Iconic. It defines, for Americans, what a stock market "should" look like. It's a shame you never see this level of detail or ornamentation go into modern construction.
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Architect: George B. Post, addition Trowbridge & Livingston
Year Completed: 1903, addition 1923
Location: 8 Broad Street, New York City, New York
The architects practicing in the eastern United States were strongly influenced by classical architecture. This was partially due to the fact that many of them studied architecture at the École des Beaux Arts (School of Fine Arts) in Paris. The Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago promoted this classically-inspired view of architecture and ensured that it would be the architecture used for many years after the fair was over.
The New York Stock Exchange is a good example of this classically-inspired architecture. In the picture at the left, you can clearly see the influence of a Greek or Roman temple. The large columns supporting the ornate pediment are common in Greek and Roman architecture.
George B. Post designed the original building that was completed in 1903. In 1923, a twenty-two story addition was added designed by Trowbridge & Livingston.
The first picture above shows a detail of the pediment sculpture by John Quincy Adams Ward and Paul W. Bartlett. Apparently, the figures in this sculpture became deteriorated over time and had to be replaced. Since the Stock Exchange felt that the loss of this sculpture would cause people to perceive the Stock Exchange as vulnerable, the replacement was done secretively.
Unfortunately, the front of the building is now covered up with a large flag which makes it difficult to take proper photographs of the building. The first picture above is several years older than the other two pictures, which were taken in 2005.
source:http://www.michael.leland.name/newyork/nyse.html