Wonders of the Modern World

The exhibition Wonders of the Modern World brings together eight large-scale architectural works from around the globe—structures that host mass gatherings, civic ceremonies, or religious rituals. Curated by Pier Paolo Tamburelli with Anna Livia Friel, the show explores buildings that operate outside the conventional canon of modern architecture yet hold extraordinary spatial and symbolic power.

Developed through research at the Technical University of Vienna, the exhibition features illuminated glass models, photographs by Giovanna Silva, videos by Giulio Squillacciotti, and a sound installation by Nicola Ratti. These elements collectively recreate the ambiance and scale of spaces such as the Great Mosque of Touba and Rio de Janeiro's Sambódromo, highlighting the performative aspects of these monumental public architectures.

Accompanying the exhibition is a special edition of ARCH+ magazine, offering in-depth essays and analyses that delve into the themes and case studies presented. This publication provides further insights into the global phenomena of contemporary architectural wonders. The exhibition was previously shown at ICA Milano in spring 2025.