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The Zaha Hadid Foundation collection consists of over 300,000 items representing the richness and breadth of Zaha’s life and work.
We are currently undertaking the formidable task of inventorying, conserving and cataloging the collection. It is an ongoing and continuous process of discovery with the aim of unlocking the full potential of Zaha’s archive and making it as discoverable, accessible and meaningful to as many people as possible.
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The collection offers an extraordinary and unique record of Zaha’s creative process, intellectual underpinnings and architectural legacy stretching from the 1980s until her death in 2016. It includes architectural models, paintings, sketchbooks, technical drawings, digital files, furniture and objects, correspondence, ephemera and even Zaha’s personal wardrobe and DVD collection.
Below are some highlights from the estimated 300,000 items in the collection, with more to come.
Explore highlights from the collection as we continue to inventory and catalogue the Foundation’s extensive archive.
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Building on the substantial work already done, the Foundation is currently undertaking a multi-year project to fully inventory and catalogue the collection. New discoveries and research are regularly contributing fresh insights into Zaha’s work and creative process as we document the core information required to account for the objects in our care and support the Foundation’s long-term objectives.
As part of the project, the collection is also being rehoused to museum standards. Existing storage conditions are being assessed throughout the inventory process and, where necessary, objects are being repacked using appropriate archival materials. The project aims to strengthen the long-term care, accessibility and management of the collection while preparing material for future loans, exhibitions and research.
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Research is a pillar of the Foundation’s activities, offering new insights, interpretations and perspectives on Zaha and her continuing impact on contemporary architecture and design.
The Foundation is deeply engaged in research, from identifying and investigating new discoveries within the collection to exploring the broader contexts and themes that emerge from them. This work is undertaken by the Foundation’s in-house researchers alongside external specialists and academics with whom we collaborate to bring a range of expertise and vantage points to the study of Zaha’s work and legacy.
The collection’s richness and diversity offers new opportunities to explore connections across Zaha’s oeuvre and to consider its continuing relevance today. This research deepens our understanding of her architectural projects, interdisciplinary practice and the connections between her personal and professional life and the people, ideas and influences she encountered. It also helps shape key themes and areas of enquiry that the Foundation brings to the public through exhibitions, workshops, publications, conferences and commissions.
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Our research activities have included or informed:
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We encourage use of the collection for research, learning and critical engagement. While the collection isn’t open to the general public, it can be accessed by appointment, with requests handled on a case-by-case basis and priority given to researchers, students and museum professionals.
We recommend contacting us at least four weeks before the dates you wish to visit; all requests are subject to availability.
Anyone interested in visiting the collection should send us an initial enquiry outlining your request to: collections@zhfoundation.com
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The Collection deserves to be alive, visible and generative and we make every effort to facilitate loan requests for external exhibitions.
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