Post by The Museum of Modern Art

📣 "Architects of Liberation: Modernism in Western Africa" is now open, marking the first major exhibition to examine modern architecture in the context of political independence in the region. The exhibition features a collection of more than 350 objects, most of which are being shown publicly for the first time. In 1960—often called the Year of Africa—17 African nations achieved independence. This upheaval led to a boom in visual art, dance, music, and architecture. Spanning Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Cameroon, “Architects of Liberation” is a revealing look at a region reimagining its future. 👀 Visit the exhibition in our third-floor galleries to learn more about architecture’s role in shaping historic change on the African continent, now through January 2. 📚 Head to MoMA Design Store to pick up a copy of the landmark exhibition catalogue! mo.ma/aolbook — [1] Lycée Mamie Adjoua auditorium, Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire. Completed c. 1978. Jean Léon (1937–2002). 2025. Photograph: François-Xavier Gbré. [2] Hôtel Ivoire Tennis Center, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (unrealized). Jean Léon (1937–2002). Preliminary sketches. 1982. Studio Jean Léon Archives. [3] Alpha 2000 (Société Ivoirienne de Banque), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. 1974–76. Bureaux d’Études Henri Chomette (est. 1948). 2025. Photograph: François-Xavier Gbré. [4] La Pyramide, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. 1968–73. Rinaldo Olivieri (1931–1998). External view. c. 1973. Photograph: Rinaldo Olivieri. Rinaldo Olivieri Archives, Verona. [5] Abdallah Fayçal Building, Dakar, Senegal. Completed 1985. Cheikh Ngom (1935–2025). 2025. Photograph: François-Xavier Gbré.