Next Talks & More | Artist Talks

Annabelle Selldorf

DeeDee and Herb Glimcher Lecture

A collaged image featuring a photo of Annabelle Selldorf and two photos inside buildings she designed.

Consider human-centered design with renowned architect Annabelle Selldorf who was named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in 2025.

Annabelle Selldorf shares insights into her firm, Selldorf Architects, and their transformative work—from the expansion of The Frick Collection in New York and the renovation of the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing in London to the revitalization of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and the design of galleries for David Zwirner and Hauser & Wirth. Her projects span continents and categories, yet all reflect a deep commitment to the individual experience and the power of architecture to elevate everyday life.

Selldorf Architects, based in New York is celebrated and known for its timeless approach to architecture and for prioritizing the people who will use the space. Since 1988, the design practice has shaped cultural institutions, civic landmarks, and private residences with a modern sensibility grounded in clarity, sustainability, and enduring impact.

This program, which is this year’s DeeDee and Herb Glimcher Lecture—an annual series featuring leading artists, architects, and designers—offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the most influential voices in contemporary architecture. Whether you’re a design professional, student, or enthusiast, Selldorf’s vision for spaces that are as thoughtful as they are beautiful will inspire you.

A Q&A follows the presentation.

In the press

  • “How Annabelle Selldorf Became the Architect of Our Moment,” Dodie Kazanjian, Vogue
  • “Annabelle Selldorf: The 101 Most Influential People of 2025,” Annie Leibovitz, TIME
  • “Annabelle Selldorf’s National Gallery Renovation Brings Space, Light, and Style to a Much-Loved London Institution,” Caroline Roux, Galerie Magazine
"Annabelle’s mission is to make art accessible to the widest range of visitors possible. The spaces she creates are meant to accommodate large numbers of people, but they are not overpowering. They are sensitively and deftly restrained."
A large white gallery space featuring colorful artwork on one wall and silver sculptures on the floor.

Annabelle Selldorf, David Zwirner 20th Street, photo: Nicholas Venezia.

A photo of the exterior of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

Annabelle Selldorf, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, photo: Nicholas Venezia.

A woman looks at a painting on the far wall of a museum gallery. The gridded ceiling is illuminated, and the space is open and bright.

Annabelle Selldorf, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, photo: Nicholas Venezia.

A photo of the exterior of the National Gallery against a dark blue sky.

Annabelle Selldorf, view of the National Gallery Sainsbury Wing, photo: Edmund Sumner.

A photo of the exterior of The Frick Collection. There is a garden with a small pond in front of it.

Annabelle Selldorf, The Frick Collection, 70th Street Garden, photo copyright: Nicholas Venezia.

A photo of the inside of the auditorium at The Frick Collection featuring a curved wall and low lights.

Annabelle Selldorf, The Frick Collection, Auditorium, photo copyright: Nicholas Venezia.

A black-and-white photo of Annabelle Selldorf smiling.

Annabelle Selldorf, photo: Ralph Mecke, courtesy of Selldorf Architects. 

More about the artist

Annabelle Selldorf

Annabelle Selldorf is the founder and principal of Selldorf Architects, a 65-person architectural design practice that opened in New York City in 1988. The firm has particular expertise in the complex requirements of cultural projects. Ongoing work includes a 50,000 square-foot addition to the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Selldorf is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and serves on the board of the Architectural League of New York, World Monuments Fund, and the Chinati Foundation. In 2016, Selldorf received the AIA New York Medal of Honor, and in 2025, she received an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute. 

Program Support

This lecture is made possible by generous support from the DeeDee and Herb Glimcher Program Fund, which supports presentations by distinguished speakers in the fields of art, architecture, and design, and is cosponsored by Ohio State’s Knowlton School.

LEARNING AND PUBLIC PROGRAMS EVENTS MADE POSSIBLE BY

American Electric Power Foundation

CoverMyMeds

Huntington

WEXNER CENTER PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY

Greater Columbus Arts Council

The Wexner Family

Ohio Arts Council, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts

CampusParc

The Columbus Foundation

Every Page Foundation

Mellon Foundation

Axium Packaging

Nationwide Foundation

Michael and Anita Goldberg

Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease LLP

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

Joyce Shenk

Rebecca Perry and Ben Towle

Lachelle Thigpen

Close

Next Talks & More

Annabelle Selldorf