Monument Biography

Monument Biography, Episode 10 - Episode 10: Two Starchitects Walk into a Synagogue...

In the middle of the 20th century, two prominent Jewish communities in Philadelphia undertook major building projects in order to grow their congregations. Producer Ari Lipkis discusses how the leadership of both groups decided to recruit the top talent in modern architecture for these projects: the congregation of Beth Sholom hired Frank Lloyd Wright in 1953 to construct a massive synagogue in the suburbs, and some years later Mikveh Israel sought out Louis I. Kahn to design an innovative new building that was to be located in the historical heart of Philadelphia, a nod to the congregation’s ties to the American Revolution. While Wright’s building was eventually completed, Kahn’s ambitious project never got off the ground. These two examples highlight the potential successes—and pitfalls—of engaging individuals whom we could today describe as some of the first “starchitects” in the United States.

Monument Biography, Episode 9 - Heroes or Highwaymen?

No one really knows what happened on the morning of September 23, 1780, but the aftermath changed the entire course of the American fight for independence. In this episode, producer Molly Bernhard will be discussing the famous capture of Major John André, a British spy, by a group of Americans in Tarrytown, New York. The subsequent monument that was created to commemorate the event honors and glorifies the captors. Historians likewise argue that André’s arrest saved the fate of the Continental Army and the American cause. We take a deeper dive into the stories of the captors and consider whether or not they were in fact the heroes that subsequent generations have made them out to be.

Monument Biography, Episode 8 - The Masonic Temple of Philadelphia

The Masonic Temple of Philadelphia was constructed in 1873 and today stands at the center of town, directly across the street from City Hall. Producer Nonna Batrakova examines the remarkable diversity of architectural styles that served as inspiration for the design of the Grand Lodge. Within the building, we focus on the interior decoration of four grand halls, each respectively named after the civilization or style evoked in the room’s furniture and wall ornamentation, such as Egyptian or Corinthian Hall. A number of interviews explore the monument’s history and reveal the significance of this lodge to its current Freemason members.

Monument Biography, Episode 7 - Stories of the Galata Tower

The Galata Tower in Istanbul stands as one of the most iconic monuments in the city’s skyline. It was recently reopened as a museum after several months of restoration. Producer Özlem Yıldız traces the many lives of the tower through the centuries, from a fire station to an astronomical observatory. By following the recent change in its status and speaking with different stakeholders about the restoration process, we touch on wider debates about politics and cultural heritage in today’s Turkey.

Monument Biography, Episode 6 - Philadelphia's First Skyscraper

Philadelphia City Hall has been a symbol of the city since its construction at the turn of the century. Producer Kendra Schmit dives into the history of the building and explores how its architectural style actually fell out of fashion rather quickly. Despite this, for over eight decades there was a mandate that no building in Philadelphia could be taller than the William Penn statue topping City Hall, so this heart of the municipal government played a crucial role in shaping the skyline of Philadelphia. Alongside the Liberty Bell and a well-crafted cheesesteak, City Hall stands as a true monument from the City of Brotherly Love.