Martino Stierli, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design at The Museum of Modern Art, will guide a special tour for DOCOMOMO members of The Project of Independence: Architectures of Decolonization in South Asia, 1947–1985. Mr. Stierli oversees the wide-ranging program of special exhibitions, installations, and acquisitions of the Department of Architecture and Design.

“Independence brings in the greatest opportunity for a nation to express its thoughts, talent and energy…. Now, we the architects can construct the right and distinct kind of architecture for an independent people,” said Bangladeshi architect Muzharul Islam. Following the end of British rule in 1947/48, architects in the territories of today’s India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka embraced the language of modernism as a means of proclaiming their autonomy, articulating their national identities, and enacting social progress. Focusing on work conceived and realized by local, rather than international, architects, designers, and planners, The Project of Independence presents more than 200 works that showcase South Asia’s groundbreaking modern architecture.

The exhibition was organized by Martino Stierli, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design, The Museum of Modern Art; Anoma Pieris, guest curator and professor, University of Melbourne; and Sean Anderson, former Associate Curator, Department of Architecture and Design, The Museum of Modern Art; with Evangelos Kotsioris, Assistant Curator, Department of Architecture and Design, The Museum of Modern Art. The curatorial team consulted with leading scholars of modern architecture from the region, many of whom also contributed to the accompanying exhibition catalogue.

More information on the exhibition

Monday March 28, 4:00-5:30 pm
The Philip Johnson Galleries
Third Floor
The Museum of Modern Art

Please enter the museum through the main lobby at 11 West 53 Street. We will start promptly at 4 PM at the entrance of the 3rd floor gallery, so please arrive in advance and allow extra time to present proof of vaccination, etc.

Capacity for this intimate tour is strictly limited.
Registration is limited to current DOCOMOMO members.
Registration: $10 + Museum Admission

REGISTER

The Museum of Modern Art requires COVID-19 vaccination (age 5+), a valid photo ID (ages 18+), and masks (age 2+) for all visitors.

Please note:
Registration for the tour does not include admission to the museum. In addition to registering for the tour, participants must purchase their own admission tickets to the museum. Please purchase your tickets in advance, or if you are a MoMA member reserve your entry time in advance, because overall museum capacity is limited and currently reduced!

MoMA’s checkroom is closed. Scooters, skateboards, rolling bags, and all items over 11 × 17 × 5” are not permitted in the Museum. All bags will be inspected upon arrival. Please be prepared to wear backpacks on the front of your chest or carry them to the side during your visit.