Antoni Gaudi’s Expiatory Church of the Sagrada Familia, the Grand Central Terminal by Whitney Warren and Charles Wetmore and the Sydney Opera House by Jorn Utzon are all instantly recognizable buildings and symbols of national and metropolitan pride. They are, however, much more than just civic monuments – they have set new standards, breaking with all precedent in their unique three-dimensional forms. Each building is an enduring source of inspiration for students and fellow architects, and bears witness to the free-ranging imagination and genius of its architect. Together, they provide valuable insights into the role of civic architecture.