–400 Miniature Buildings From Around the World Will be on Public Display for the First Time–
WASHINGTON, D.C.–October 10, 2023—On Saturday, October 28, the National Building Museum opens a charming new exhibition MINI MEMORIES: SOUVENIR BUILDINGS FROM THE DAVID WEINGARTEN COLLECTION that showcases a unique collection of 400 miniature buildings from around the world. These pocket-sized objects are tourist souvenir collectables as well as a celebration of popular architecture. From awe-inspiring architectural wonders to less remarkable—but to some, just as meaningful—structures, MINI MEMORIES explores how souvenir buildings are made, how they are used, and celebrates their surprising variety.
MINI MEMORIES is curated from a one-of-a-kind collection of souvenir buildings which was generously donated to the National Building Museum in 2019 by architects David Weingarten and Lucia Howard, along with Margaret Majua. Many of the buildings featured in this exhibition will be on public display for the first time.
The 400 miniature buildings in the exhibition were collected from nearly seventy countries and include: the Washington Monument in Baltimore, the Manhattan skyline, an ancient temple in Guatemala, a monument to peace in Hiroshima, Japan, a Town Hall in Poland, and grain elevators in Kansas, among many others. While not necessarily intended to be accurate models of the built world, these miniatures can be abstract, highly detailed, and some are altogether make-believe. Many of the mini buildings also have practical uses, doing double-duty as coin banks, bookends, thermometers, or clocks.
“For anyone with wanderlust or nostalgia for a travel destination, we invite you to tour the world in a 1,000 square foot space with our MINI MEMORIES exhibition,” said Aileen Fuchs, president and executive director of the National Building Museum. “We are so grateful to David Weingarten for donating this fascinating and extensive souvenir building collection that he amassed over forty years. We hope that visitors will appreciate the importance of commemorating our built world- even if it’s in miniature.”
SPONSORS
David Weingarten and Lucia Howard, along with Margaret Majua
IMAGES: Images for MINI MEMORIES are available HERE.
MEDIA CONTACT
National Building Museum: Karen Baratz, karen@baratzpr.com, 240.497.1811
ABOUT THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM
The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build. We believe that understanding the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning, and design is important for everyone. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events, we welcome visitors of all ages to experience stories about the built world and its power to shape our lives, our communities, and our futures. Public inquiries: 202.272.2448, info@nbm.org, or visit www.nbm.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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