Farnsworth House
The Vision of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Rohe's visionary designs transformed the expression of the steel frame in American architecture. (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith) Learn More
Integration of Landscape Into Design
The ubiquitous glass panes provide panoramic views of the scenic landscape. (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith) Learn More
Farnsworth House, a National Trust Historic Site
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's masterpiece is one of the most famous examples of modernist domestic architecture. (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith) Learn More
When Dr. Edith Farnsworth commissioned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to build her a weekend retreat outside of Chicago, little did anyone expect that it would become one of the most famous and controversial examples of modernist domestic architecture. Transcending any traditional domestic function or program, the importance of the house lies rather in the absolute purity and consistency of its architectural idea. As historian Franz Schulze has remarked: "Certainly the house is more nearly temple than dwelling, and it rewards aesthetic contemplation before it fulfills domestic necessity."
Farnsworth House is a National Trust Historic Site owned and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
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Updates from the PreservationNation Blog:
Annie Leibovitz Makes a Pilgrimage to Farnsworth House
Written by Justin Lyons This past week we were fortunate to have one of the most talented portrait photographers of the 20th century visit the Farnsworth House for a shoot. Ms. Annie Leibovitz spent three hours in perfect morning light taking-in Mies’ work through a variety of lenses hoping to capture the perfect photo to [...]
Farnsworth House to be Managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Statement from Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation On January 1, 2010, the National Trust for Historic Preservation will assume the management of the Farnsworth House, an international icon of Modern architecture located in Plano, Illinois. While the National Trust has owned the site for the past six years, Landmarks Illinois [...]
Farnsworth House Offering Restoration Tours to Raise Funds
Less than one month ago, the Farnsworth House, a National Trust Historic Site and icon of modernist architecture, was flooded in the by tropical storm Lowell and the aftermath of hurricane Ike. The house was closed to the public in the immediate aftermath, but is now opening on a limited schedule to help raise funds [...]
