DOCOMOMO US

06/12/2026

Docomomo US been closely following the alterations and proposed work to the Kennedy Center, including joining a coalition that is fighting to require federal review of any proposed changes. Additionally, lawmakers sued to remove Trump's name, on the basis that it was illegal to change the name without an act of Congress. That case was upheld and you can watch the removal being livestreamed today (it is expected to start around 5pm).

The Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees filed a last-minute stay in ...

06/11/2026

As basketball fans tune in to the NBA finals, we were reminded of this wonderful design by artist, sculptor, and designer Jim Miller-Melberg. The concrete, cantilevered form known as the Hansen Basketball Standard can still be found on courts around the country. 🏀🏀🏀

Miller-Melberg designed many other park and playground elements you may remember from your childhood, including the concrete turtles and abstract sculptures that also tend to be popular with the skateboarding crowd. Another of his iconic designs is the waste container (last image) from 1975.

Jim’s work is one of many topics we will explore this year as part of our annual theme of Recreation and Play.

All images via Jim Miller-Melberg’s website, jimatwork.com

06/10/2026

⏰ Last chance! Nominations for the 2026 Modernism in America Awards are due tomorrow, June 11.

Do you know of an outstanding preservation project, advocacy effort, or documentation that advances the preservation of modern architecture and design? Help us recognize the people and projects making a difference across the country.

Nomination guidelines: https://www.docomomo-us.org/events/modernism-in-america-awards/nomination-guidelines

06/05/2026

Meet our distinguished 2026 Modernism in America Awards jury!

Docomomo US is pleased to announce six distinguished members of our community who will serve as the 2026 Modernism in America Awards jury:
Ann Beha, FAIA, RAIC (Jury Chair)
Claire Agre, PLA, ASLA
David Fixler, FAIA, FAPT
Utkarsha Laharia
Cleary Larkin, PhD, RA
Michelle Magalong, PhD

The 2026 jury brings together an exceptional group of architects, preservationists, scholars, and landscape specialists whose collective expertise reflects the interdisciplinary nature of preserving modern heritage. Their deep experience in design, advocacy, research, and cultural stewardship ensures a thoughtful and well-rounded evaluation of projects.

https://www.docomomo-us.org/events/modernism-in-america-awards/

06/04/2026

Join a screening of Robocop for a good cause! The movie was filmed 40 years ago in Dallas and proceeds from the event will go towards Save Dallas City Hall.

06/04/2026

Last call for tickets for the WMF Summer Soirée! In case you missed it - Docomomo US Executive Director, Liz Waytkus, is being honored by our colleagues at the World Monuments Fund as the 2026 Watch Award Honoree. Celebrate with us at WMF's annual Summer Soirée, which kicks off the start of summer with music, cocktails, and light fare at New York City's iconic Rainbow Room on June 9th.

The event, hosted by WMF’s Junior Board, honors individuals and communities who advocate for the protection of modernist architecture and design. The program includes remarks by Waytkus, who is being recognized for her sixteen years guiding the work of Docomomo US and its mission to preserve modern architecture.

We hope to see you there!

WMF’s annual celebration of advocacy in cultural heritage.

05/14/2026

🎓 Scholarship Opportunity!

Applications are now open for the 2026 Theodore Prudon Fund for Preservation Education, a Docomomo US initiative honoring the contributions of our founding president, Theodore Prudon, to the field of modern preservation.

One graduate student in historic preservation will receive:
• A $3,000 scholarship
• A one-year Docomomo US student membership
• Complimentary registration to the Docomomo US National Symposium

📅 Applications are due June 1, 2026.

Please review eligibility requirements and application instructions carefully before applying.

https://www.docomomo-us.org/theodore-prudon-fund

04/30/2026

Flashback to 80s corporate office life! Would you want to work here?!? Sadly, the very cool 1980 Postmodern headquarters of Best Products, designed by Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer in Henrico, VA has been approved for demolition to make way for a new arena. It won an AIA Honor Award in 1983. The iconic eagle statues at the entrance will be preserved but it is unclear where they will end up. The eagles originally sat atop the East Side Airlines Terminal Building in NYC, and were saved by the Best Products founder who was an Art Deco collector. We will continue to monitor the story but this may be another loss for Postmodern corporate campuses.

Thank you to Ted Grunewald for alerting us to the situation.

Images courtesy Virginia Museum of History and Culture, AIA, and Metro Center Partners LLC.

04/21/2026

Call for Articles: Recreation and Play

Docomomo US invites submissions for a 2026 special edition newsletter focused on mid-twentieth-century sites of recreation and play - the places where communities gathered for leisure, movement, social life, and joy.

Proposal deadline Friday May 15.

https://www.docomomo-us.org/news/call-for-articles-recreation-and-play

Image: Oakland Monster by Robert Winston
Courtesy Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room

01/26/2026

Are you enrolled in an architecture-related program?

Join students, academic advisors, and industry professionals from around the world for a five-day immersive workshop to consider adaptive reuse housing options that preserve and extend the legacy of the Los Angeles County Hall of Records, designed by Richard Neutra and Robert Alexander.

* Gain comprehensive knowledge of the processes connected to conservation
* Work alongside academic advisors and industry professionals
* Visit the Neutra office and conduct a site visit to the Los Angeles County Hall of Records
* Participate in work sessions and present findings at the University of Southern California, School of Architecture
* Workshop registration includes lodging, some meals, and registration for the International Docomomo Conference (March 17–22)

Learn More and Register: www.docomomo2026.com/student-workshop

The International Docomomo Conference 2026 Student Workshop is organized with the direct support of Docomomo International; Docomomo US; and the University of Southern California, School of Architecture.