Migrating Modernism celebrates the life and work of Harry Seidler (1923–2006), one of the most influential figures of the Modern Movement in Australia.
Held at SMAC San Marco Art Centre at the Procuratie in Venice from 9 May to 13 July, the exhibition features photographs, models, original drawings, and artworks that trace the extraordinary journey of Seidler who, forced to flee Nazi-ruled Vienna, embarked on a path that led him to study and work under some of the 20th century’s leading figures in modern architecture and art—including Walter Gropius, Josef Albers, Marcel Breuer and Oscar Niemeyer.
From Sydney, Seidler launched a prolific career that reshaped the architectural landscape of modern Australia, and over five decades produced a body of work that spans continents.
With Penelope—his wife, life companion and professional partner—Seidler was united by a deep passion for architecture and art. Together, they commissioned major artworks for Seidler’s buildings and assembled a personal collection featuring works by Josef Albers, Alexander Calder, Helen Frankenthaler, Frank Stella, Lin Utzon and Sol LeWitt. Seidler also worked closely with Italian structural engineer Pier Luigi Nervi.
With buildings realised across Australia’s major cities, as well as in Acapulco, Paris, Hong Kong, and his native Vienna, Seidler’s architectural legacy stands as both a personal journey and a global narrative—revealing how modernist ideas migrated, evolved, and left a lasting imprint across cultures and time.
The exhibition has original letters, artefacts, artworks, architectural drawings, later architectural models etc.
Curated by University of Sydney's Chau Chak Wing Museum curator Dr Ann Stephen and architecture school senior lecturer Dr Paolo Stracchi.
The venue is the newly established SMAC - San Marco Arts Centre within the space refurbished by David Chipperfield in 2022.
San Marco Arts Centre
Procuratie Vecchie
St Marks Square 105 (2nd floor, north ie non-water side of square).
about 20m to the right of olivetti which is #101 -enter passage to courtyard Corte Maruzzi and then up lift 2 floors.
