Browse Exhibits (15 total)
The Sacred Spaces of Early Islamic/Umayyad Architecture
Architectural structures within the Middle East, Northern Africa, Europe, and numerous countries in Asia have consistently evolved and become innovative, to create memorable sites for the world to view. Most notably, Islamic architecture is considered the primary form within the regions, with the addition of the subfields: Ottoman, Iranian, and Azerbaijani architectures, while also incorporating European influences, that contributes to the form. While Islamic architecture came to be known in the 7th century when the religion, Islam was created, the “ancestor” towards this type of architecture was Umayyad architecture. Importantly, Umayyad architecture dominated the Middle East, Northen Africa, and Spain, and walked, for Islamic architecture to run. Developed from the use of Roman, Byzantine, and Sassanian Persian styles, Umayyad architecture, also known as Early Islamic architecture, incorporated local traditions, while beginning to adapt Islamic principles and beliefs, from creating large dome structures intended to form a mosque, to incorporating mosaic art. The following exhibition will illustrate a myriad of Umayyad structures throughout numerous regions, and how the development of this form, allowed the creation of Islamic architecture.
Buildings Through Time In Mexico City
Mexico City has rich history and a huge relationship between architecture and culture. From Aztec ruins to colonial Spanish to modern landmarks this exhibition brings together ten of the most symbolic landmarks to revel layers of history, identity, and culture that has helped shaped Mexico City today. Places like the National Palace, Angel of Independence and Chapultepec Castle are reflections of Mexico’s national story of independence, empire, and modern government. Areas like Alameda Castle and Palacio show how public spaces have shaped throughout centuries socially, culturally and commercially. Mexico’s city’s landmarks form a continuous story of cultural resilience, artistic expression, and national identity. By exploring sites such as civic spaces, monuments, temples and churches, we are able to understand how each building in that time period left its mark on the city’s culture. This will show how history, architecture and everyday life intersect with each other. This exhibition will reveal Mexico’s layered past and its current future.
Todai-ji Complex : Rebuilding, Adapting, Transforming
Todai-ji was built as a monument of prayer for the nation as it faced numerous disasters. It also served to control religious teachings and authority in a centralized place. Erected in Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, Todai-ji has gone through many reconstructions and restorations. Today it sits as a testament to the blending of old and new, the wll of the nation to survive and adapt. Not only are modern architecture techniques used to reinforce the structures without affecting the ancient facades, but modern facilities dot the complex to provide modern convenience to visitors. This exhibition will explore some of the buildings in Todai-ji complex that showcase this encapsulation of contempory Japanese building along ancient techniques. From Ancient Gates to Museums and a thousand year old bronze statue that remains to this date the largest bronze depiction of the Buddha Vairocana.
Persian Mosque Architecture: Geometry, Color, and Meaning
The exhibition explores how Persian mosque architecture developed its distinctive visual features through geometric design, muqarnas, and blue coloration. It begins by showing how these designs evolved across historic Persia and its Persian-speaking regions, which include Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Persian builders advanced geometric patterns into complex spiritual visual systems through their sophisticated design work. The exhibition highlights both the creation methods of these designs and their vital role in forming sacred spaces. The combination of star patterns, grids, and polygonal shapes symbolizes both divine order and limitless divine creativity. Muqarnas architectural sculpture transformed into a three-dimensional form that guides viewers to ascend toward divine realms for spiritual growth. The use of turquoise and lapis lazuli pigments for blue surfaces fosters a peaceful environment for prayer, as these colors symbolize divine presence, the sky, and purity. The exhibition shows how mosques across the Persian region share architectural elements that evolved into a shared cultural identity. The meaning of these shapes and colors goes beyond decoration, reflecting core religious values that continue to influence Persian cultural heritage today.