With new Marin home for Eames Institute comes an expanded curatorial mission

The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity announced plans to relocate its extensive collection of 40,000 works by Charles and Ray Eames to a new 166,000-square-foot facility in Marin County. This new site will serve as a world-class design museum, featuring multiple exhibitions that aim to educate visitors about the significance of mid-20th century modernism in today's context. Chief curator Llisa Demetrios, a granddaughter of the Eames, will lead the curatorial mission, with potential for additional curators focusing on diverse works. The institute recently purchased the former Birkenstock warehouse, an eye-catching structure set to be transformed by acclaimed architects Herzog & de Meuron. The Eames' designs, including their famous molded plastic chairs and the Herman Miller lounge chair, exemplify their innovative approach during the post-World War II economic boom.

Their work often featured collaborations with major corporations and even the U. S. government, showcasing the intersection of design and political influence. This initiative is anticipated to not only elevate the cultural landscape but also provide a significant economic boost to the local communities of Novato and Petaluma. The museum's establishment underscores the enduring legacy of the Eames in design history and modern thinking.