Buffalo Savings Bank Gold Dome
A Beaux-Arts masterpiece featuring a dazzling gold-leafed dome and intricate interior murals, a testament to Buffalo's historic prosperity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Buffalo Savings Bank Gold Dome
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Beaux-Arts masterpiece featuring a dazzling gold-leafed dome and intricate interior murals, a testament to Buffalo's historic prosperity.
"An architectural marvel with a stunning gold dome and captivating interior murals."
📸 Photography Paradise
The gold dome and interior details are incredibly photogenic. Visit during the day for the best natural light!
🏛️ Step Back in Time
This building is a historical gem from 1901, showcasing the city's economic peak. Appreciate the Beaux-Arts style.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Gold Dome
Exterior and interior
A magnificent gold-leafed dome, 23 feet tall and 56 feet in diameter, covered in terra-cotta tiles.
Beaux-Arts Architecture
Exterior and interior
Admire the intricate details of this 1901 masterpiece designed by architects Green & Wicks.
Intricate Ceiling Murals
Interior dome ceiling
Stunning murals painted in 1926 by Frances, Davidson & Savage Painting Company adorn the dome's interior.
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Planning Your Visit
Admire the Gold Dome's Grandeur
Capture Architectural Brilliance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photography Paradise
The gold dome and interior details are incredibly photogenic. Visit during the day for the best natural light!
🏛️ Step Back in Time
This building is a historical gem from 1901, showcasing the city's economic peak. Appreciate the Beaux-Arts style.
✨ Gilded History
The dome has been gilded three times. Its original copper overlay turned green before being gilded.
📜 Architectural Insights
Designed by Green & Wicks, the building is a testament to Buffalo's architectural heritage.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Paradise
The gold dome and interior details are incredibly photogenic. Visit during the day for the best natural light!
🏛️ Step Back in Time
This building is a historical gem from 1901, showcasing the city's economic peak. Appreciate the Beaux-Arts style.
✨ Gilded History
The dome has been gilded three times. Its original copper overlay turned green before being gilded.
📜 Architectural Insights
Designed by Green & Wicks, the building is a testament to Buffalo's architectural heritage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Buffalo Savings Bank Gold Dome for its breathtaking Beaux-Arts architecture and the stunning gold-leafed dome. The intricate interior murals are also a major highlight, offering a glimpse into Buffalo's prosperous past. While it's an active bank, the ability to admire its grandeur during business hours is highly appreciated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Buffalo Savings Bank Gold Dome is located at 545 Main St, Buffalo, NY. It's easily accessible by car, and public transportation options are available in downtown Buffalo. Parking may be available in nearby garages or street parking.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options in the vicinity of the Buffalo Savings Bank Gold Dome. It's advisable to check local parking apps for real-time availability and rates.
Absolutely! Downtown Buffalo is well-served by public transportation. Several bus routes stop near Main Street, making it convenient to reach the M&T Bank branch housed in the historic Buffalo Savings Bank building.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a ticket to see the exterior of the Buffalo Savings Bank Gold Dome. The building currently houses an M&T Bank branch, and visitors can typically enter the lobby to admire the interior architecture during banking hours.
Since it's an active M&T Bank branch, the visiting hours are generally aligned with standard banking hours, typically Monday through Friday, and sometimes Saturday mornings. It's best to check M&T Bank's specific branch hours for the 545 Main St location.
There is no admission fee to enter the lobby and admire the architecture of the Buffalo Savings Bank Gold Dome. It's a public space during banking hours.
Yes, you can go inside the Buffalo Savings Bank Gold Dome during M&T Bank's operating hours. The lobby and the area beneath the dome are accessible to the public.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior offers stunning views, especially from street level. For interior shots, the area beneath the dome provides a breathtaking perspective of the murals and architecture. Drone shots can capture the full grandeur of the dome.
Photography is generally allowed inside the M&T Bank branch, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of bank operations and other customers. Avoid flash photography that might disrupt the environment.
Daytime hours offer the best natural light to capture the gold leaf and architectural details. Early morning or late afternoon can provide softer light and fewer crowds.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Completed in 1901, the Buffalo Savings Bank building is a prime example of Beaux-Arts architecture. It was built during Buffalo's economic peak and features a prominent gold-leafed dome and intricate interior murals. +1
The Buffalo Savings Bank Gold Dome is a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts architecture, designed by Buffalo architects Green & Wicks. +1
The dome is covered in gold leaf, measures 23 feet tall and 56 feet in diameter, and is made of 13,500 terra-cotta tiles. It has been gilded three times throughout its history.
Yes, the interior boasts stunning murals on the ceiling of the dome, painted in 1926 by the Frances, Davidson & Savage Painting Company.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since it's an active bank, visits are best kept brief and respectful. Consider it a quick stop to marvel at the building's splendor during a broader exploration of downtown Buffalo. It's a great way to introduce children to historical architecture in a real-world setting, far more engaging than a textbook.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside, the dome's interior with its murals presents a stunning canvas. Be mindful of banking operations and other visitors, but capture the scale and artistry. Drone photography, if permitted and safe, can provide unparalleled aerial views of the dome's expanse.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: Beaux-Arts Brilliance
The most striking feature is undoubtedly the magnificent gold-leafed dome. This iconic element, measuring 23 feet in height and 56 feet in diameter, is constructed from 13,500 terra-cotta tiles. Originally covered in copper that developed a green patina, the dome has undergone three gilding processes to maintain its lustrous golden appearance. This enduring shine makes it a prominent landmark visible from various points in the city.
Beyond the exterior, the interior of the building is equally captivating. The ceiling of the dome is adorned with intricate murals, completed in 1926 by the Frances, Davidson & Savage Painting Company. These artistic works add another layer of historical and aesthetic value, transforming the space into a visual masterpiece. The combination of architectural prowess and artistic embellishment makes the Buffalo Savings Bank a must-see for anyone interested in historical buildings and design.
A Glimpse into Buffalo's Past
The building's presence on Main Street is a reminder of a time when downtown Buffalo was a bustling hub of commerce and culture. The disappearance of surrounding blocks over time, as noted in community discussions, hints at the ever-changing urban fabric, making preserved structures like this even more valuable. Visiting the Buffalo Savings Bank offers a tangible connection to this vibrant past, allowing visitors to imagine the city as it was during its most prosperous years.
Today, as an M&T Bank branch, the building continues to serve a financial purpose while preserving its historical significance. This adaptive reuse ensures that the architectural beauty and historical narrative of the Buffalo Savings Bank are maintained for future generations to appreciate. It stands as a proud symbol of Buffalo's enduring legacy and its architectural heritage.
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