FARNSWORTH HOUSE

  • Mies van der Rohe
  • 14520 River Road, Plano, IL 60545

The Farnsworth House, designed and built between 1946 and 1951 by architect Mies van der Rohe, is recognized as a masterpiece of the International Style of architecture, and has National Historic Landmark status.

The one-room weekend retreat was commissioned by and designed for Dr. Edith Farnsworth as a place to relax, play the violin, entertain, and enjoy nature.

The 140 m2 house is located in Plano, Illinois, and the glass pavilion takes full advantage of relating to its natural surroundings, achieving Mies' concept of a strong relationship between the house and nature.

The significance of the Farnsworth House was recognized even before it was built. In 1947 a model of the Farnsworth House was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.