For the 21st year in a row, the Washington, D.C., chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|DC) is planning a month-long series of public programs, known as Architecture Month. In acknowledgment of the 50th anniversary of the historic 1968 riots that the District experienced, AIA|DC’s main theme will involve how buildings have been reused, redeveloped, and preserved.
In order to prepare for the series of events, Curbed DC has picked out some of the most exciting programs to keep an eye on. For a full list of the month’s events, be sure to head to AIA|DC’s website here.
April 3: reBirth: Washington, D.C. 50 Years After 1968
District Architecture Center • 421 7th Street NW • Free
The District of today is totally unrecognizable from the District in the 1960s. This exhibition at the District Architecture Center will examine architecture’s role in the city’s rebirth after the hard-hit riots that occurred in 14th and U streets NW, Shaw, and H Street NE. In this free exhibition, expect photos from sources like the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., and the Library of Congress. The exhibition runs from April 2 through June 1 with an opening reception on April 3.
April 4: A Tour of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library • 901 G Street NW • $10 to $20
This library, designed by famed architect Mies van der Rohe, is currently undergoing a $208 million modernization that will totally transform it into a glassier, more modern central library. New features will include a maker’s space, auditorium and conference space, and rooftop terrace. This construction tour will allow attendees to get an early look inside the project in its early stages. Registration is required.
April 7: Tour the National Museum of African American History & Culture
National Museum of African American History & Culture • 1400 Constitution Avenue NW • $10 to $20
Get an inside look at the design concept and sustainability measures of this brand new museum with a special focus on the exhibits and artifacts of 1968. Registration is required.
April 7: A Walking Tour of Shaw
Southeast corner of 7th Street NW and New York Avenue NW • Free
After the riots of 1968, 7th Street NW in Washington, D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood was devastated with many homes lost and independent businesses looted. In this guided tour, the Washington Architectural Foundation and Shaw Main Street Executive Director Alexander M. Padro will offer archival photos and oral histories on how the neighborhood was affected and how it has been revitalized in recent decades. Registration is required.
April 7: Kid’s Tour of Capitol Hill’s Architecture
Southeast Public Library • 403 7th Street SE • $10 to $25
Targeted to children between the ages of 8 and 12, this tour will discuss the architecture of Capitol Hill with a hands-on approach to learning about how to identify architectural features of libraries, churches, row houses, and other buildings. Registration is required.
April 16: Lance Hosey Lecture
District Architecture Center • 421 7th Street NW • $10 to $20
Lance Hosey, the architect and author who recently won the Sarah Booth Conroy Prize for Journalism and Architectural Criticism, will speak about how D.C. is a perfect case study for demonstrating both traditional and innovative ways to approach design and development. Registration is required.
• Architecture Month 2018 [AIA|DC]