Despite the obvious paradox of exhibiting representations of buildings rather than buildings themselves, practices of displaying architecture have grown exponentially in both frequency and variety of approach over the last centuries. Probably since paper was invented, architects have pinned up drawings for review by patrons, clients, and colleagues. But the creation of public exhibitions of architecture, with the aims of engaging non-professionals and creating an audience for architecture distinct from the experience of buildings in-situ dates only from the second half of the 18th century.
https://www.e-flux.com/announcements/315870/the-berlage-theory-master-class-led-by-barry-bergdoll/