Modernism Week exhibition explores the Emirates' modern architectural heritage

A pop-up exhibition titled “Building Identity: Modern Architectural Heritage of the Emirates” opened this week as part of the annual Modernism Week festivities in Palm Springs, California.

The event showcases photographs of prominent as well as lesser-known modern buildings throughout the United Arab Emirates captured during a 2019 delegation that invited architectural photographers and critics to the country. 

“The United Arab Emirates is often associated with modern marvels such as the Burj Khalifa, but few stop to consider its modern architectural heritage,” the exhibition organizers say. “Fifty years since its founding, the UAE can be seen as a microcosm of architectural practices and styles from around the world, reflecting the country’s diversity of cultures and embrace of innovation.”

“Architects from across the globe have left their mark in all seven emirates, where many of their structures still stand in use today. In this exhibition, architectural photographers, journalists, and curators from across the United States bring new focus to these buildings.”

The exhibition is free to attend and will run at 383 South Palm Canyon, Palm Springs from February 15–19. 

A panel discussion will take place on Saturday, February 18, from 2–4 PM featuring moderator Frances Anderton and members of the delegation, including architectural photographer Darren Bradley, architectural critic writer Sam Lubell, and architect Craig Steely. 

More information can be found on the exhibition’s website here.