This exhibition presents a series of Ezra Stoller photographs generously donated to the School of Architecture in 2020 by Peter Katz A’76. These images—ten in total—were originally included in Ezra Stoller: Photographs of Architecture, 1939 – 1980, an exhibition held in 1981 at Max Protetch Gallery. Ezra’s daughter, Erica Stoller, graciously donated six additional prints shown at Protetch to complement Katz’s gift. 

As one of the most significant architectural photographers of the 20th century, Stoller’s images have shaped public perception of the now iconic buildings and structures he documented. Arthur Drexler—who succeeded Philip Johnson in 1956 as the Director of MoMA’s Department of Architecture and Design—noted in his introduction to the Protetch exhibition:


Ezra Stoller’s photographs are now part of the history of modern architecture in the United States. If he made some buildings look a little better than they were, the improvement provided an image for aspiring architects. For better or worse, his photographs have been more real to architectural students, and more intensely experienced, than most of the buildings they memorialize. Their instrumental value in spreading the word may now yield to their more durable value as art.

For this installation, Stoller’s photographs are accompanied by drawings and images—many selected from the Architecture Archive’s Blueprint Collection—contextualizing the projects they depict. Following the exhibition, the photographs will remain on view in the Foundation Building as a pedagogical reference for students, faculty, and visitors. 

On view in the Third Floor Hallway Gallery of the Foundation Building. Open to students, faculty, and staff.

A reception for students, faculty, staff, and invited guests will be held on Tuesday, March 29.