Celebrate the ground-breaking work and accomplishments of Mabel O. Wilson, the Nancy and George E. Rupp Professor of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation at Columbia University. Wilson is the 23rd recipient of the National Building Museum's annual Vincent Scully Prize. An architect, scholar, researcher, artist, writer, and curator, Wilson's work focuses on Black culture and history and the ways they intersect with the built environment. In a conversation with Steven Nelson, Dean of the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts at the National Gallery of Art, Wilson will discuss her career and ongoing work to expand the narrative of African American contributions to the built environment. Read the press release here.

In her talk, Wilson will address:

• How the invention of racial difference was influenced by and influences the aesthetic and technical dimensions of architecture in the early modern era of the nineteenth century.
• How and why historically marginalized groups were excluded from the commemorative landscape of memorial structures in American cities.
• How to articulate criteria and practices that can be used when public memorials or monuments are contested.

The Vincent Scully Prize is named for the esteemed Yale professor whose teaching inspired so many individuals in the building fields. The prize recognizes excellence in practice, scholarship, or criticism in architecture, historic preservation, and urban design. View a list of past recipients of the Prize.

Purchase Race and Modern Architecture in the Museum's Shop. 

This program will be presented in-person in the National Building Museum's Great Hall. It will also be broadcast live. Once you complete your ticket purchase, you'll receive a confirmation email containing the link to view the live broadcast, if you are not attending in-person.

The National Building Museum is prioritizing the health and safety of our guests, speakers, staff, and volunteers. We are requiring that all of our guests wear masks. Further, by registering to attend this program in person, you attest that you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have received a negative COVID-19 test within the previous three days. Thank you for helping us slow the spread of COVID-19.

$10 Museum Member / FREE Student / $15 Non-member