1900 Cities: The City at the Turn of the Century, from Paris to New York at Victoria and Albert Museum

An art history course focusing on the years around 1900, which represent one of the most vibrant and exciting periods in the history of art and design, when tradition and modernity collide and when the decadence of the fin-de-siecle encounters the optimism of a new millennium. The Paris World’s Fair set the tone, celebrating the achievements of the previous century while showcasing the new and shocking style of Art Nouveau. This course examines the leading cities of the world, whose art and architecture exemplify the development of modern styles. It explores cities from London to New York and Budapest to Berlin, and architects and artists from Charles Rennie Mackintosh to Gustav Klimt. Individual sessions explore the social and cultural history of each city in 1900 as well as the impact of innovations like electricity, motor cars, department stores, skyscrapers and trams.