Summary
- The Eames House (Case Study House #8) in Los Angeles has reopened to visitors after a five-month closure for restoration following smoke damage from wildfires.
- For the first time, visitors will also have access to Charles and Ray Eames’ adjacent studio and personal workspace, offering a unique insight into their creative process and family life.
The Los Angeles residence designed by Charles and Ray Eames for their family has reopened to visitors following an extended period of closure in the aftermath of the LA wildfires.
While the house, also known as Case Study House #8, narrowly escaped total destruction, it had undergone considerable smoke damage, and as such has been closed for five months for extensive restoration work.
Now, visitors are set to be able to return as usual, but with the added bonus of being able to visit the Eames’ studio and personal workspace, which is adjacent to the main living space.
This part of the house, which is adjacent to the main living space, has never before been open to the public, and offers a rare glimpse into the personal, inner workings of Charles and Ray’s creative partnership.
It would also, according to grandson Eames Demetrios, be used as an overflow bedroom of sorts when the family came to stay.
“The studio became—sort of functioned as extended living space,” he said in an interview with Getty, which was recorded in the space. “Ultimately, Charles and Ray had five grandkids,” he adds. “If we all came down together, we would stay here. If we were by ourselves, we could stay in the house part.”
Coinciding with the reopening of Eames House, the Eames family is launching the “Charles & Ray Eames Foundation”, which will work to preserve and celebrate their widespread legacy.
“As grandchildren, it has been our honor to ensure that Charles and Ray continue to make a global impact,” said Demetrios, who also serves as the Director of Eames Office, and Chairman of the Charles & Ray Eames Foundation.
“Their work extended far beyond their most recognizable contributions in furniture and architecture – it was philosophy, photography, art, exhibition design, toys, lighting design, architecture. It is our responsibility to ensure those contributions are not lost. This next chapter is about succession planning and looking ahead to future generations.”
Beyond its preservation work, the foundation aims to foster international programmes that encapsulate the spirit of the Eames’ design ethos.
“Charles once said,’Eventually everything connects’”, said Adrienne Luce, Executive Director of the Charles & Ray Eames Foundation. “This profound insight guides our Foundation’s mission: to forge meaningful connections and ignite curiosity across disciplines, cultures, and generations.”
Head to the Eames Office website to find out more about the house and foundation, and to schedule a visit.
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