Evening star., 1959-11-23
Symbol of the Nation


official groups have greeted plans for
the National Cultural Center is fully
understandable. now that the concepts
of architect Edward Durell Stone have
been made public. The proposals, which
were described in The Star yesterday,
are monumental in scope, but drastic
measures are necessary to supply facil-
tiles which for too long have been so
conSpicuouSly lacking in the Capital of
a great Nation.
AS enviSioned so attractively by Mr..
Stone, the center would cost SCI million
about the cost of three B-58 bomberS.
This, of course, would be an unattain-
able figure if the center were contem-
plated as civic enterprise of the Dis
trict of Columbia. Nor could purely
local needs justify the facilities pro-
posed on such a grand scale for opera,
symphony, drama and the other per-
forming arts
The essence of Mr.. Stones scheme,
however, is that this is not local VEN
ture, but a national one-designed as a
symbol of the cultural maturity of
great country" Here would come opera
companies, great orcheStraS, expert
mental theater groups and artists, not
only from every part Of America, but
from around the world. A grand salon."
focal point of the single architectural
complex, would provide at last suitable
setting for great functions of state. The
imposing structure, literally overhang-
ing the Potomac, might we'll become a
symbolic gateway" to the United States
for distinguished foreign visitors.
1t is with such things in mind that
trustees Of the center, headed by Secre-
tary Flemrhing Of the Health, Education
and Welfare Department, wisely intend
to invite a committee of several thou
sand sponsors" from all over the Nation
to meet here in February, and organize
a vast public Embarrassing drive. Fully
two years will be required to perfect the
physical plans, leaving ample time to
mobilize this grass roots campaign. The
financial goal is ambitious indeed, but
there is big encouragement in the sup
port already voiced for the project
from President Eisenhower on down.
We have only admiration for the
basic design, which fortunately has been
highly Endorsed by the Fine Arts Com
mission, the National Capital Planning
Commission, the District Commissioners
and the National Park Service. The early
and apparently complete unanimity of
these groups on project of such i'm
portance-particularl in the carefully
guarded Lincoln Memorial area-iS as
unusual as it is welcome.
At the start, Mr.. Stone had tight
ly restricted site at his disposal Despite
this, he managed to turn deficiencies
into assets BY planning all the elements
under single roof, making an unbroken
sweep to the river, he simultaneously
solved both eSthetic problems and the
practical difficulties of traffic and park
ing. Further modification, no doubt, will
be required in re-routing the Rock
Creek and Potomac parkway to the east
Of the center. And Congress must au-
thorize slight extension of the site
before the plan can be fulfilled. This
request should be granted quickly, how
ever, since no further Federal funds are
required.
All in all, the plan is in the best
traditions of L'Enfant-an architectural
effect which was uppermost in Mr..
Stones mind. We congratulate him and
the sponsors of the project on an ex-
cellent start, and wish them every sue
cess in the steps ahead.