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About Onera
Founded by David B. Peterson, the Onera Foundation advocates for the preservation of historic American architecture by funding exhibitions, innovative public programming, and scholarly research.
Onera Prize
The Foundation supports education by funding the Onera Prize at Columbia University.
Publications
Onera's first publication, US Embassies of the Cold War: The Architecture of Democracy, Diplomacy, and Defense by David B. Peterson, explores, through rarely seen images, the unusual and unexpected initiative by the US State Department to build modern embassies around the world during the Cold War designed by some of the world’s most famous architects, including: Eero Saarinen, Marcel Breuer, and Walter Gropius, among others.
Exhibitions
The Onera Foundation presents exhibitions each year that explore the intersections of art, architecture, and preservation, with a focus on significant American architecture. These exhibitions highlight experimental preservation practices, modernist design, and the evolving role of architecture in shaping culture and public memory.
Programs & Events
The Onera Foundation organizes free public programs that bring together leading voices in architecture, art, and preservation to explore the cultural significance of American architecture. These events feature expert presentations and panel discussions in collaboration with renowned institutions, offering historical insights and contemporary perspectives on architectural heritage.
Visit
Starting October 1, 2025, the Onera Foundation’s building at 63 Park Street in New Canaan, CT, will be open to the public Tuesdays–Saturdays, from 12 PM to 5 PM, or by appointment. Admission is free with advance registration, which will be required for entry.
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