Online tickets are no longer available. Tickets may be purchased at the door starting at 5:30 pm.

In-person Event and Public Reception 

Learn how celebrated architectural photographer Alan Karchmer captures and reveals the essence of buildings and places with images that provide insight into their design.

“The photographer becomes the interface between the existence of the building as a material entity and the consciousness of the building in the general public.”  
-Pierluigi Serraino in his book: Ezra Stoller: A Photographic History of Modern American Architecture

Alan Karchmer will discuss the communicative power of architectural photography. With images from his body of work he will reflect on his 40-plus year career photographing buildings across the globe designed by some of the most prominent architects of our time – David Adjaye, Tadao Ando, and Santiago Calatrava among others. With commentary on what was behind some of his most evocative photographs you will hear stories about how these images were made — from creating a visual narrative, to artistic inspiration, to photographic technique. After his initial remarks, Alan will be joined by Robert Ivy, FAIA, design advocate and architect, to discuss how photography serves to broaden our understanding and appreciation of architecture as it impacts our public and private lives. With his collected body of work a Promised Gift to the National Building Museum, they will also discuss the importance of preserving photographic archives to inform future generations.

This program complements the exhibition Alan Karchmer: The Architects’ Photographer, which will be open for viewing. A public reception follows the event. 

$10 Museum Member / $5 Student / $15 Non-member