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If you're a history buff, a fan of mid-century modern design just looking for a little cultural enrichment, you'll want to make your way to the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA). From now until March 2, the museum is showcasing the work of local architect L. Robert Gardner.
Not only has his work had a profound impact on the campus of Southern Utah University, but he also designed dozens of structures in Cedar City and the surrounding area. In fact, if you've spent any time in southern Utah, you've likely come across a few examples of his work.
A mid-century modernist who changed the southern Utah landscape
Born in Cedar City in 1918, Gardner graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and initially began working in northern Utah before returning to his hometown in 1948. Shortly afterward, he opened his own architecture practice and was the only licensed architect between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.
For four decades, he designed residential, institutional and commercial structures that exemplified mid-century modernism. He contributed immensely to the suburban development of rural Cedar City. Gardner died in 1992.
A modernist exhibition you won't want to miss
The exhibition, L. Robert Gardner, Architect: Cedar City Mid-century Modern, features materials drawn from his extensive archive held by Southern Utah University's Special Collections. Gardner's campus, residential, commercial and civic building designs illuminate both the impact Gardner had on the architectural history of the University and the wider community while highlighting key attributes of mid-century modern architecture.
If you appreciate modernist architecture, you'll also want to check out the "Brutal DC" show, which SUMA is presenting simultaneously. This exhibition, which has a connection to Garner's work, centers on Brutalist architecture in the nation's capital.
See the buildings L. Robert Gardner designed in southern Utah
After you've wandered through the exhibition, you can take a self-guided tour across SUU campus or you might enjoy checking out some of the other buildings Gardner designed in Iron and Washington counties. These include:
- Orval Hafen House (St. George)
- Hurricane Elementary School
- Washington County School District Office and Warehouse
- Enterprise High School
- Cedar High School
Visit the L. Robert Gardner exhibition in person
The L. Robert Gardner exhibition at SUMA will run until March 2, 2024, in conjunction with Brutal DC. Between October and May, the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum is always free and open to the public, so don't miss your chance to catch these two shows before they're gone!
There's more to see at the Southern Utah Museum of Art
In addition to highlighting the work of regional and national artists, SUMA features art from faculty and student artists from the Southern Utah University Department of Filmmaking, Art and Design. The permanent collection includes nearly 2,000 pieces from local artist Jimmie F. Jones and well-known names such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, James McNeill Whistler, Kawase Hasui, Thomas Hart Benton and others.
For more information about upcoming events, please check SUMA's website regularly.
