Winston-Salem Celebrated Architect César Pelli Centennial

MUSE Winston-Salem hosted a birthday event for the late architect at the Wells Fargo Center.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Cultural

Gouache-painted illustration of a stylized skyscraper model with geometric star motifs, representing the architectural legacy of César Pelli. — MUSE Winston-Salem hosted a centennial celebration for architect César Pelli, honoring his influence on the city's modern and historic architectural landscape. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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MUSE Winston-Salem held a special birthday celebration for architect César Pelli, who would have turned 100 years old this week. The gathering took place on the 26th floor of the Wells Fargo Center in Winston-Salem.

Why it matters

The event honored the legacy of an architect whose designs helped shape the visual identity of the city's skyline and university campus. It highlighted his specific commitment to incorporating local Moravian architectural heritage into modern skyscrapers.

The Wells Fargo Center stands 34 floors tall and features a prominent 60-foot granite dome. It remains the tallest building currently located in the Piedmont Triad region.

The players

César Pelli

He was a renowned architect whose work includes the Wells Fargo Center and the Worrell Professional Center.

MUSE Winston-Salem

This organization coordinated the centennial birthday celebration held for the architect.

Nikki Moore

She delivered a lecture regarding the architectural contributions of César Pelli during the event.

Mike Wakeford

He led guided tours for attendees that focused on the architectural features of the building.

The details

Attendees gathered on the 26th floor of the skyscraper, which provides a 360-degree view of the city. The program included an architecture-themed story time, a lecture by Nikki Moore, and guided tours led by Mike Wakeford that explored the building's incorporation of the Moravian star and local history.

Construction on the Worrell Professional Center at Wake Forest University was completed in 1993.
The Wells Fargo Center was finished in the mid-1990s.
Architect César Pelli would have reached his 100th birthday on October 12, 2026.
The MUSE Winston-Salem birthday event took place on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This event highlights the lasting cultural impact of architects who prioritize the integration of Moravian architectural heritage in regional urban planning. It reflects a broader trend of celebrating mid-1990s landmarks as they become significant historical fixtures in their respective cities.

Residents and architecture enthusiasts can visit the Wells Fargo Center to observe the building's design features, including its dome and Moravian motifs. The event served as a public opportunity to engage with local architectural history through guided tours and lectures.

The takeaway

César Pelli's work remains a central feature of the city's skyline, blending global architectural concepts with local historical symbolism. Visitors can better appreciate the urban environment by examining the specific Moravian-inspired details present in the city's tallest structures.