Today I went to a very unusual exhibition — one that can easily be described as “widely known in narrow circles.” Unusual because it’s about an architectural firm, yet features almost no architecture. It’s about Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) — the legendary architecture practice behind skyscrapers, airports, and half of corporate America in the 20th century.
But the exhibition isn’t about buildings — it’s about furniture. It’s called Skidmore, Owings & Merrill: Hidden Furniture Masterpieces.
As it turns out, in the second half of the last century SOM embraced what was known as “Total Design” — designing not only the buildings themselves but also complete interiors, including furniture: tables, armchairs, lamps, and even ashtrays.
As a result, the firm’s design division had an influence on American office design comparable to giants like Herman Miller and Knoll. Yet it remained known mostly within professional circles, since SOM never sold its furniture separately. Still, employees of the country’s most successful companies used it every day.
The exhibition itself is organized by the premium vintage platform Rarify and hosted in an equally prestigious location — the New York outpost of the luxury Italian fashion retailer LuisaViaRoma. Despite this mix of premium, luxury, and exclusivity, admission is completely free.
On view is a collection of around 60 pieces of furniture by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), along with photographs and archival materials — magazines, books, drawings — reflecting the ideas and passions of its creators. In its press release, Rarify calls it “the most extensive collection of SOM furniture in the world.”
Many of the pieces are for sale, so if you feel tempted to make an impulse purchase, bring a little extra cash. For example:
- A rare pre-owned Eames 670 & 671 Lounge Chair and Ottoman costs $35,000 (compared to about $8,000 for a new one).
- A simple red Davis Allen Lounge Chair is priced at $80,000 (not sure negotiation is an option).
- Three books signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson are listed for $8,000.
Practical information
🎟️ Free admission
🕰 On view through April 30
📍 LUISAVIAROMA NEW YORK / 1 Bond St, New York, NY 10012
