The Cunard Building at 25 Broadway is one of those imposing structures with a massive facade that when seen quickly from the street can look like any other Renaissance Revival office building.
It has all the standard features, such as arches, columns, quoins, and cornices...
But when you look closer, you'll start to see what differentiates the Cunard Building from others.
Its ornamentation (like the keystone featuring Neptune above) is all nautical. The theme relays the business of shipping that went on inside to the passersby outside. They are treated to images of ships, shells, compasses, mermaids and other sea creatures.
The entablature is topped by stunted obelisks with shields...
Some of the massive entranceways contain bronze-framed windows and ornate grilles...
Strain your neck to see past the lower levels and you'll find two pairs of carved seahorses with riders...
You can barely see them from the street, one might think the architects only included them to appease the gods.
If that's true, then the altar must be inside the building in the lavish vestibule and great hall...
Built as a ticket office for the Cunard Line, the Great Hall shows more shipping themes set within a huge vaulted space that recalls Roman bath buildings. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to go inside for any photos, but you can find some (including the one I used above) at The City Review.
Travel (for the most part) has lost much of the glamour it had when Cunard built the building in 1921. Thankfully, we still have the building.
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