---
title: New Exhibit Frames Architecture’s Unsung Hero
date: 2026-09-24T05:30:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/new-exhibit-frames-architectures-unsung-hero"
section: Articles
---
# New Exhibit Frames Architecture’s Unsung Hero

*September 24, 2026* — by [Maggie Haslam](/author/maggie-haslam)


> “Molding et al.” gives decorative element its due.

*The “Molding Et Al” exhibition brings an examination of architectural molding to the Architecture Building’s museum on September 22, 2026.

Photo by Dylan Singleton/University of Maryland — “Moldings et al.,” which opens Friday at the Architecture Building’s Kibel Gallery, examines the history, materials and lasting endurance of molding in architectural building craft. (Photos by Dylan Singleton)*

<span lang="EN">Despite its diminutive size, molding is an architectural element with monumental personality. It can transform a builder’s-grade bedroom into a cozy, luxe enclave. It can add a historic feel to a new house, and energy to an old one. Stacked together, it can make a boring brick facade look downright regal. </span>

<span lang="EN">The trim and adornments made of wood, plaster and even plastic are ubiquitous tricksters of the eye yet often go unseen. Now, a new University of Maryland exhibit is urging a second look. </span>

<span lang="EN">“Moldings et al.,” which opens Friday at the Architecture Building’s Kibel Gallery, examines the history, materials and lasting endurance of molding (or “moulding”) in the annals of architectural building craft. A culmination of research efforts by University of Maryland Associate Clinical Professor Lindsey May, the exhibit (ironically on display in a room devoid of molding) showcases a vast catalog of molding types, its limitless applications and the transformation that takes place when stacks of slim, shaped wood adorn a facade.</span>

<span lang="EN">“It’s a tiny piece that does a lot,” said May, who has researched molding for nearly a decade. “I want people to see this detail as something that impacts them and shapes how they experience space.” </span>


*The “Molding Et Al” exhibition brings an examination of architectural molding to the Architecture Building’s museum.*


## Memorial Chapel


*Architectural details on the Memorial Chapel.*


## McKeldin Library


*The molding where the McKeldin Library’s old building meets its expansion is examined in the “Molding Et Al” exhibit at the Architecture Museum.*


<span lang="EN">From the front entrance, the building’s Georgian detail exudes distinction; but just around the corner, the pomp and circumstance abruptly halts where the original library (built in 1957) meets its 1990 addition. “Molding tells us more than we realize, whether it's the agenda of an architect, or construction methods, or in this case, the history of a building,” said May. </span>


## Architecture Building


*The Architecture Building’s lack of architectural molding is examined in the “Molding Et Al” exhibit at the Architecture Museum.*


<span lang="EN">Built during the peak of the brutalist architecture movement, the home of the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (MAPP) is a protest to molding, manifested in brick and mortar. Unlike its campus brethren, the Architecture Building forgoes a thick layer of white roofline trim. Exposed interior concrete beams intersecting with brick further drive home its anti-molding stance. “It’s like a disgruntled teen wearing ripped jeans instead of a suit to a wedding,” said May. “It’s like, OK, guys, we get it, you’re different.”</span>


## Reckord Armory


*The molding on the Reckord Armory’s lobby is examined in the “Molding Et Al” exhibit at the Architecture Museum.*


<span lang="EN">Few molding-adorned exteriors on campus are as magnificent as Reckord Armory. But just inside is a decorative don’t: Decorative columns—that lack a base and cap and don’t hold anything up—make the room seem taller, which makes everything else feel smaller. “Not all molding is rooted in the same logic as classical architecture,” she said. “Sometimes it’s used in a very controlled way, and sometimes very liberally. I would say this is an example of the latter.” </span>


## Preinkert Hall


*The molding around Preinkert Hall’s windows is examined in the  “Molding Et Al” exhibit at the Architecture Museum.*


<span lang="EN">To make a ground-floor window literally feel grounded and more grand against its decorated entrance, molding panels on many windows around campus make them seem larger, like at the former field house that now houses MAPP offices. “It’s about what it does to the windows but also the composition of the building, and how each unit communicates and informs each other,” said May.</span>


**Sidebar note:**

”Molding et al.” opens Friday with a gallery talk and reception at 5 p.m. It will be on view until Dec. 11. The Kibel Gallery is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.





**Topics:** [Research](https://today.umd.edu/tags/research)


**Tags:** [Architecture](https://today.umd.edu/topic/architecture), [Arts](https://today.umd.edu/topic/arts)


**Units:** [School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation](https://today.umd.edu/topic/school-architecture-planning-and-preservation)