“We’re proud to showcase the work of Rafael Guastavino, whose innovative techniques transformed the fields of architecture and engineering, and whose structures continue to awe their visitors,” said Chase W. Rynd, executive director of the National Building Museum.

Palaces for the People was conceived and organized by Professor John Ochsendorf, Department of Architecture, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A 2008 John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fellow, Dr. Ochsendorf is the author of Guastavino Vaulting: The Art of Structural Tile published by Princeton Architectural Press in 2010  .

“Palaces for the People tells the story of the Guastavino family and their enormous contributions to American architecture, art, and construction. Their remarkable company was launched with the construction of the Boston Public Library 120 years ago, and it is thrilling to be able to share that story. We are still discovering the full extent of their work, and we hope the exhibition will activate the public in the search for other Guastavino buildings,” said Ochsendorf.

Outstanding examples of Guastavino’s work grace more than 600 buildings in 36 states, including over 25 in the Washington Metropolitan area. The National Museum of Natural History, the Washington National Cathedral, the US Supreme Court Building, and Georgetown University’s Copley Hall, boast Guastavino tile vaults.

Editor's Note: Don't forget the Museum's shop, one of our favorites.

The exhibition designers are C&G Partners of New York. The exhibition debuted at the Boston Public Library.

Photographs by Michael Freeman:

3. The Guastavino tile dome at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History, Washington DC, architect s Hornblower and Marshall (1909)

4. Guastavino tile arches at the Oyster Bar, Grand Central Terminal, New York City, architects Warren and Wetmore (1912),

Pages: 1 · 2