Philadelphia 2026 Paul Mellon Lecture: An Architect’s Journey through the Indian Landscape Conserving the Old, Building the New

In 2026, the annual Paul Mellon Lecture given by architect and urban conservationist Brinda Somaya will be held in both New York and Philadelphia. Drawing on decades of experience, she will explore the idea that architecture is not just about buildings and aesthetics, but also about people, politics, heritage conservation, and social responsibility.

Shaped by Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Islamic, colonial, and modernist traditions, India’s built environment reflects centuries of cultural exchange and transformation. Today, architects in South Asia work across an extraordinary range of contexts—from informal settlements to heritage sites and from major corporate headquarters to public buildings. The region’s architects navigate stark social and economic divides, with projects spanning conservation, cutting-edge design and grassroots engagement.

Placing inclusion and cultural sensitivity at the core of her work, Somaya sees diversity as essential to building a just society, enriching creativity, and producing powerful design solutions. She advocates for a new kind of architect who moves easily between rural and urban worlds; works closely with communities; and sees design as a collaborative, evolving process.

In conversation with Penn Museum Williams Director Christopher Woods and President and CEO of WMF, Bénédicte de Montlaur, Somaya will explore how new buildings can arise from historic settings, honoring the past while meeting the needs of the present and future. Together, they will reflect on the architect’s role, underscoring how thoughtful design can bridge heritage conservation and community engagement.

Co-presented with Penn Museum, this event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Inaugurated in 2003 and supported in part by the Paul Mellon Education Fund at World Monuments The Paul Mellon Lecture at World Monuments Fund is made possible, in part, by the Paul Mellon Education Fund.

Enabling audiences to learn about critical issues in the field of cultural heritage, the 2026 Paul Mellon Lecture will be held in both New York and Philadelphia.