Henry Hobson Richardson redefined the American landscape with heavy masonry, deep-set arches, and a singular vision of structural permanence. The Richardson Project preserves, studies, and celebrates his enduring architectural legacy.
A close study of how Richardson turned raw granite and sandstone into rhythm, weight, and light — the structural language behind every façade in the collection.
The work that defined a style and a career — voted the finest building in America in its day.
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Cat. No. 02 · Chicago
Marshall Field Warehouse
Chicago, Illinois · 1885–87
The precursor to the modern skyscraper, rendered in rhythmic granite and sandstone blocks.
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Cat. No. 03 · Pittsburgh
Allegheny County Courthouse
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · 1884–88
An exploration of civic dignity through the lens of Richardsonian massing and vertical power.
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Cat. No. 04 · Quincy
Thomas Crane Public Library
Quincy, Massachusetts · 1880–82
Richardson's mastery of the small-scale public building, blending warmth with monumental stone.
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Cat. No. 05 · Buffalo
The Buffalo Complex
Buffalo, New York · 1869–80
The first true appearance of his style — a vast Medina sandstone landmark set in designed landscape.
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Cat. No. 06 · Cambridge
Sever Hall
Cambridge, Massachusetts · 1878–80
Brick worked like clay — carved, curved, and moulded into one of his most quietly radical façades.
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The Architect
A Legacy of Form
Born in Louisiana in 1838 and educated at Harvard and the École des Beaux-Arts, Henry Hobson Richardson was the first American architect to achieve true international renown. His synthesis of French training and rugged American sensibilities birthed the style that now bears his name.
Over 1,400 original drafting-room drawings, elevations, and charcoal studies from Richardson's Brookline studio, now openly accessible to scholars and the public.
The Architect