08 September, 2008

National Theatre Munich Postcard

Nationaltheater München (National Theatre Munich) on Max-Joseph-Platz is an opera house. After the first theatre, commissioned by King Maximilian 1st of Bavaria and designed by Karl von Fischer, which opened in 1818 with Die Weihe by Ferdinand Fränzl, was destroyed by fire in 1823, it was reconstructed and re-opened in 1825. This second theatre, designed by Leo von Klenze, incorporated Neo-Grec features as seen in its portico and triangular pediment.

National Theatre Munich Postcard

Based on the original plans by Karl von Fischer, the architect Gerhard Moritz Graubner recreated the original neo-classical 2100 seat theatre. Albeit somewhat enlarged and only the foyer and main staircase retaining their original look, the theatre opened on 22 November 1963 with a performance of Richard Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.

SOURCE:
National Theatre Munich Wikipedia Entry

07 September, 2008

Avalon Casino Theatre and Ballroom Postcard

The beautiful Art Deco Avalon Casino Theatre and Ballroom, located in Avalon on Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles, was constructed in 1929. The Casino's name derives from a more traditional Italian definition of casino, meaning social gathering place; the building has never served as a gambling establishment and for many years did not even serve alcoholic beverages.

Avalon Casino Theatre and Ballroom Postcard

The Casino was 140 feet (43 m) high when it was built and was the tallest building in Los Angeles County at the time. Surrounded by sea on three sides, the circular Art Deco structure stands the equivalent of 12 stories tall. The Avalon Theater, on the first level, shows first-run movies nightly. The circular domed ceiling has remarkable acoustics studied by experts from around the world. The upper level houses the world's largest circular ballroom with a 180-foot (55 m) diameter dance floor. French doors encircle the room, and balcony views are spectacular.

SOURCE:
Santa Catalina Island, California Wikipedia Entry

06 September, 2008

We Are Here - Philippine Location Postcard

This is also an over-sized postcard (12.5 x 17.5) postcard, an artwork by Wilfredo Santiago and distributed Philippine-German Magazine, Manila. It is a world map that shows the location of Philippines.

World Map Postcard

05 September, 2008

Philippine Map Postcard

This is an over-sized postcard (12.5 x 17.5) Philippine postcard, an artwork by Wilfredo Santiago and distributed Philippine-German Magazine, Manila. It shows the three island groups (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao), bodies of water that surrounds the country (i.e., Mindanao Sea, Pacific Ocean), some cities (e.i., Baguio City) and several provinces (i.e., Ilocos Norte, Basilan). Also shown is Sabah, a disputed Philippine territory.

Philippine Map Postcard

03 September, 2008

Fürstenberg Haus Postcard

The postcard shows the castle, or Fürstenberg Haus, in Donaueschingen which was built when Prince Joseph Wilhelm Ernst moved into this new planned town from his castle in the hills above in the 18th century. It is a Baroque building set next to the Schlosspark and source of the River Danube. Its interior is lovely, full of 19th century paintings, tapestries and many original furnishings. The building is open as a museum, allowing visitors to wander around the various rooms. Guided tours are available.

Fürstenberg Haus Postcard

SOURCES:
Fürstenberg Sammlungen
Das Haus Fürstenberg Homepage