November 9-17, 2020, 6–7:30 pm

A national historic landmark and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Guggenheim Museum is one of the most significant architectural icons of the 20th century. This four-session online course delves into the history of the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed building and some of the daring site-specific interventions and exhibitions it has housed. Participants will collectively explore how people design spaces in response to the surrounding environment, and how structures influence the way that we interact with one another.

This course invites learners from all disciplines to be collaborative partners in the online learning experience through live group sessions and independent creative response. Led by museum educator Queena Ko, each session of the course includes guided discussions of archival materials and Guggenheim exhibition media, as well as time at the end of each session to reflect on and respond to the topics explored. Participants of the course will be given access to readings and supplementary materials for review between sessions.

November 9: Building the Guggenheim

The course begins with an exploration into the construction of the Guggenheim museum and the vision of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Learn about the history of the museum, previous concepts for the landmarked museum building, and other architectural sites around the United States designed by Wright.

November 10: Exhibitions at the Guggenheim

Discover how artists have engaged with the unique architecture of the Guggenheim’s rotunda in previous exhibitions, site-specific proposals, and installations.

November 16: Architecture and Environment

Learn about the evolution of organic architecture, starting from Wright’s fascination with nature to experimental models of sustainable design featured in the museum’s current exhibition Countryside, The Future.

November 17: Social Impact

This final session explores the social implications of architecture on urban development, equity, and universal design. The Guggenheim’s partner museums in Bilbao and Venice serve as jumping off points into the impact of architecture on local communities.

All course sessions will be led virtually through Zoom, a free video conferencing software. Participants should have access to a computer, smart phone, or tablet with a microphone and internet access. A Zoom link and password will be emailed ahead of the course. All times listed in Eastern Time (ET).

$120, $90 members, $65 students (price includes access to all four sessions). Registration is now closed. If you are still interested in the course or have further questions, please email publicprograms@guggenheim.org.

Queena Ko is Manager, Curriculum Development, at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and has introduced audiences to art and exhibitions as a museum educator at the Guggenheim for over a decade. Queena holds a dual degree in studio art and architectural studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and travels worldwide to visit iconic architectural sites.

This is a multi-session event, you must purchase tickets to all classes to attend the program.

A PART OF THE ONLINE TOURS AND ACTIVITIES SERIES