Trappenhuis in de bibliotheek van München 1855 - 1885

This is an anonymous photograph of the staircase in the library of Munich. It shows a grand architectural space with statues, columns, and a highly decorated arched ceiling. In this photograph, we see the architecture of knowledge and power, highlighting how cultural institutions like libraries often embody societal values and hierarchies. The image invites us to consider the relationship between knowledge, access, and social status. Who has the privilege to ascend these steps and engage with the knowledge contained within? Whose stories are chronicled and preserved in these spaces, and whose are left out? How might this architecture, with its imposing scale, affect one's sense of belonging and intellectual authority? It reminds us that institutions are not neutral, and that their design and accessibility shape the experiences and identities of those who interact with them.