Brutalism is a celebrated and controversial movement in post-war architecture. Some see the bare concrete structures as sculptural and impressive, while others experience them as harsh and intimidating. In the exhibition Monuments of the Collective you can discover the brutalist structures of the former Yugoslavia, captured by architectural photographer Rob ’t Hart.

After the Second World War, Yugoslavia attempts to carve out  a collective identity through architecture, separate from that of its European neighbors. This national architecture represents the utopian ideals of the Socialists. Across the region you will find a range of unique and astounding buildings and monuments. From public buildings such as the National and University Library (1982) in Kosovo and the Tuzla Bank (1977) in Bosnia and Herzegovina to residential buildings as the 89 meter high Rudolf Towers (1979) in Serbia and Alipašino Polje Housing (1970s) in Sarajevo.

Cities and public spaces were designed in line with the Soviet ideals of collective identity and national solidarity. This includes many cultural centers, parks, monuments, and communal spaces designed to promote collaboration and community life. All within a modernist framework that simultaneously showed respect for local traditions.

Since 2018, architectural photographer Rob ’t Hart has been capturing his fascination with the architecture and landscapes of Yugoslavia in a personal way. With his camera by his side, ’t Hart has traveled more than 28,000 kilometers through the region. During these countless journeys, he discovers forgotten places, collects unique source material, and meets various architects, including Marco Musić—a pivotal figure in Yugoslav architecture of the 1980s.