The South Gardens, Festival Hall And The Palace Of Horticulture

If there is one portion of the Exposition building scheme that does not seem to "belong" to the main group of palaces, it is that which lies south of the Avenue of Palms, including the South Gardens, Festival Hall, and the Palace of Horticulture. The relation of the two buildings to the main courts and palaces is clear: Festival Hall terminating the cross axis through the Court of Abundance and the Court of Flowers; the Palace of Horticulture terminating the cross axis through the Court of the Four Seasons and the Court of Palms. But though the organic relationship is apparent, the least discriminating of critics can see that these buildings are of an architectural style not in harmony with the central group of palaces. Both structures lack that fine sense of proportion and that simple and impressive dignity which characterize the architecture of the courts; and both are more or less pretentious and ornate.