The Lives of a (Modern) Building - The Edith Farnsworth House in Chicago: Architecture, Preservation and Stewardship

Join us for an engaging talk with Chicago-based architectural historian and preservationist Professor Michelangelo Sabatino as he discusses his comprehensive new book on the Edith Farnsworth House, a 1951 Modernist masterpiece designed by Mies van der Rohe. In conversation with Dirk Lohan, the architect grandson of Mies van der Rohe, they will share captivating stories about the house’s vibrant cultural history, including insights into Mies’ design choices and site decisions with his client, the house’s preservation journey, concluding with a special guest reading from Dr. Edith Farnsworth’s memoirs that reflects their famously complex client-architect relationship.

Sabatino’s new book, The Edith Farnsworth House: Architecture, Preservation, Culture (Monacelli Press, 2024), unveils the three distinct “lives” of this notable modern house near Chicago. It begins with its commissioning by Dr. Edith Farnsworth, continues through the ownership period of Lord Peter and Hayat Palumbo—with Dirk Lohan providing preservation oversight—and culminates in its current stewardship under the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Landmarks Illinois. A book signing will follow the presentation.

Michelangelo Sabatino, PhD, is a noted educator, historian, curator, and preservationist specializing on the twentieth century-built environment. He holds a professional degree in Architecture from the Università IUAV di Venezia, a PhD from the University of Toronto's Department of Fine Art, and a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard University's Department of History of Art and Architecture. Sabatino taught at Yale University and the University of Houston before joining the Illinois Institute of Technology College of Architecture, currently directing the PhD Program, and serves as the Inaugural John Vinci Distinguished Research Fellow. His recent works include The Edith Farnsworth House: Architecture, Preservation, Culture, and Mies in His Own Words: Complete Writings, Speeches, Interviews (DOM Publishers, 2024).  www.michelangelo-sabatino.com.

Dirk Lohan, FAIA, is an architect and principal partner at Lohan Architecture. He studied architecture at IIT with his grandfather Mies van der Rohe, and the Technische Universität in Munich, Germany. In 1962, Lohan settled in Chicago, working in his grandfather’s office until Mies’ passing in 1969. There he contributed to notable projects including the New National Gallery in Berlin and Chicago’s IBM building. His own designs include the McDonald's corporate campus in Oak Brook, the John G. Shedd Oceanarium, and the renovation and expansion of Soldier Field stadium. Lohan’s impressive portfolio encompasses numerous public, corporate, and private projects, earning recognition through various prestigious awards. He is known as the continuator of his grandfather’s legacy and an expert in its conservation.

$18

Things To KnowAges 13 and older
This is an indoor activity
Wheelchair accessible
Parking and handicap parking available
Seated activity
Restrooms are available
No smoking or e-cigarettes

Important InformationThe entrance to the Annenberg Theater is located behind the Annenberg Theater Box Office, adjacent to the Palm Springs Art Museum's North Parking Lot.
Ample free public parking is available in the multi-level public garage across from the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The organizer of this event is Modernism Week Annenberg Theater Activity.

Check-in Location Palm Springs Art Museum
101 N Museum Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262View Map

Photo Credits: Jon Miller, William E. Dunlap, Jack E. Boucher, © Chicago History Museum, Hedrich Blessing Collection, Mike Crews, Monacelli Press {"locationAddressVisibility":"visible"}