"The best example of Byzantine mosaics in the US" open to tours Sun and Mon

If you are anywhere in the vicinity of Minneapolis, today and tomorrow you have an extraordinary opportunity to view the Byzantine mosaics of Lakewood Cemetery's Memorial Chapel. Complimentary guided tours will be available every half hour between Noon and 3:00 PM both days as the Chapel celebrates it's 100 anniversary.

Modeled after the Hagia Sophia on the outside, the inside of this beautiful building is covered top to bottom with glorious mosaics inspired by those found in the San Marco Cathedral in Venice. Mosaic designer Charles Lamb was commissioned in 1909 to design the mosaics at a cost of $25,000.

Lamb recruited six Roman mosaicists who had worked on the Vatican to create the mosaics in Italy and install them in the Chapel.

To quote a woman in Minnesota Public Radio's great story, " . . . you might as well go in and have your socks blown off."

Can't get there? No worries.

To download and view Lakewood's lovely brochure on the Chapel, click here

To listen to Minnesota NPR's great story about the Chapel and see more glorious photos

Lakewood Cemetery's memorial chapel marks 100 years | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ

Et cetera . . .

We were unable to find much about Charles Lamb on the web, however we did find J & R Lamb Studios of New York (1857-1999). The Library of Congress has images of over 2,500 original drawings and designs for sacred mosaics and stained glass works by the Studio. This archive is a treasure trove and a great way to spend a lazy Sunday. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/lamb/

Enjoy -- Nancie