Montreal center to host international women in architecture exhibition

UQAM’s Centre de design is set to host the internationally acclaimed architecture exhibition BUONE NUOVE: Women Architects of Change from February 13 to April 6, 2025. Originally produced by Rome's MAXXI Museum in 2021, the exhibition documents the historical and contemporary contributions of women in architecture. Following stops in Stockholm, Doha, New Delhi, Berlin, and Toronto, the exhibition arrives in Montreal with new additions specific to Quebec. 

The exhibition highlights the works and voices of Italian, Quebecois, Canadian, and international women architects who have significantly influenced modern and contemporary architecture. Aimed at inspiring the next generation, the exhibition showcases the evolving role of women in shaping architectural practices. 

The Montreal edition introduces two new sections: one spotlighting Quebec-based women-led practices, and another featuring furniture designed by Italian architects from the golden age of design. 

The touring section includes Stories of Italian Architects, chronicling the achievements of 21 Italian women architects from pioneers of the early 20th century to contemporary innovators. The section also features Practices in Italy, showcasing works by notable architects such as Zaha Hadid, Liz Diller, and Kazuyo Sejima. Complementary video interviews explore themes of activism, gender, and architectural space.

For the local Quebec component, 16 women architects are highlighted, including Farida Abu-Bakare (WXY), Manon Asselin (Atelier TAG), and Anik Shooner (Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes), with each featured alongside examples of their work. Additionally, a historical timeline traces a century of key milestones achieved by women in architecture, contextualized within global socio-political events. 

The exhibition also invites public participation through a postcard initiative, encouraging submissions that celebrate women in architecture. Meanwhile, the exhibition vernissage will take place on February 12, 2025, at 6 p.m., with curators Louise Pelletier, Federica Sala, Pippo Ciorra, Elena Motisi, Elena Tinacci, and Lisa Landrum overseeing the exhibition’s diverse components.

Further information on the event can be found here.