Harry Seidler’s life and architecture trace the arc of modernism as both a personal journey and a global narrative in this exhibition which debuts at SMAC San Marco Art Centre in Venice, Italy.

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 May to 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, Marcel Breuer and Oscar Niemeyer.

From Sydney, Seidler launched a prolific career that reshaped the architectural landscape of modern Australia, and over four 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.

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.

Migrating Modernism. The architecture of Harry Seidler is an exhibition produced by the Chau Chak Wing Museum, The University of Sydney, in collaboration with SMAC San Marco Art Centre, Venice.

Overseas exhibition

9 May - 20 July 2025

Location

SMAC San Marco Art Centre; Procuratie; Piazza San Marco 105, Venice

When

Wednesday to Monday, 10am - 6pm
(closed on Tuesdays)