The Pavilion for Japanese Art is part of Los Angeles County Museum of Art, containing the museums collection of Japanese works that date back from approximately 3000 BC through the 20th Century. The building was designed by architect Bruce Goff. Construction started in 1978 and was completed in 1988; however, Goff would not live to see its completion due to his death in 1982. The pavilion  features a prow-shaped roof and cylindrical towers. The building was originally suppose to be built in Bartlesville, Oklahoma before being taken over by the LACMA. Total construction costs were 13 million dollars.

The Riverside Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma (also known as Tulsa Spotlight club or Spotlight theatre) was built in 1928.  It was designed by architect Bruce Goff using an “International Style”. It was originally built as a house with a studio wing for a music teacher named Patti Adams Shriner.  The Riverside Studio is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

The house originally a series of nine murals that Goff commissioned from Oklahoma Artist Olinka Hrdy, but the murals have since disappeared from the building and their fate to this day is unknown. Today the location is used by Tulsa’s spotlight club which presents the play “The Drunkard” every Saturday night.

The John Frank House was built in 1955 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma by architect Bruce Goff. Goff designed the house for John Frank, who was the founder of Frankoma Pottery. It was designed specifically to showcase the Franks love for pottery. John and his wife Grace glazed and fired all the ceramic tiles located throughout the house. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is currently available for tours upon request.

 The LedBetter House was completed in 1948 in Norman Oklahoma. It was designed by architect Bruce Goff. The distinguishing features of the house are its suspended carports and patio roofs. The University of Oklahoma owns the LedBetter house; however, it is currently a private residence. In 2001 it was one of several Goff designed buildings recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Bavinger House was completed in 1955 by architecture Bruce Goff. It was considered a significant example of what is now called “Organic” Architecture. The house was located in Norman Oklahoma and in 2001 was added to the “National Register of Historic places”. The house was vacant for more than a decade and had fallen into disrepair. In 2008 it was announced that the house would be renovated and opened for tours. A powerful wind storm damaged the central spiral in 2011, the houses official website said it would not be able to reopen and later that year changed to permanently closed. In 2016 The Norman Transcript said the  house had been demolished and removed. This was confirmed by the president of the Bruce Goff focused preservation organization.

The Boston Avenue Methodist Church is located in downtown Tulsa Oklahoma. Construction on the church began in 1927 and ended in 1929. Bruce Goff was the architect of this iconic Tulsa church. The Church revealed the use of many building materials including metal, glass, Terra Cotta, and Indiana Limestone. Many of the people who aided Goff in the construction, and design of this building were also from Tulsa.

The Seattle Space Needle is an icon of the pacific northwest. It was originally built for the 1962 “World’s Fair” which drew over 2.3 million visitors. During the fair it was estimated that 20,000 people used its elevators each day.  When it was completed it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi; although, it no longer can claim that tittle the Space Needle is still a very impressive example of architecture. The Space Needle sports a 360 degree sky walk that enables visitors to obtain a commanding view of the Seattle area. The Needle also has a world famous restaurant that slowly rotates as visitors dine. When I was much younger I had the opportunity to visit the iconic building and it has left a lasting impression. Seattle is a great city to travel to and the Space Needle only adds to that experience.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is probably one of the most famous and recognizable castles in all of Europe.  The castle was founded by William the Conquer in 1078 and was a symbol of oppression. As well as a royal palace, the tower served as a prison, armory, royal mint, and treasury. Today the tower is still officially considered “Her majesty royal palace and fortress”, and is the location where the crown jewels are kept safe;however, it serves primarily a ceremonial role now. I’ve had the opportunity to visit The Tower of London once and I highly suggest anyone traveling in London to go see it.

Mont- Saint Michel

This castle monastery combination along the Northern French coast, looks like something right out of a story book. The location became the seat of the monastery from which it draws its name some time during the 8th century. During tidal shifts the Mont can become completely surrounded by water making it easy to defend when under siege. Today Mont Saint-Michel is a World Heritage sight with a population of 44 people.  I had the  pleasure of visiting this sight back in 2009 and it was one of the most spectacular locations I have ever visited. If you are ever in France near this area I highly suggest visiting it.

The Oklahoma State Capitol

In 1910 Oklahoma moved its capitol from Guthrie Oklahoma to the more centralized location of Oklahoma City. In 1914 plans were drawn up for the new capitol building, like many government buildings the architects chose a greco-roman design. In 1917 the capitol was completed; however, it was dome-less despite the original plans. In 1998 state legislatures and the governor enacted legislation for the construction of a dome. In 2001 work began on the dome and was completed in 2002. The dome sports a 22 foot tall bronze sculpture of a Native American warrior, appropriately called “The Guardian”.  Inside the capitol, visitors are awestruck by beautiful murals, craftsmanship, and art. When in the capitol it is easy to forget your in a state capitol and not in a government building of some ancient empire.  The capitol is one of my favorite buildings in  the country.

This is the “Oklahoma Black Gold” mural that adorns the entry way above the entrance to the senate floor. The Mural was commissioned in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry, Senator Kevin Easley is acknowledged in the capitol rotunda for his support of the project.