An Exclusive Look Inside Detroit's Masonic Temple (Great Design Details!)

Lush textiles in deep colors lend richness and warmth to large rooms;
jewel tone and gold accents add drama.

To find amazing examples of design and attention to detail, we need look no further than Detroit's historic landmark structures.

Masonic Temple is no exception, and it has an interesting backstory as well (read on for more).

Local Detroit-area photographer Bruno P. Vanzieleghem recently enjoyed a tour of the historic building, and took some amazing shots -- which thought we were well worth sharing.  (View the full album of Bruno's Masonic Temple photos.)

Ceiling detail and light fixture at Detroit's Masonic Temple.

"Masonic Temple has over 1,000 rooms. Of those rooms, 142 are men’s bathrooms while only 8 are designated for women. Many of us have visited some of these rooms. The Masons are masters of hiding symbolism and messaging in plain sight," says Shannon Saksewski at AwesomeMitten.com.

"For example, at either end of the main entryway on Temple St. are the words 'veritas' (truth) and 'fortitudo' (strength). Freemasons stress the importance of living in line with these two virtues. When entering and departing the building, one is reminded to continue to strive to meet this expectation. Indeed, architect George D. Mason designed the building so that members and visitors could literally stand between, and in line with, these words." Read more about Masonic Temple.