The Carlos F. Novella Museum and the Fundación Carlos F. Novella present the exhibition “Urban Evolution: Building Guatemala in the 20th Century” at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of San Carlos de Guatemala (Farusac). This art exhibition aims to highlight the architectural works built with cement during the 20th century in the historic center of Guatemala City.
Between December 1917 and January 1918, a series of earthquakes devastated Guatemala City, destroying much of its infrastructure. Few buildings survived this natural disaster, many of which were constructed with reinforced concrete. The notable resilience of this material led to its popularization in buildings during the city’s reconstruction program in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s.
The photographic exhibition shows images of some buildings made with concrete during the first half of the 20th century, as well as their state of conservation in recent years. These buildings were avant-garde and modern in their time, and today they represent a legacy of different architectural styles in the Historic Center of Guatemala City.
Additionally, at the inaugural event of the exhibition, a letter of understanding was signed between the Fundación Carlos F. Novella and Farusac. This agreement aims to strengthen the dissemination of the activities of the Faculty of Architecture through joint promotion on the Fundación Carlos F. Novella’s website and social media. Academic activities such as Continuing Education courses, specializations, and conferences or seminars of common interest to professionals in the sector will also be promoted.
The exhibition “Urban Evolution: Building Guatemala in the 20th Century” not only celebrates the resilience and architectural advancement of the city but also fosters academic and professional collaboration for the future urban development of Guatemala.