What does modern Buffalo mean to you? When you think about the city, you probably think more along the lines of the historic buildings and houses. While this city is not frequently associated with being “overly modern,” there is an impressive underbelly that is awaiting discovery.
That said, it’s important to first recognize what is considered modern. Take, for example, the grain elevators. While they are deemed important relics of our industrial heritage, they were, at one point, considered revolutionary structures. So revolutionary, in-fact, that Walter Gropius (founder of the Bauhaus School) came to Buffalo to research their designs. Therefore, the grain elevators and silos are considered modernist architectural marvels that inspired others to achieve design greatness.
It is for this reason, and numerous others, that Preservation Buffalo Niagara hosts the annual event, ModernWNY. This year’s event, being held from September 13-17, is in place to showcase WNY in a modern light, by featuring architecture, design, and art throughout the region. From the Drive Yourself MODern (a 14-stop self-guided driving tour of Buffalo’s impressive modern architecture,) to The Rambling Ranches of LeBrun (a 2.5-mile walking tour), there’s plenty to take in. Be sure to visit ModernWNY for all of the details, including:
Pushing Boundaries in Modern Historic Preservation
Monday, September 12 @ 6pm
Virtual Lecture featuring Docomomo US Executive Director, Liz Waytkus
Docomomo International is a non-profit organization whose full title is International Committee for Documentation and Conservation of Buildings, Sites and Neighborhoods of the Modern Movement.
The History & Future of the Great Northern Grain Elevator
Wednesday, September 14 @ 6 pm
Virtual Lecture featuring Professor Gregory Delaney of the University at Buffalo Architecture Department
Artifacts of the Future: Design in the Space Age, 1957-1972
Thursday, September 15 @ 6pm
Virtual Lecture featuring Space Age design expert, Martin McGee
Modern Niagara Falls Walking Tour
Saturday, September 17 @ 11 am
In-person walking tour led by PBN Director of Preservation Services, Christiana Limniatis
View full schedule of events and get your tickets today
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