Join us for the Spanish Craze!
The Julia Ideson Building of the Houston Public Library is a wonderful example of Spanish revivalism–red terrazzo floors, sweeping arches, polychromed hardwood, and a rich atmosphere that transports patrons back to the Spanish Renaissance of Alcala.
Join us as we welcome Professor Richard Kagan, Academy Professor and Arthur O. Lovejoy Professor Emeritus of History at The Johns Hopkins University and author of The Spanish Craze, as he delivers a lecture on Spanish architecture and culture that swept the United States in the early 20th century. Following his lecture, a conversation will be led by Dr. Raul Ramos, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Arts and Humanities at the University of Houston.
Welcoming remarks will be delivered by Maria Begonia Santos, President & CEO of the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute, as well as by Stephen Fox, architectural historian and lecturer at the Rice University School of Architecture and the University of Houston.
This event is hosted by the Houston Public Library Foundation, with generous support for the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute as part of the America&Spain250 Initiative, and partnership support from AIA Houston.
About the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute
The Queen Sofía Spanish Institute (QSSI) was founded in 1954 to stimulate interest in the United States in the culture, art, literature and history of Spanish-speaking countries, and to promote among Spanish-speaking people knowledge and understanding of the ideals, culture and customs of the people of the United States. The QSSI is named after its patroness, Her Majesty Queen Sofia of Spain, mother of the current King of Spain, Felipe VI. The QSSI is governed by a Board of Trustees and, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit New York-based charitable organization, is supported through the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations. For more information, visit www.queensofiaspanishinstitute.org.
About the America&Spain250 Initiative
The America&Spain250 initiative was created on July 4th, 2023, by the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute with the mission to celebrate 250 years of the shared past, present and continued friendship between the United States, Spain, and the Spanish-speaking world.
About AIA Houston
Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) and AIA Houston are dedicated to celebrating, educating and advocating for architecture and design in our vibrant city. Our human-centric space serves as a hub for architects, design enthusiasts and the wider Houston community, fostering a deeper appreciation for the built environment and its impact on our lives. www.architecturehouston.org
About Houston Public Library Foundation
The Houston Public Library Foundation supports the Houston Public Library (HPL) by securing funding and community partnerships to enhance its impact. We invest in innovative programs, literacy initiatives, and technology access, ensuring all Houstonians benefit from free educational resources. Through advocacy and collaboration, we empower the library to inspire learning, bridge digital divides, and strengthen communities, fostering a stronger Houston through the transformative power of libraries. www.houstonlibraryfoundation.org