I'm designing blue prints for a room right now that's going to have multiple cases recessed into the walls with the front of the glass actually flush to the wall. Your room is very impressive. Do you have any before and after pics of the room (I'm assuming you built it that way) when it was constructed?[/QUOTE]
Just a IMO comment about having the shelves recessed into the wall. I know it will look great and less cluttered, the disadvantage of this is that you will not get a great view on the sides.
If you decide you will recess after all (and this will still look GREAT), I would suggest, if it is feasable, having tables underneath that turn the statue round and round. Have seen this on a small scale and is impressive. Not all at once of course, it might get spinny, lol.