Of the five chief courts of the main architectural ensemble, the two
minor courts, the Court of Palms and the Court of Flowers, while lacking
the more imposing size, dignity and symbolism of the three interior
courts, largely compensate by their sense of intimacy, warmth and quiet
charm. With their sheltered location and sunny atmosphere, due to
southern exposure, and with the enchantment of architecture, sculpture,
painting, color and landscape effects with which they are richly
endowed, they are not only joyous and satisfying, but restful in an
unusual combination and degree. Both courts were designed by George W.
Kelham of San Francisco.

The Court of Palms lies between the Palace of Education and the Palace
of Liberal Arts; enclosed on the third or north side by the Court of the
Four Seasons, it is open on its southern exposure to the Avenue of Palms
and the Palace of Horticulture which lies directly opposite. It is a
long oval in shape, its proportions well balanced, and its effect of
dignity and quiet accented by the two sunken pools and the effective
planting of palms from which the court takes its name.



Court of Palms
Portal, Palace of Education

In architecture, the Court of Palms is Italian Renaissance. The entire
length of its oval is encircled by a colonnade, pierced by three deep
portals which are identical in treatment and which are especially fine
examples of the Roman arch. Their dignity is enhanced by the Italian
cypresses which flank them on either side. The portals open respectively