Architecture

On October 21, 1959, one of the world’s most renowned museums, the Guggenheim, opened in New York City.

On October 19, 1847, a grand celebration proceeded the laying of the cornerstone of New York City’s planned 425-foot Washington Monument.  The monument was never completed and the cornerstone was lost to time.

Robert Robinson Taylor was born on June 8, 1868, in Wilmington, North Carolina.  He was the first African American student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the first fully accredited African American architect in the US.

After 13 months of construction, the Empire State Building opened in New York City on May 1, 1931.  It was the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years.  Despite being surpassed in height by several other buildings, it’s one of America’s most iconic buildings, hosting millions of tourists ever year.

On February 23, 1857, a group of 13 architects met in New York City and discussed founding an organization to “promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members.”  That organization became the American Institute of Architects.

On December 8, 1831, White House architect James Hoban died in Washington, DC.

On February 21, 1885, the Washington Monument was dedicated, 37 years after its cornerstone was laid.

Realist painter Edward Hopper was born on July 22, 1882, in Upper Nyack, New York.

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born Frank Lincoln Wright on June 8, 1867, in Richland Center, Wisconsin.