Garrick Theater, Chicago, Illinois, Proscenium Vault Section 1891 - 1892

This is a plaster proscenium vault section from the Garrick Theater in Chicago, designed by Adler & Sullivan, dating back to the late 19th century. The intricate design, with its star-like central form, exemplifies the architectural ornamentation of the era. The aesthetic resonates with the cultural optimism and industrial progress of the time, yet it’s important to remember that this progress often came at the expense of marginalized communities. The gilded details speak to an aspiration for luxury and refinement. Consider the theater as a space where identities are performed, both onstage and in the audience. The architecture frames these performances, shaping the experience of those who enter. Pieces like this were originally designed for public consumption, and now, preserved in a museum, they prompt questions around cultural memory, preservation, and who gets to tell the story of the past. The vault reminds us of the narratives we construct, and who gets to participate in them.