Architects of Liberation: Modernism in Western Africa

The Museum of Modern Art presents Architects of Liberation: Modernism in Western Africa, the first major exhibition to examine modern architecture from the late 1950s through the early 1980s in the context of political independence in the region. On view from July 5, 2026, through January 2, 2027, the exhibition highlights the independence period as a prolific time of architectural production, during which leaders of newly founded African nations sought to redefine themselves and their countries in contrast to colonial rule. This new architectural identity engaged deeply with broader political ideas of Pan-Africanism and Africanization, which were promoted by new leaders and governments. Spanning seven countries—Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo—the exhibition is organized around anchor projects that serve as entry points into categories such as cityscapes, event spaces, education, and housing. The exhibition pays particular attention to the critical contributions of the first generation of trained African architects. 

Architects of Liberation features approximatly 350 objects, including architectural drawings, models, and archival photographs, from the collections of over 50 lenders from 17 countries. The exhibition is the result of over four years of extensive research in the region. The vast majority of the objects on display have never been presented publicly, and most of the architects included have never previously been featured in any exhibition or scholarly publication. The exhibition also includes original and newly commissioned architectural models, as well as a suite of new films and commissioned photographs by François-Xavier Gbré.

Architects of Liberation is organized by Martino Stierli, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design, and Ikem Stanley Okoye, guest curator and associate professor at the University of Delaware; with Mallory Cohen, Curatorial Associate in the Department of Architecture and Design. 

Support for the exhibition is provided by the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts.

Major funding for the publication is provided by the Kate W. Cassidy Foundation.