“Progress is not synonymous with destruction; we need not obliterate before we build. Healthy progress involves the graceful adjustment of past forms by present needs into future activities. We must be conscious of our past before we can hope to build for an unknown future.” Theodore M. Brown, Introduction to Louisville Architecture. (from the Filson website)
On Tuesday, April 26, 4:30 pm – 5:45 p.m., the Filson HIstorical Society will host a public opening for their exhibit, The Forgotten Foundations: Louisvilles Lost Architecture, curated by Jana Meyer and Danielle Spalenka.
The reception will serve refreshments and there will be short remarks from the curator and sponsors at 5:30 p.m. All participants must register in advance. To register for this event, please visit www.filsonhistorical.org. This event is free and open to the public.
The exhibit explores the rise, fall and revitalization of the urban core. For most of Louisvilles history, the heart of the city was its downtown area. It is the place where business empires were built post-Civil War. These buildings were extravagant creations with intricate detailing that highlighted Louisville as a growing economic power. As the rise of the suburbs happened, these businesses left the urban centers and the downtowns of yesterday began to decline. As this happened and the push for urban renewal began, many of these architectural treasures were lost. The exhibit will remember these spaces.
Forgotten Foundations will be open for viewing Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Filson Historical Society, 1310 S. Third Street. Reservations are encouraged, however tours of the exhibit and the grounds are free of charge.
The Filson Historical Societys Owsley Brown II History Center also recently received a 2022 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Award. The 2022 Architecture program honors the best contemporary architecture regardless of budget, size, style, or type. A nine-member jury selects the winners.
This is a wonderful honor for the architects and for The Filson Historical Society. The building is spectacularly beautiful and highly functional. It serves as a fantastic place to explore history, a welcome anchor to Old Louisvilles streetscape, and a gathering space for our city, state and region, said Richard H. C. Clay, President and CEO of the Filson in a press release. We are grateful to the American Institute of Architects for this recognition.
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This article appears in April 13, 2022.
