Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's presence at the MFAH is ubiquitous as he designed two major additions to the Law Building: Cullinan Hall, completed in 1958, and Brown Pavilion, completed in 1974. An undisputed master of modern architecture and design, he stripped away ornamentation and focused exclusively on function when designing buildings, both large and small, in keeping with his guiding principle, less is more.

This Artful Thursday focuses on an expansive biography of the architect by renowned architectural scholar Franz Schulze and architect Edward Windhorst. In his illustrated talk, Windhorst provides a sketch of Mies van der Rohe's background, training and celebrated accomplishments.

The reception following the program includes a book signing of Mies van der Rohe: A Critical Biography.