Open Space | The Edith Farnsworth House, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, 1945-51
The Edith Farnsworth House, tucked away in Plano, Illinois, is a classic example of modernist design and one of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s most iconic works. Designed between 1945 and 1951 the house was commissioned by Dr. Edith Farnsworth, a Chicago-based physician and intellectual, as a weekend retreat along the Fox River. The minimalist, one-room structure is elevated on stilts and constructed from steel, glass, and travertine, creating a transparent pavilion that blurs the boundary between nature and shelter. With its open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows, the Farnsworth House exemplifies Mies’s philosophy of “less is more,” emphasizing purity of form and material honesty.
Inside, the house maintains a restrained elegance. Warm wood paneling conceals functional elements like storage and closets, while the sole freestanding core encloses the bathroom and kitchen utilities. The furnishings were originally sparse and thoughtfully curated, designed to complement the serene atmosphere and uninterrupted views of the landscape. Though admired today as a masterpiece, the home’s early history was marked by controversy and legal disputes between Mies and Farnsworth, who criticized the house’s livability and cost overruns. Nevertheless, the design became an enduring icon of International Style architecture and remains a textbook example of Mies’s vision of modern domestic space.
Then in 2003, the National Trust for Historic Preservation stepped in and took over ownership. Today, the Farnsworth House is open to the public, offering tours and events that give people a chance to experience one of the most iconic pieces of modern architecture up close. It’s a quiet, beautiful space that continues to inspire architects and design lovers from around the world. The site hosts seasonal programs, including twilight tours, art exhibitions, and even yoga sessions on the lawn, all aimed at connecting visitors with the home and its surroundings. With its serene setting and thoughtful preservation, the Farnsworth House offers a rare glimpse into the roots of modernist design—still just as powerful and peaceful today as it was when it was first built.
