Lauderdale Living: The Architecture Of Possibilities - History Fort Lauderdale Presents A Mid-century Modern Spring Exhibition

“We’re thrilled to showcase this exhibition that celebrates the unique architectural and aesthetic character that helps define Fort Lauderdale’s identity,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director of History Fort Lauderdale. “By pairing rare historic images with the visionary work of Christina Lihan and Abby Laughlin, we’re bridging the past with the present in a way that invites both reflection and imagination.”

Florida-based artist Christina Lihan transforms delicate paper into intricate sculptural landscapes, hand-cutting, folding, scoring and carving architectural forms that play with light and shadow. With a background in architecture from the University of Virginia and Columbia University, her work reflects a deep understanding of composition, technique, and design. Her meditative, labor-intensive process creates immersive environments that evoke a sense of place, often raising subtle questions of environmental justice. Her pieces have been exhibited internationally, from Shanghai to Tel Aviv and she was recently commissioned to create eight large-scale sculptures for a new hotel in central London.

Fort Lauderdale artist and activist Abby Laughlin documents the beauty and history of mid-century modern architecture through photography and curated exhibitions. A former real estate professional with expertise in adaptive rehab, she brings a passionate, hands-on perspective to the importance of historic properties in shaping community identity. Laughlin serves on the boards of the Fort Lauderdale History Center and Docomomo US Florida, and is currently developing three major projects, including a fine arts book and a photography exhibit on mid-century landmarks. Her work captures both the nostalgia and urgency of preserving South Florida’s architectural heritage.

History Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, hosts a variety of engaging multicultural experiences, year-round. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent exhibits including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” “Fashion & Musical Theatre,” “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: the story of boatbuilding along the New River,” Seminole Arts & Culture,” “New River Archaeology,” “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture,” and “Take PRIDE, a retrospective on LGBTQ life in South Florida.”

History Fort Lauderdale’s “Lauderdale Living: The Architecture of Possibilities” is sponsored by the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Jan and Ed Crocker Unrestricted Fund, Leo M. and Alice J. Rutten Fund and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund. Additional funding is provided, in part, by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale.

Beginning May 1st, 2025 History Fort Lauderdale will be open five days a week from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with docent guided tours, daily, at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and $7 for students through age 22 with a valid student ID. Admission is free for members, military and children ages six and under. Tickets are available online at: https://HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets.

For more information about “Lauderdale Living: The Architecture of Possibilities” at History Fort Lauderdale, please call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit them online at: https://historyfortlauderdale.org

About History Fort Lauderdale

Since 1962, History Fort Lauderdale has served as the proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors. It brings the stories of our diverse community to life through engaging educational experiences, innovative cultural exhibits, research and preservation of artifacts. Guests to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus - the History Museum of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 Pioneer House Museum, the 1899 Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Museum and the Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910 - present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. History Fort Lauderdale is located at 231 Southwest Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Tickets are available online at: https://HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets. History Fort Lauderdale is a nonprofit agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions. For more information, call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit them online at: https://historyfortlauderdale.org.

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