Materialities: Where Art, Architecture, and History Converge

February 7th, 2020 - April 27th, 2025

Location: Driehaus Museum

Welcome to Materialities: Bridging Past and Present Through Art and Architecture , an exhibition that invites you to explore the intricate connections between history, creativity, and the materials that shape our world. Housed in the breathtaking Nickerson Mansion at the Driehaus Museum, this exhibition delves into four key themes: Materiality as Storytelling, Architecture as Muse, Sustainability & Craft, and Contemporary vs. Historical Dialogue. Through these lenses, we uncover how materials—from wood and fiber to light and metal—carry narratives that connect us to the past while inspiring new ways of thinking about the present. Each theme is brought to life by a diverse group of artists whose works challenge traditional perspectives and celebrate innovation, resilience, and cultural heritage.

Meet visionary artists like Rebecca Beachy, who uses organic materials to tell ecological stories, and Richard Hunt, whose sculptures reflect African American resilience and transformation. Discover Dakota Mace’s textile designs, which honor Diné traditions, and Luftwerk’s immersive installations that reimagine the interplay of light and architecture. Whether you’re drawn to the opulent details of the mansion’s design or the thought-provoking juxtaposition of Gilded Age aesthetics with modern art, Materialities offers something for everyone. Join us on this journey to uncover the hidden stories behind materials, spaces, and artistic expression, and let the dialogue between past and present inspire your own perspective.

Plan your visit today to experience this groundbreaking exhibition firsthand. Learn more about the artists, explore their works, and engage with the creative issues that define Materialities . Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and opportunities to deepen your understanding of how art and architecture continue to shape our shared history and future.