1 – The Garvan Institute in Sydney, Australia
The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, a distinguished biomedical research institution in Australia, captures attention with its incorporation of the old St Vincent’s Hospital Nurses Home. Standing tall within the building is an iconic DNA-inspired spiral staircase, skillfully designed by Australian architect Ken Woolley. With 6.5 complete revolutions and spanning across five stories, this spiral marvel is a sight to behold.
2 – The Vatican Museum in Rome, Italy
Among the most photographed spiral staircases globally, the breathtaking spiral staircase at the Vatican Museum in Rome leaves visitors astounded. Designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932, it is fondly referred to as a double helix staircase. Its unique feature lies in the presence of two separate helixes, one spiraling upwards and the other downwards, that elegantly intertwine at the center. Long before the double helix symbolized scientific advancements, DNA, and the essence of human life, this architectural masterpiece was born.
3 – The Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Renowned for its extraordinary craftsmanship, the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe houses an incredibly distinctive spiral staircase. This staircase gained fame due to its intriguing origin and unparalleled carpentry skills. According to legend, when the chapel was first constructed, the nuns faced a challenge of accessing the choir loft. In their desperation, they engaged in a nine-day novena seeking the intercession of St. Joseph. On the day following the novena, an unidentified man arrived at the chapel and offered to build them a staircase, but he requested complete privacy during the construction.
For three solitary months, the mysterious carpenter toiled away inside the chapel, crafting a spiral staircase entirely out of non-native wood. As soon as he completed his work, he vanished without a trace, leaving behind an enduring marvel. To this day, some speculate that St. Joseph himself manifested in the form of the carpenter, guiding his hands throughout the construction process.
4 – The Queen’s House, England
Gracefully adorning the Queen’s House, the Tulip Stairs showcase the very first geometric self-supporting spiral staircase in Britain. While dubbed the “Tulip Stairs,” the wrought iron balustrade actually features fleurs-de-lis, the symbol of the Bourbon family, to which Queen Henrietta Maria belonged. This architectural triumph serves as a testament to innovative design and structural ingenuity.
5 – Umschreibungstairs, Munich, Germany
An awe-inspiring sight, the Umschreibungstairs in Munich, Germany presents a thirty-foot-tall double helix spiral staircase. Regrettably, these stairs lead to nowhere and are off-limits for climbing. However, Danish artist Olafur Eliasson designed this staircase as a profound statement piece. Situated in the courtyard of the esteemed accounting firm KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft, this art installation captivates onlookers with its intricate form and mesmerizing presence.
Feel Inspired to Create Your Own Spiral Staircase?
After witnessing the magnificence of these five remarkable staircases, you may find yourself eager to add a beautiful spiral staircase to your own home. If so, contact us at [website url] or give us a call at 0121 351 1533. Our experts will happily discuss your options and help turn your staircase dreams into reality.
Image credits: Theodore Barons, Rotatebot, and Raupach
