We’re proud to share that Defining Skylines: John Portman and the Architectural Evolution of Downtown Atlanta, an exhibit presented by the Georgia Tech Library, recently received the Best of the South Award from the Southeast Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians (SESAH). The award recognizes excellence in preservation education, research, and outreach.
Now on display in the Price Gilbert Library’s first-floor gallery through 2025, the exhibit celebrates the extraordinary life and work of John Portman, the visionary architect and Georgia Tech alumnus who helped define Atlanta’s skyline with landmark designs such as the Hyatt Regency and Peachtree Center. “This is a huge honor for the Library and its Archives and Special Collections,” said Jody Thompson, Assistant Dean for Archives, Records Management & Digital Curation. “I’m thrilled we won such a prestigious award by focusing on the legacy of one of Tech’s truly special alumni.”
The Best of the South Award, established in 2006, honors projects that help the public better understand and appreciate historic places through exceptional research, design, and execution. The Defining Skylines exhibit offers a rare look at Portman’s creative process, architectural achievements, and lasting influence on urban design, featuring artifacts from both the Georgia Tech Archives & Special Collections and the Portman Archives.
A special thank-you to everyone who joined us for the opening event and to the Portman Archives team for their incredible collaboration and contributions to this award-winning exhibition. Your partnership and shared dedication help preserve and celebrate the lasting legacy of John Portman’s work. We invite the community to continue exploring the exhibit and to join us in celebrating one of Atlanta’s most influential figures.
Read more about the win, which was announced at the 2025 SESAH Conference held Sept. 23-26 in Asheville, N.C.: https://library.gatech.edu/news/portman-exhibit-wins-best-south-award
