Art & Architecture
Since the lab's earliest days, Fermilab's art and architecture have been an important part of its identity. The lab's first director, Robert R. Wilson, was a skilled sculptor, and his conditions for accepting the position included that the new lab feature "good architecture" and that he be given broad control over the design of the lab's buildings. One of his first priorities as lab director was to hire an artist, Angela Gonzales, to shape the lab's aesthetic identity. On this page, you can explore historical articles and other information related to the lab's art and architecture.
Remember that the historical articles are reproduced directly from the original lab publications and reflect the state of the lab and scientific knowledge at the times they were written. Check the dates on the articles to place them in their proper context.
Art
Angela Gonzalez
Angela Gonzales was one of the earliest employees hired by first lab director Robert R. Wilson, and her artistic vision shaped the lab's visual identity. She selected the bold blues, oranges, and reds of the lab's color palette, designed the lab's iconic logo, and created intricate covers for the lab's publications, among many other things. You can learn more about Gonzales in the links below.
- Making an Art of Science: High-Energy Artist Says Goodbye — August 14, 1998
- In Memoriam: Angela Gonzales — October 21, 2015
- Fermilab’s Pioneering Artist Angela Gonzales Featured in New Art Show — May 13, 2017
- Angela Gonzales Gallery
Sculpture
The lab's first director, Robert R. Wilson, was a skilled sculptor, and he brought his aesthetic sensibilities to the new lab. The lab features many permanent pieces of distinctive sculpture. You can learn more about sculptures by Wilson and others at the lab in the articles below.
Robert R. Wilson Sculpture
- Overview of Robert R. Wilson's Sculpture and Architecture
- Bell Tower
- The NAL Village Bell — September 1969
- Power Poles
- Design Unique Power Poles for NAL — December 3, 1970
- Aging Utility Poles — February 19, 1999
- Pi Pole Replacement Complete — September 27, 2007
- The Archimedes Spiral
- From Archimedes to Evanescence - NAL's Water Supply — April 5, 1973
- Mobius Strip
- Mobius Band — July 18, 1974
- Wildlife Signs of Summer — July 7, 1977 (Link to an article in the "Site and Natural History" section that mentions the sculpture)
- The Hyperbolic Obelisk
- Wilson Metal Sculpture Erected — May 25, 1978
- Photo Gallery
- Broken Symmetry
- 21 Tons of Art — June 22, 1978
- Tractricious
- Tractricious — August 12, 1988
- Capacitor Tree
- "CapTree" to Bloom Anew — April 21, 1989
Other Sculpture
- Soviet Sculpture Arrives at Fermilab — June 10, 1976
- More Art from E-288 — December 29, 1977
- Cyclotron Electromagnet Becomes New Outdoor Display — June 8, 1978
Art Gallery
Shortly after the completion of Wilson Hall in 1973, the space originally known as the second floor lounge began being used for temporary exhibits of artwork. The earliest recorded exhibit of artwork on the second floor lounge was an exhibit of work by Sir Jacob Epstein in April and May 1975. Saundra Poces became the gallery director in 1980, at which time the space officially became known as the Fermilab Art Gallery. It currently hosts several exhibits a year.
- List of art gallery shows at the lab, 1975-2020
- Photography Show Opens at Fermilab — August 28, 1975
- MacKay Appointed Gallery Manager — November 4, 1994
- Fermilab Launches Artist-in-Residence Program — November 10, 2014
Architecture
Wilson Hall
Robert Rathbun Wilson Hall, the central laboratory building for Fermilab, is the heart of the 6,800 acre site. Following an architectural design competition among the DUSAF firms, it was built between 1971 and 1974. The design was acknowledged in 1975 with an award from the Society of American Registered Architects. The building was named for Wilson on September 18, 1980.Design of Wilson Hall
- "The Architect's Point of View" by Alan H. Rider — March 1976
- Central Laboratory Named in Honor of Robert R. Wilson — September 11, 1980
- Starting Fermilab - Wilson's thoughts and ideas for the central laboratory building — 1987 (Link to article in the "Golden Books" section)
Construction of Wilson Hall
- The Core in the "Footprint" — March 5, 1970
- Work Proceeds of Phase I of Central Laboratory Building — April 1, 1971
- Controls Group First to Move into Central Lab Building — January 20, 1972
- Interior Planning for High-Rise — February 22, 1973
- The Last Bucket of Cement Goes Up — April 12, 1973
- Wilson Hall Construction Press Release — April 11, 1973
- Office Landscaping — April 12, 1973
- There's New People in the Central Laboratory Building — June 7, 1973
- Central Laboratory Greening Continues — September 11, 1975
Geodesic Dome
The Geodesic Dome stands atop a building originally called the Bubble Chamber Building in the Neutrino Area of the lab's Fixed Target Area. The panels of the dome were originally constructed using soft drink cans in 1971. In 1982, the dome was clad in copper sheeting.- Seek Empty Beverage Cans for NAL Design Effort — January 7, 1971
- Still More Soft Drink Cans Needed... — March 25, 1971
- Discarded Beverage Can Panels Completed for Geodesic Dome — July 29, 1971
- Geodesic Dome at Lab A Receives Copper Face Lift — December 16, 1982
Proton Pagoda
The Proton Pagoda was built to house the control room for the Proton Area of the lab's Fixed Target Areas. Its design was based on a rejected design for the lab's central laboratory. It was constructed in 1976 and features a double-helix staircase.- The Proton Pagoda Model — April 12, 1973
Meson Laboratory
The Meson Laboratory was constructed during 1972 and features a distinctive blue and orange roof constructed of corrugated steel arches.- Roof Repairs Ready for Leaky Meson Lab — September 29, 2006