Archives – Spring 2010

Dome of the Great Hall, National Academy of Sciences

Hildreth Meière (1892-1961) was an influential decorative artist known most for her murals, wall sculptures, and other unique works in the Art Deco style. Meière was commissioned by architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue to create the emblematic figures that adorn the dome of the Great Hall of the National Academy of Sciences building in Washington, DC. These decorations illustrate the components of the physical world and celebrate the history of science as it was known in 1924 when the construction of the building was completed.

Recently there has been a revival of interest in Meière prompted primarily by the first major exhibition of her work at St. Bonaventure University. Curated by Catherin C. Brawer, the exhibition Walls Speak: The Narrative Art of Hildreth Meière, runs from September 4, 2009, through June 13, 2010, at the Beltz Gallery and Kenney Gallery, St. Bonaventure University, New York.