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[Lore] The Veiled Garden & Bohemian Club


Blueblood

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The Veiled Garden & Bohemian Club

 

In the midst of Canterlot's low-rent district lies one of the quaintest and most fascinating bits of architecture in Equestria: a pub that is, in the most literal sense possible, inside out.  It presents to the outside word a utilitarian and frankly ugly windowless facade of grey, crumbling stone.  Above the only door is carved the name of the establishment, "The Veiled Garden."

 

But if a pony were to walk through this door, they would immediately receive the impression that they had walked out into a spacious and airy patio, with a bar to the left, tables and chairs set out anyhow in the middle, and a slightly area to the right, reminiscent of a stage.  The whole is covered by a latticed roof of wood, and beyond the supporting beams can be seen a garden.  

 

The garden is full of bushes, hanging plants, and flowers, which fill the air of the place with a fresh, sweet scent continually.  The arrangement of the landscape, combined with a few strategically placed mirrors, gives the illusion of an open area in front of one, as if the whole were not enclosed within four stone walls in the middle of the city!

 

The origins of this establishment are as singular as its design.  It dates back to a time when the artistic world of Equestria was wholly dependent upon aristocratic patrons, and was therefore dictated to by their taste... or lack thereof.  During one period, about 830 CY, the overall aesthetic demanded had become so apalling that the artistic community could stand it no longer!  They began to congregate around a this pub, which was much more ordinary back then, in order to offer mutual commiseration and support.

 

Over time, this developed into what would be known as the Bohemian Club, a gathering of artists, actors, writers, journalists, and other reprobates.  When a large commission would leave one of its members temporarily flush with bits, they would take them to the club, in order to support their fellow creative types making work of actual merit, as well as improving their place of meeting.  Over time, this led to the gradual independence of Equestria's art community, which experienced a new florescence paralleled by the transformation of their headquarters into the Veiled Garden as it is today!

 

Even today, the Bohemian Club still serves its original mission: to support the free play of art and ideas.  Anypony engaged in creative work is eligible for membership, which entitles them to criticism, reviews, collaboration, and sponsorship, all of which are given generously.  Even if one is not a member, they may still share a drink among those congregated around the Veiled Garden, which still holds the atmosphere of its original clientele, the origins of Equestria's first counter-culture.

-Beyond the Tourist Trap: A True Globetrotter's Guide to the Real Equestria

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