Copy Whether as a retrospective, a collection of contemporary works, or a compilation of prospects for the future - and all the other possibilities in between -, architecture and urban planning exhibitions have played an important role in shaping the future of cities over the decades. These events are often open to the public, reaching many people who don't necessarily have a background in the field, thus providing great environments to explore a collective view of the future of architecture and cities. Architecture and urban planning exhibitions are historically relatively new, being consolidated in the 20th century yet, they have a lot to say, not only about the present-day context but also about the past and future of cities in general. Some of the major exhibitions that took place over the years were not very successful or popular at the time however, the impacts of these events on the field are noticeable.