Capital Brutalism, an exhibition at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., explores the city’s significant Brutalist architecture. Running from June 1, 2024, to February 17, 2025, it features seven prominent buildings and the WMATA Metro system. The exhibition, co-organized with the Southern Utah Museum of Art, includes archival materials, architectural models, and contemporary photographs. Speculative redesigns by top architecture firms and students envision future uses for these structures. The exhibition aims to spark conversations about the beauty and equity of urban development, aligning with the Museum’s pillars of equity, environment, innovation, and wonder.
Brutalist buildings, often labeled ‘imposing monsters,’ prominently mark the architectural landscape of the nation’s capital. The National Building Museum’s new exhibition, Capital Brutalism, opening June 1, 2024, delves into this controversial style. Co-organized with the Southern Utah Museum of Art, it stands as the largest survey of Brutalist architecture in Washington, D.C., running through February 17, 2025.
Capital Brutalism examines the history, current state, and future of Brutalist architecture by featuring seven significant buildings and the WMATA Metro system. Archival documents, drawings, models, and contemporary photographs by Ty Cole illustrate the emergence of Brutalism during the Cold War. Speculative redesigns by leading architecture firms and University of Nevada, Las Vegas students envision future uses for these structures, inviting visitors to reconsider their potential.
The exhibition highlights seven D.C. buildings:
- Robert C. Weaver Federal Building (HUD)
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- Hubert H. Humphrey Building (HEW Headquarters)
- Lauinger Library (Georgetown University)
- Edgar Hoover FBI Headquarters
- James V. Forrestal Building (Department of Energy)
- The Euram Building in Dupont Circle
Aileen Fuchs, president and executive director of the National Building Museum, states, “Capital Brutalism promises a thought-provoking exploration of Brutalist architecture’s history, cultural significance, and enduring legacy in Washington, D.C.”
Brutalist architecture thrived in Washington, D.C. during the 1960s and 1970s, driven by federal urban renewal efforts. Iconic landmarks like Marcel Breuer’s Weaver Building and I.M. Pei’s L’Enfant Plaza emerged, though these developments often displaced residents and businesses. The exhibition documents this complex history, highlighting the social and architectural impact of Brutalism.
Despite their controversial nature, there’s a growing appreciation for Brutalist buildings. Preservation battles continue as many face renovation or demolition decisions. Renovations pose challenges due to their rigid structures, yet preserving these buildings supports sustainability and honors their architectural significance.
Capital Brutalism aligns with the National Building Museum’s focus on equity, environment, innovation, and wonder, challenging visitors to rethink their perceptions of beauty and equity in urban development.
Capital Brutalism Sponsors and Contributors
Capital Brutalism is co-curated by Dr. Angela Person from the University of Oklahoma and architectural photographer Ty Cole. It is organized in collaboration with the Southern Utah Museum of Art and supported by AIA. Contributors include architecture firms such as Studio Gang, Brooks + Scarpa, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, BLDUS, and Gensler. Additional support came from design and preservation community members, including Deane Madsen and Richard Z. Hooker.
To celebrate the opening, the Museum will extend its hours until 7 pm on June 3, 2024.
About the National Building Museum
The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and events, it aims to enhance public understanding of architecture, engineering, and design’s impact on our lives. For more information, visit www.nbm.org.
