think tank, a treasure of astronomical history, and a bastion of scientific brainwork. It's where the great minds of yesterday, today and tomorrow come together to create science as art.

Changes are happening at Caltech, just like everywhere. More pics to come.

20 comments:

Katie said...

Stunning photo! I love the cool dark contrasted with the glimpse of sun. And the figure in the distance. I've never been to see Caltech, but now I want to.

Laurie Allee said...

Gorgeous! And so much better than the monstrous new astronomy building!)

dive said...

That floor looks like chocolate, Petrea.
Yummy!

Anonymous said...

I taught voice and conducted choirs at Caltech for 27 years. I was so grateful to be in such a beautiful and well-maintained physical environment. The Caltech Women's Club has an architectural tour service that anyone interested in seeing the campus should take. Contact information is here: http://directory.caltech.edu/departmental_directory/Architectural_Tour_Service_of_Caltech_CATS.html

Petrea Burchard said...

Katie, it's just the kind of place you'd like. You'd have your camera out and be clicking away, like me.

Laurie, we were running out of time when we got to the new astronomy building so I only got a couple of shots there. I remind myself art is subjective; that building must have passed several committees so there must be people who like it. I don't hate it, it just doesn't match. Anything.

All of Caltech is yummy, Dive. (Except the new Astonomy building, which may be an acquired taste.)

Cafe Pasadena said...

Well, I better get my friends who work there too, 2 take me for a few shots. (When I have de time!)
Tons of pics? Good! I hope you got pics of inside Dabney Lounge & the outside courtyard.

Anonymous said...

Did you go to the Athenium? I play tennis there (and eat, when I'm lucky).

Flutterb, obviously meant to be flutterbug.

Virginia said...

I"m standing here giving you a standing ovation. Bravo. Gorgeous shot. Textbook vanishing point.
V

WV:granatis

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, Monica. Excellent info, I'll check it out.

Cafe, I got a bunch. I know I got the courtyard, not sure if I got the inside or not. So much I can't remember!

Margaret said...

Very nice. Cal Tech is a fun place to walk around. I look forward to the rest of your photos.

ben wideman said...

incredible perspective here Petrea. brilliant shot.

Petrea Burchard said...

Blogger is odd today, notifying me of comments as much as an hour after they come in. Sorry.

Hiker, I Googled the Athanaeum - that's the private club? Not much of a website. I haven't been inside but I know where it is. Would love to peek and I understand that's allowed. Next time.

Virginia, thank you. I haven't forgotten how you like these.

Margaret, I will pepper the blog with them until I run out. Not a continuing series, but maybe a few more this week.

Thanks, Ben!

John Sandel said...

If you get up real close to your screen and squint at that teensy guy down at the end of the colonnade, or peristyle or whatever, you can tell he looks exactly like Colin Farrell, except younger.

Christie said...

Very pretty, I love the arches!

Cafe Observer said...

Oh yeah! The infamous statue way at the other end of the colonnade: obviously it's not the headless one, so it must be the less _______ one.

Ms M said...

Wonderful photo -- taking our eyes down deep into the photo. And the arches...

angela said...

This stands out on the portal. It's a great shot with the contrast between light and shade. Interesting too to know something about the establishment.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, all.

Welcome, Angela, and thanks for your visit. I always forget to see what my shots look like in the portal! I'm glad it brought you here.

Rosie said...

Oh I so love this picture!

Petrea Burchard said...

Merci Rose, mon amie.