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U.S. National Museum Decorated for Garfield Inaugural Ball

Image by Smithsonian Institution
Description: The United States National Museum (USNM) Building is decorated for the March 4, 1881, inaugural ball of James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur, the first public use of the museum building. A broadside for the inaugural (neg # 72-1115) describes the decorations as "artistic, munificent, and attractive, embellished by the coats-of-arms of the different States, handsomely festooned with State flags and seals. In the central dome is the colossal ‘Statue of America,’ illustrative of peace, justice, and liberty; grasping in her uplifted hand an electric light, indicative of the skill, genius, progress, and civilization of the 19th century."

Creator/Photographer: Unidentified photographer

Medium: Black and white photographic print

Dimensions: 8 in x 10 in

Date: 1881

Persistent URL: http://photography.si.edu/SearchImage.aspx?id=5670

Repository: Smithsonian Institution Archives

Accession number: 44173

U.S. National Museum Decorated for Garfield Inaugural Ball

Image by Smithsonian Institution
Description: The West Hall looking towards the Rotunda of the new United States National Museum, now the Arts and Industries Building, decorated for President James A. Garfield and Vice President Chester A. Arthur’s Inaugural Ball, March 4, 1881. This was the first event held in the new building, before the exhibits were installed. A temporary wooden floor was laid for the event, two electric lights were placed in the Rotunda, 10,000 bins for hats and coats were erected, 3,000 gas lights were installed, and festive buntings, state flags and seals decorated the halls. A colossal "Statue of America" stood in the Rotunda, illustrative of peace, justice and liberty, grasping in her uplifted hand an electric light "indicative of the skill, genius, progress, and civilization" of America in the 19th century. The stencil work in the Rotunda can be seen. The building opened to the public in October 1881.