Nationality Rooms Cathedral of Learning By: Alexandra Spallek

The Chinese Room

The Chinese room is very decorated. On the ceiling are many red and gold designs, corresponding with the rest of the room. In the center of the ceiling, right above the table is 5 clawed dragon. Also, at the door, there are two laughing lions, which resemble good luck. There are also heroes and important educational heroes written on the wall. Confucius is portrayed on the back wall in stone. Buddhism symbols are also found on the chalkboard doors.

The Czech Republic Room

The Czechoslovakia room represents the nation’s love for education, nature, and their good leaders. Their good leaders are shown on the ceiling above the blackboard. The glass case shows different examples of Bohemian crystal, historical photographs, and embroidery. This is to show the nation’s culture.

French Room

The French Room This is a 17 th century Napoleon style room. There are symbols of the countries “conquered” by Napoleon: Greece, Egypt and Italy. Not only is the room show its countries history, but it also is well designed. The room has a lot of golden designs in it. But not only are the small designs gold, but also the window’s drapes. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling. On the back of the room is a picture of a unicorn. The tale of the unicorn is: If a hunter catches a unicorn, he will get the maiden of his dreams.

The German Room

The German Room is made up different aspects of German culture. Not only is it shown academically with the University Crests on the Wall, but their culture is also shown in the room. On the walls of the room are the names of famous German composers including Bach and Brahms are carved onto the wall. Also, the famous Grimm’s Brothers fairy tales can be found on the stain glass windows.

The Irish Room

The Irish Room is modeled after a 12 th century oratory. Monks would sit and copy the gospels of the Bible while sitting in a similar room to this one. This stone room is lavishly carved from above the doorframe and blackboard. Not only is the ceiling decorated, but the backs of the chairs also. The handles of the chairs were carved dog heads, which would protect the monks from disturbance.

The Lithuanian Room

Above the blackboard names of famous Lithuanians are carved. On the back wall is a fresco called, “The Two Kings”, in which shows two kings holding the most precious belonging of Lithuania, the village. Lithuania had the forbidden language. A small wooden sculpture, called the “School of Sorrows”, seen on the windowsill, shows woman secretly showing her child how to read Lithuanian.

The Polish Room

This is a 16 th century Polish Renaissance Room, which was inspired by the Wawel Castle in Cracow. This room does not only have a walnut seminar table, but also a enlarged replica of the 8-inch Jagiellonian Globe. The room’s inspiration itself has an interesting history. The room has a mix of Polish and Italian culture. When King Sigismund married an Italian Princess.

The Romanian Room

This room has a large religious aspect, Christian Byzantine. This is shown through the mosaic on the wall, and the iron gate which models a balcony to go out for prayer. Also the theme through this room is “don’t give up”, which represented in the room’s making. This room has is made very nicely. Not only does this room have a pink marble floor, but it also has intricate designs on the walls. The back wall has a beautiful mosaic. There are also many carvings around the door.

The Scottish Room

The Scottish Room is modeled after a gentry style home. In this room you see the national symbol, the thistle, which helped the Scottish win the war. The room has many small items that signify its independence. The room is greatly decorated with many statues and decorative cabinets. On the wall are many famous authors, for example people who wrote Peter Pan and Treasure Island. The windows have flower drapes. The crests of Scottish Universities are also found in this room.

The Swedish Room

This room is modeled after a typical famer’s home. Since the weather in Sweden is cold, the fire place and the slanted ceiling keep the room warm. The walls are made of 200 year old brick and are, by tradition, covered with white-wash. Although the room is modeled after a country cottage, the murals are painted with the 18 th century artist style. The ceiling has many colorful paintings, with a lot of purposeful mistakes. On the back wall has a painting of the 3 wise men on it, giving the room a religious aspect.

Bibliography Pictures: Information (Includes information from tour of rooms) :