being there cca exhibition
Arts & Life

CCA exhibition Being There delves into world travels of Canadian architect Arthur Erickson

by Savannah Stewart

Fascinating photos and correspondence document the McGill graduate’s journey through Europe, North Africa and Asia.

The Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) exhibition Being There explores architect Arthur Erickson’s travels in Europe, North Africa and Asia, showcasing how these experiences influenced his architectural philosophy. Focusing on letters and photographs from 1950–1952 and his 1961 journey through Japan, Cambodia and Indonesia, the exhibition highlights Erickson’s belief that architecture must be experienced firsthand to be truly understood.

His letters, especially to mentor Gordon Webber, and his travel photography served as vital “site annotations” for his later work. This exhibition, part of the CCA’s exploration of photography in design, shows how Erickson’s travels informed his vision and practice.

Being There: Photography in Arthur Erickson’s Early Travel Diaries is on at the Canadian Centre for Architecture, CCA (1920 Baile), from Nov. 15–March 16, 2025

CCA exhibition Being There delves into world travels of Canadian architect Arthur Erickson

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Posted in Arts & Life

by Savannah Stewart

Contributing editor for Arts
Savannah Stewart is a freelance journalist and Managing Editor at The Rover. She is passionate about community reporting and is happiest writing about art, language and culture in Montreal.