Under the Dome | West Baden Springs Hotel

Back in 1446, Brunelleschi’s dome for Florence Cathedral pushed bricks and mortar to the limit. In order to crown the West Baden Hotel in Indiana with an even bigger dome, engineers would have to find a better building material.
At the turn of the 20th century West Baden Springs in Indiana was one of America’s most popular spa towns. Local entrepreneur Colonel Lee Sinclair wanted to cash in on the boom and build a luxury hotel for the wealthy visitors. He demanded that his grand building should be finished off with the biggest dome in the world.
Sinclair’s architect knew he couldn’t build such a big dome with bricks and mortar, but he found inspiration at the cutting edge of 19th century technology. He turned to a bridge engineer to help him build his dome - they locked bridge trusses around a central hub, these supported a roof made from tiles and glass, together they formed the grand atrium of West Baden Springs Hotel.
The hotel opened in 1902 to rave reviews, often dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World!
Watch the full Dome documentary here - • Superdomes - Extreme E...
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[@hilyardholler7326]

I have lived around this area for 50 years and I go to the dome a couple times a year. Every time I walk into that big beautiful dome my mind immediately sores into thoughts of times of old. I wish everyone could see it.

[@brad8183]

My family and I stayed at the West Baden hotel in French Lick Indiana last Christmas and also rode the Polar Express train ride. The hotel is very beautiful and the dome is breathtaking. The Casino is a short tram bus away if gambling is something you enjoy.

[@photosbyjf]

I went to school there in 1976 before this latest remodel. The center carpeted area was not level due to pressure from the spring underneath. the area was patched over with concrete and I used to roller skate there

[@eagleeye761]

A great place for empty nesters to spend Spring Break... the West Baden Hotel... not the FrenchLick Hotel... that's for people with children... more kid activities...