M+ Talks | Architecture Is Life: I. M. Pei

What makes Ieoh Ming Pei (1917–2019), the architect behind some of the most iconic buildings such as the Louvre Pyramid and Bank of China Tower, one of the most celebrated modern architects of all time?

Beyond creating iconic landmarks, it is Pei’s unique and humanistic values on life and architectural practice that made his work memorable and enduring. M+’s latest Special Exhibition, I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture, presents the first full-scale retrospective exhibition of the Chinese American architect.

This opening talk reflects on how Pei exercised his values on architecture, cities, and life through personal accounts of people who have worked closely with Pei. Exhibition co-curator Shirley Surya will be joined by the architect Li Chung (Sandi) Pei, partner and founder of PEI Architects, Calvin Tsao, and Aslıhan Demirtaş—all of whom had contributed to the design of Pei’s major projects. They will be sharing untold stories on working with Pei in key collaborations including the Fragrant Hill Hotel (1979–1982) in Beijing, Bank of China Tower (1982–1989) in Hong Kong, and Museum of Islamic Art (2000–2008) in Doha.

Traditional Chinese and English closed captions will be available later.

Talk details:
Date: 29 June, 2024
Venue: Grand Stair, M+

M+ is Hong Kong’s global museum of visual culture.

Instagram: @mplusmuseum

[BrunoRRodrigues]

I traveled to Hong Kong from very far away, all the way from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a stopover in Paris. I had the chance to see up close one of the masterpieces by architect I.M. Pei, the Louvre Pyramid, and upon arriving in Hong Kong, the Bank of China building. The highlight of the trip was visiting the I.M. Pei exhibition, undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. I will never forget it. I am eternally grateful to the exhibition team and the entire M+ staff.

[ayya]

Thanks for bringing this amazing exhibition to the world ❤

[LeoHUANG-xgji]

Brillian insights, thanks for sharing. The Exhibition itself is exciting and meaningful for anyone who loves art and culture, especially that of architectures.