the MET to open exhibition of 20th century architect paul rudolph

metropolitan museum of art explores a Modernist’s legacy

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City will host its first-ever major museum exhibition dedicated to the work of Paul Rudolph, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. This exhibition will highlight Rudolph’s contributions to modern architecture and his enduring influence on the field. Spanning his early work in the 1950s to his later projects in the 1970s, the show will provide a comprehensive look at his architectural vision and legacy. Titled Materialized Space: The Architecture of Paul Rudolph, the exhibition will be on view from September 30th, 2024 until March 16th, 2025.

Paul Rudolph emerged as a leading figure in the second wave of modernist architects during the 1950s and 1960s. Known for his bold, expressive use of space and materials, Rudolph’s work often incorporated complex, interlocking volumes and textures that set him apart from his contemporaries. This exhibition aims to shed light on the diverse range of his architectural practice, featuring over eighty artifacts, including architectural drawings, models, furniture, material samples, and photographs.

Paul Rudolph (American, 1918-1997), Perspective section drawing of the Art and Architecture Building, Yale University, New Haven, 1958, Pen and ink, graphite, and plastic film with halftone pattern, on illustration board, 36 7/8 x 53 5/8 x 2 in. (93.6 x 136.2 x 5.1 cm), School of Architecture, Yale University, Manuscripts and Archives, Yale University Library

paul rudolph’s Unbuilt concepts

One of the key highlights of the Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s exhibition, Materialized Space: The Architecture of Paul Rudolph, will be the display of Rudolph’s designs for the Lower Manhattan Expressway / City Corridor project. The ambitious unbuilt urban plan, conceptualized between 1967 and 1972 to address traffic congestion in New York City, was designed as a massive elevated roadway. Rudolph’s radical approach integrated residential, commercial, and public spaces into the expressway’s design, reflecting his belief in architecture’s potential to shape and improve urban living conditions. The exhibition will showcase detailed drawings and models from this project, offering visitors insight into his innovative and futuristic urban planning ideas.

Paul Rudolph (American, 1918-1997), Perspective drawing of the Lower Manhattan Expressway / City Corridor project (unbuilt), New York, ca. 1967–72, Ink on tracing paper, 21 1/2 x 30 in. (54.6 x 76.2 cm), Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress

brutalism Embodied

Another significant feature of the exhibition is Rudolph’s celebrated Art and Architecture Building at Yale University, completed in 1958. This structure is considered a masterpiece of Brutalist architecture, characterized by its rugged concrete facade and intricate interior spaces. The building’s design highlights Rudolph’s skillful use of concrete and his ability to create dynamic, interconnected spaces that engage the viewer. Drawings and photographs of this iconic building will be on display, illustrating Rudolph’s architectural philosophy and his contribution to the Brutalist movement.

Rudolph’s design for the Tuskegee Institute Chapel in Tuskegee, Alabama, now known as the Tuskegee University Chapel, will also be featured in the exhibition. Designed in 1960, this chapel demonstrates Rudolph’s ability to blend modernist principles with the cultural and historical context of its surroundings. The chapel’s soaring arches and light-filled interior reflect his innovative use of space and materials to create a place of serenity and reflection. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to view architectural drawings and photographs that capture the essence of this iconic structure.

Paul Rudolph (American, 1918-1997), Perspective section drawing of the Lower Manhattan Expressway / City Corridor project (unbuilt), New York, 1972, Ink and graphite on paper, 40 x 33 1/2 in. (101.6 x 85.1 cm), The Museum of Modern Art, New York, Gift of the Howard Gilman Foundation (1290.2000)

early works

The exhibition will also include materials related to one of Rudolph’s earliest and most famous projects, the Walker Guest House on Sanibel Island, Florida, built in 1952. This small, single-story structure exemplifies Rudolph’s early experimentation with modular design and prefabrication. Its simplicity and functional elegance laid the groundwork for his later, more complex works. Models and photographs of the Walker Guest House will be on display, highlighting Rudolph’s innovative approach to residential design.

Materialized Space: The Architecture of Paul Rudolph offers a rare opportunity to explore the breadth of Rudolph’s architectural career. By showcasing a wide range of artifacts from his office, including personal items and work-related materials, the exhibition provides a holistic view of his creative process and the diverse influences that shaped his work. This comprehensive exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art will celebrate Rudolph’s contributions to modern architecture and offer new perspectives on his lasting impact on the built environment.

Paul Rudolph (American, 1918-1997), Interior perspective of Tuskegee Institute Chapel (now Tuskeegee University), Tuskeegee Alabama, ca. 1960, Colored pencil over sepia print, 37 3/8 x 29 3/8 in. (95 x 74.6 cm), Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress

Paul Rudolph (American, 1918-1997), Architectural model for the proposed Sino Tower (unbuilt), Hong Kong, 1989, Balsa wood and plastic, 48 x 34 1/4 x 25 in. (131.7 x 63.2 cm), Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. Photograph by Eileen Travell

Paul Rudolph (American, 1918-1997), Rolling Dining Chair, Designed 1968, Lucite, chromium plated tubular steel, 30 h × 28 1/4 w × 24 d in (76 × 72 × 61 cm), Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture. Photograph by Eileen Travell