Atlanta’s Central Library, a Brutalist icon, will be feature of film and discussion

Back in 2016, a frenzy erupted when Fulton County revealed plans to potentially demolish the Atlanta Central Library in downtown.

Vocal backlash came to the defense of the iconic—if not universally loved—Brutalist facility, which was the final built work of noted architect Marcel Breuer.

Following a lengthy proposals process, the future of the building was somewhat assured with the selection of an architect to renovate the library, rather than replace it. However, after more than six months of design, with little public input, some observers are concerned the renovation will be unkind to the concrete sculptural structure.

Now, a film about the library and its design will be released at a public showing next week, held fittingly in the library’s lower-level auditorium.

The 16 mm film by Kate Brown is simply titled “Atlanta’s Central Library.” Its showing will be accompanied next week by a panel discussion and conversation with two local architects who worked on the library design with Breuer.

The free event will happen Thursday, Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m. The film is just 16 minutes long, and the discussion is scheduled to last until 7 p.m.

• Atlanta Central Library: Film and Discussion [event page]
• Atlanta Central Library’s saga is continuing today like a bad soap opera [Curbed Atlanta]
• Atlanta’s Central Library renovation takes first step forward [Curbed Atlanta]