A New Era for the Birthplace of Mid-Century Modern Design

A world-class design museum is coming to Novato, California. The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity has secured a 166,000-square-foot (approximately 15,000-square-meter) site in Marin County, marking a new chapter in its history.

The institute's collection of 40,000 works by Charles and Ray Eames, currently stored in a Richmond warehouse, will relocate to this new location. The site is a former Birkenstock warehouse situated between Novato and Petaluma, near Highway 101. White spire-like structures rising above golden grasslands evoke the crown of the Statue of Liberty.

Herzog & de Meuron's Touch

The building redesign has been entrusted to Herzog & de Meuron, the world-renowned architecture firm that designed the de Young Museum in San Francisco. John Cary, executive director of the Eames Institute, announced, "We just closed the deal," adding that "it will consist of multiple exhibition spaces."

Regarding curatorial direction, Cary explained, "Chief Curator Llisa Demetrios is a direct descendant of the Eameses and an expert in her own right," noting that "she's already collecting beyond just Eames works." Demetrios is the granddaughter of Charles and Ray Eames.

From Post-War Prosperity Symbol to Modern Times

The Eameses' careers peaked during America's post-World War II prosperity. Following the G.I. Bill enacted in 1944, veterans purchased homes with low-interest mortgages, spurring suburban expansion.

Factories shifted production to meet demand for home appliances. The Eameses created designs that defined this era. Their molded plastic laminated chairs continue to be produced today. The Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair, launched in 1956, can fetch up to $15,000 (approximately 20 million won), though replicas are available at Walmart.

According to Cary, the Eameses collaborated with various corporations including Westinghouse, IBM, Zenith, and Emerson.

Energizing the Local Economy

This project is expected to have a positive impact on the Novato and Petaluma regional economy. The establishment of a world-class design museum is anticipated to attract visitors from around the globe, generating tourism demand.

Regarding plans to expand the curatorial team, Cary stated, "It's likely there will be additional curators handling different types of works," though he added that "the actual staffing structure is still undetermined."