original 1930 ornamental nicely patianted or oxidized stamped copper roof panel from the reconstructed palace of fine arts

original 1930 mounted ornamental oxidized copper roof tile salvaged from the musuem of science and industry building (also known as the reconstructed fine arts buildings from 1893 world's columbian exposition) during exterior restoration in 1993. a limited number of the copper roof tiles were saved for mounting on custom-designed oak wood freestanding plaques with placards on front and verso. 

additional image shows aerial view of the palace of fine arts building (1893) during its reconstruction in the 1920's. the design for the building was handed to charles atwood after john root died suddenly of pneumonia in january of 1891 (sadly, atwood would succumb to opiate addiction nearly four years later around the time reliance was completed).
unlike the majority of buildings erected during the 1893 chicago world's fair, the fine arts building was built with a brick and steel frame under its ornamental staff (plaster and portland cement mixture) facade.
the structure's exterior was reconstructed in the late 1920's - the original brick and steel frame was left intact - using bedford limestone. the interior was given an art deco treatment, designed by alfred p. shaw.

image courtesy of bldg. 51 archive.