A new exhibition at the Cincinnati Museum Center explores how the design of courthouses, libraries and other public buildings reflects the democratic values they serve.
“Civic Architecture: The Panoramic Photography of Thomas R. Schiff” opens June 27 and features 40 wide-angle images of civic landmarks, from small-town courthouses to the U.S. Capitol. Captured with Schiff’s signature panoramic camera, the photos highlight both the grandeur and accessibility of these spaces.
The show encourages viewers to consider how architecture can express ideals such as transparency, justice and civic engagement. Thomas Schiff’s images trace the evolution of public buildings – from classical monuments to modern forms that blend with their surroundings – while prompting reflection on their purpose in civic life.
Developed in recognition of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the exhibition spans sites from the colonial capitol in Williamsburg, Virginia, to the 21st-century Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. Courthouse in Phoenix. Iconic structures such as Independence Hall, the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial also appear in a new light.
Schiff, a Cincinnati-based photographer, has published more than a dozen books on American architecture and the work of designers including I.M. Pei, Zaha Hadid and Philip Johnson. His panoramic technique produces immersive 360-degree views that reveal spatial relationships not visible in traditional photographs.
The exhibition complements Schiff’s new book, “Civic Architecture Across America: Extraordinary Views,” published by the University of Cincinnati Press and Cincinnati Museum Center. The book, his 15th, includes additional images not on display.
After its Cincinnati debut, the exhibition will travel to museums nationwide.
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