An exhibit spotlighting architect Julia Morgan is now open at California Polytechnic (Cal Poly) College of Architecture and Environmental Design.
“Julia Morgan, Architect: Challenging Convention” features curated artifacts from the school’s Kennedy Library and highlights original drawings, photographs, and correspondences from Morgan’s personal and professional papers.
Morgan was the first woman to be accepted to and graduate from the prestigious architecture program at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France. In 1904, she became California’s first licensed female architect and continued to break gender barriers throughout her career.
As one of America’s most prolific architects, Morgan designed more than 700 buildings, including Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. She was also the first woman to receive the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal, the profession’s highest honor, bestowed posthumously in 2014.
“Julia Morgan was revered for her versatility and the lasting value of her architecture,” said Jennifer Shields, associate professor of architecture, who curated the exhibit with director of special collections Jessica Holada. “This exhibit will illuminate her study and practice, highlight her innovative designs, and reveal her relationships with her contemporaries, her influences, and those she influenced.”
The exhibit will be held at Cal Poly’s University Art Gallery, in the Dexter Building, Room 171. It will be open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., until February 11. An interactive virtual tour will also be available until April 30.
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