Concrete on Paper

This exhibit is a complement to the conference Cement Age/Concrete Nation, hosted by the Historic Preservation program of the Weitzman School of Design. The conference and accompanying exhibit examine the architectural, technological, and cultural development of concrete built heritage.

200 years have now passed since the introduction of artificial Portland cement in 1824. No other building material since the Industrial Revolution has so transformed the built environment, ushering in the modern age. Philadelphia, by virtue of its rich collection of concrete architecture by influential architects and engineers spanning the 20th century, provides a unique setting for the celebration of this milestone in building technology.

Curated by Frank Matero and Irene Matteini with graduate assistants Daniel Alonso Saldaña Ayala, Kate Gunn Whitney-Schubb, and Siqi Zhao.

Special thanks to Tesselle for building the concrete blocks used in the exhibition space.

Plan Your Visit

On view September 25, 2024, to April 30, 2025, on the first floor of the Fisher Fine Arts Library at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries. Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Penn faculty, staff, and students must swipe their PennCard for access. Visitors from outside the Penn community must present a a current, valid government or school-issued photo I.D. that contains an expiration date. Find more information to plan your visit.