Out of Antiquity: The “Dead Cities” in Syria and Their Islamic Architectural Legacy
Maihaugen Gallery Through December 19, 2024

The “Dead Cities,” a romantic Orientalist name given to a group of more than 820 settlements in northwestern Syria, present the most complete classical rural setting in the world. Masterfully carved out of gray limestone and built without cement, many stood in pristine condition until the early 20th century. This exhibit features detailed drawings by Francesca Liuni for a book by Nasser Rabbat, as well as maps, models by Elshareef Kabbashi, academic books, and photographs, showcasing the widespread influence of the Dead Cities’ architecture on later Islamic structures.

From Samurai into Engineers: Eiichiro Honma and MIT’s First Japanese Students
Hayden Library Loft
Through December 19, 2024
From Samurai into Engineers marks the 150th anniversary of the graduation of MIT’s first Japanese student, Eiichirō Honma (SB 1874), and highlights the experiences of Honma and other Japanese students at MIT who followed in his footsteps.