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
The Farnsworth House, built by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1951 and located near Plano, Illinois, is one of the most famous examples of modernist domestic architecture and was considered unprecedented in its day. 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."
Although the Farnsworth House will be closed for regular public tours for the remainder of the year due to the September 14, 2008 flood, special behind-the-scenes tours are available on a limited basis for visitors who are particularly interested in the restoration process. Refunds have been issued to all visitors who purchased tickets in advance for regular public tours. We welcome contributions online to support the restoration work. For more information, contact Landmarks Illinois.
Farnsworth House is a National Trust Historic Site owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and operated by Landmarks Illinois.
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Updates from the PreservationNation Blog:
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 [...]
Flood Waters Have Receded at World-Famous Farnsworth House
After two days, staff and volunteers at Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois can finally reach it without a boat, albeit waders!
The flood waters started to recede yesterday morning, and unlike the flood of 1996 when the waters rose over 4’ into the house, it appears it was about 18” above the floor level this [...]
NEWS ALERT: World Icon Farnsworth House Under Water; Video as the Flood Rises
Unfortunately, Texas is not the only state impacted by Ike and the other tropical storms. Our National Trust Historic Site and National Historic Landmark, Farnsworth House , designed by Mies van der Rohe and opened in 1951 is under water. Tropical Storm Lowell and now Ike are behind the rains that are still pummeling the Midwest. [...]
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