Sordo Madaleno Opens Obra, a 'Public Living Room' for Latin American Diaspora in London
Founded in 1937, the Mexican architecture firm Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos (SM) has launched Obra, a multidisciplinary exhibition venue located at Regent's Wharf in London. Fernando Sordo Madaleno de Haro describes this space as 'a public living room,' intended to serve as a cultural center for both London's Latin American community and the global architecture scene. After winning a competition for the New Collection Centre at the Hungarian Museum of Natural History, Fernando moved to London in 2023. The first exhibition, titled 'Memory as Material,' debuted on April 30 and will be on display until August 31, curated by Audrey Tseng de Melo Fischer. Additionally, Obra will feature programming during Frieze Week from October 14-18 and a film series in October, with plans for Obra Mexico to open in 2027.
Key facts
- Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos (SM) opened Obra, a new exhibition space in London's Regent's Wharf.
- Obra is described as 'a public living room' and a 'transdisciplinary laboratory and open library.'
- The inaugural exhibition, 'Memory as Material,' opened on April 30 and runs through August 31.
- The exhibition was curated by Audrey Tseng de Melo Fischer, SM's global head of research.
- Exhibition design was created with Brunno Douat and rebar workers (fierreros) from Mexico City.
- Mauricio Benito Olmos, a rebar craftsman, co-led the design and fabrication processes.
- Obra will host programming with Mexican artists during London's Frieze Week, October 14-18.
- A film screening series with architect Juan Benavides will take place in October.
- SM plans to open Obra Mexico in Mexico City in 2027.
Entities
Artists
- Fernando Sordo Madaleno de Haro
- Javier Sordo Madaleno Bringas
- Javier Sordo Madaleno de Haro
- Juan Sordo Madaleno
- Audrey Tseng de Melo Fischer
- Brunno Douat
- Mauricio Benito Olmos
- Juan Benavides
Institutions
- Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos (SM)
- Hungarian Museum of Natural History
- Obra
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Mexico City
- Mexico
- Regent's Wharf
- Middle East