Above, an HST image processed to provide a "typical" image of the galaxy. Even in this image dark dust lanes in the outer part of the galaxy dramatically display its spiral nature; but fainter dust lanes near the center are swamped by the glare from the nucleus.
(Credit The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA), NASA) Below, a reworked version of the image above reduces glare from the nucleus, allowing spiral structure to be seen within the central regions, as well.
(Credit NASA, The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA), apod080308)