Architecture, Culture, and the Construction of National Identity in Modern France

A Dialogues Seminar

Political and cultural leaders seek to represent their nation’s distinctive historical identity by constructing monuments, museums, public buildings, and impressive capital cities; but the links between art, architecture, and national identity have been especially significant in modern France. How have the French used architecture and public buildings to convey the meaning of France’s national achievements and nationalist ideology? Two of our CPH historians will examine this question by focusing on how 19th-century nationalist architects constructed or restored monumental buildings to affirm France’s national glory and global power, and they will use French examples to discuss the ways in which art and architecture help to shape national identities.

TOPICS & SPEAKERS

Reconstructing Medieval Churches and Building 19th-Century French Nationalism

Lloyd Kramer, Professor of History and Director, Carolina Public Humanities

Building the City of Light: How Paris Became the Capital of the 19th Century

Kylie Seltzer, Zietlow Postdoctoral Fellow for Civic Engagement, Carolina Public Humanities

How Does Architecture Convey Nationalism in France— and in all Modern Nations?

A panel discussion with our speakers

TIME & TUITION

9:00am-12:30pm, May 20. The tuition is $65 to attend in person or $50 for virtual viewing.  A meal will not be offered with this seminar.

UNC Students can attend for free, but pre-registration is required. Discounts are available for UNC faculty, & staff. To register as a UNC Student, Staff, or Faculty, see our Registration Policy here.

Co-Sponsored by the General Alumni Association.  For information about GAA discounts and other scholarships available to Humanities Program participants, click here.

In-person tuition for teachers is $32.50. Current K-12 teachers interested in receiving a complimentary virtual viewing registration for this seminar can apply here.

*In-Person Registration for this event closes on May 19 at 3pm*

 Register online or call us at 919.962.1544. 

Participants will receive an email with venue information and background information about 1 week before the program.

**Please note that due to UNC regulations, masks are recommended, but not required for all in-person events regardless of vaccination status. In-person and hybrid events may switch to virtual-only based upon recommendations from local, state, and national public health officials. If an in-person or hybrid event is designated “virtual-only,” the CPH staff will contact registrants and provide them with information on how to attend virtually or with options for receiving credits or refunds. If you have any questions, please email human@unc.edu or call 919.962.1544. We appreciate your flexibility during these trying times.**