Farnsworth House

Historical Value

Edith Farnsworth (1903- 1977)

Dr. Edith Farnsworth was born in Chicago to a wealthy and cultured family. She had a passion for music and played the violin extremely well. Her interests also included traveling and learning languages such as French, Italian and German.

After becoming a doctor, she graduated from the Northwestern School of Medicine in 1941, she became a very prominent nephrologist, or kidney specialist. Edith was ahead of her times and a forward thinker. Not only she was a smart and sophisticated woman, she was also an established practicing doctor and a well-respected researcher in the sciences. Her interests in the arts brought her to meet the famous architect Mies van der Rohe.

In 1945 Dr. Farnsworth decided she needed a weekend retreat and wanted to build a very unique house that followed nature as well as modern architectural lines. She put Mies in charge of the design and construction.

“After completion of design, the project was placed on hold awaiting an inheritance from an ailing aunt of Farnsworth. Mies was to act as the general contractor as well as architect. Work began in 1950 and substantially, was completed in 1951. The commission was an ideal one for any architect, but was marred by a very publicized dispute between Farnsworth and Mies that began near the end of construction. The total cost of the house was $74,000 in 1951 ($734,635 in 2020 dollars)”

Chicago Magazine March 2020

Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969)

Mies was born in 1886 as Maria Ludwig Michael Mies in Aachen, Germany. Trained for a few years as an assistant to Behrens, he then worked alongside Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius. Later Mies was also involved in the last development and chapter of the Bauhaus. Associate professor of History of Art, Claire Zimmerman, defines his work as “ a spatial choreography” where “art and nature” were considered by Mies as “contemplative subjects”. Mies van der Rohe became one of the most important architects of the 20th century professor Zimmerman confirms because of “the deceptively simple design that required complex engineering”.

Mies based his design of the Farnsworth House on the relationship between a person’s fulfillment and nature. He created a design that could enhance the technological advances of the time as well as the surrounding context in which they were placed. This philosophy can be seen in the extremely large glass panels which would allow for natural light to come through and the exterior to penetrate the space within.

In a way, Edith’s retreat was thoughtfully crafted so that the exterior was the interior using glass as a transparent skin.

The large outdoor terrace and steps as well as lower terrace were underlining this mission of interconnecting all living spaces, the interior designed as an extension of the exterior…or vice versa?

The playfulness of this synergy provided an elevated structure that still reflects its individuality and character today.

For more information:

http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/April-2020/Five-Things-About-Farnsworth-House/

https://www.architecture.org/learn/resources/architecture-dictionary/entry/ludwig-mies-van-der-rohe/

Programs

The Farnsworth house is a museum offering the essential qualities of the art museum education. The many programs wether they be landscape walks in-person or connecting virtually allow for a dialogue to take place with visitors and members alike.

Some Upcoming Events in the Spring:

April 10 - Architecture of Asana Yoga Program

Discover the peace and serenity of spring when you join instructor Susan Litviak for an all ages Hatha yoga practice. Allow yourself to find the tranquility within each moment and breathe.This class will be held on the upper terrace and inside the House. Please provide your own yoga mat and any desired props.

April 22 - Earth Day

The Farnsworth House invites all landscape and gardening lovers to explore their grounds. They’ll have eco-friendly specials offered in their museum shop. The locally sourced Red Bud Creek Farm Center will be giving perennial plants for your own garden.

Past Events:

With their Mod & Merry event, the museum invited guests to take a step back in time and experience the Farnsworth House decorated for the holidays...in MCM style and was followed by an outdoor walk to delight and bring in the festive spirit.

In January the museum offered: Anything He Can Do She Can Do Better: The Women Designers of Mid-Century Modernism the museum reaching out not only to Bahaus and architecture fans alike but also to those whom were interested in learning about the critical role of women in design.

These programs are educational gems that give an opportunity to experts in the field to connect and share their knowledge with a larger audience. These invaluable interactions create human engagement, a platform where thoughtful discussions and meaningful learning have a space.The pandemic's silver lining has created an opportunity to expand to a broader community and establish new networks. Additionally, the increase of social media users is encouraging staff in the development of fresh perspectives on digital programming and virtual gatherings. In a time where in-person isolation and loneliness are increasing, meeting other people, even if virtually is a way to connect and potentially even network, most certainly facilitate grounds for personal enrichment and adds something on your calendar to look forward to!

Photo Gallery

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