MillerKnoll Launches Archival Space to Celebrate Design Legacy of Herman Miller and Knoll

In a major development for design enthusiasts and professionals alike, MillerKnoll has officially opened its archives, a sprawling 12,000-square-foot facility located at the Michigan Design Yard headquarters. This pioneering space brings together the archival collections of Herman Miller, Knoll, and other esteemed brands within the MillerKnoll collective. With over one million objects, this archive serves as a vast repository celebrating the rich history of modern design.

A Comprehensive Look into Modern Design

The newly inaugurated archive is not only a storage space but a thoughtfully designed facility meant to inspire and educate. Structured into three key areas—an exhibition space, open storage, and a reading room—it invites both internal staff and external researchers to delve into the evolution and innovative stories behind iconic designs. The facility aims to be a crucial resource for MillerKnoll associates as well as architects, curators, and academics who are looking to understand the impact these collections have had and will continue to have on the design landscape.

Amy Auscherman, the Director of Archives and Brand Heritage at MillerKnoll, expressed her excitement about this initiative: "Bringing together the Herman Miller and Knoll archival collections has been an incredible privilege. It has been an opportunity to collaborate across brands to unite our shared history, preserve our culture of innovation, and ensure these important design legacies remain accessible for generations to come." This sentiment underscores the importance that MillerKnoll places on its design heritage.

The Inaugural Exhibition: Manufacturing Modern

The grand opening also featured the inaugural exhibition titled "Manufacturing Modern". Displaying iconic designs from legendary figures such as Florence Knoll, George Nelson, and Eero Saarinen, this exhibition highlights the intertwined histories of Knoll and Herman Miller. Attendees will have the unique chance to engage with objects that tell the story of the beginnings of Modernism, a movement fundamental to the evolution of design in the 20th century.

Ben Watson, Chief Creative and Product Officer, emphasized the significance of this new archive: "The debut of the MillerKnoll Archives invites our communities to experience design history – and imagine its future – in one dynamic space. The ability to not only understand how iconic designs came to be but also how design solutions evolved over time, is a never-ending source of inspiration."

Open Storage: A Journey Through Design Evolution

The open storage area showcases over 300 modern furniture designs. This collection features iconic pieces from Knoll and Herman Miller as well as contemporary designs from brands under the MillerKnoll umbrella, such as HAY and Geiger. Visitors will find rare objects including a prototype of the Knoll Womb® Chair, gifted by its creator Eero Saarinen to his mother. Other spotlight items include groundbreaking designs by Gilbert Rohde and early office furniture by Florence Knoll, along with artistic contributions from Isamu Noguchi.

In addition to furniture, the archive also contains wall-mounted art racks showcasing photography by Charles and Ray Eames and designs by Lella and Massimo Vignelli, providing a comprehensive visual narrative that highlights modern design's far-reaching impact.

The Reading Room: A Wealth of Archival Materials

Adjacent to the open storage, the reading room features a treasure trove of archival materials, including correspondence, drawings, and textiles, spanning over 250 linear feet of documented history. Significant pieces include development memos related to George Nelson's first products for Herman Miller and original designs for classic pieces such as the Eames® Lounge Chair. These documents serve to deepen the understanding of the creative processes behind some of the most celebrated designs in history.

Future Tours and Closing Thoughts

MillerKnoll plans to offer exclusive tours of the archive in partnership with the Cranbrook Art Museum and Docomomo, scheduled for select days in July, August, and October. This initiative not only enhances community engagement but also allows design lovers an intimate look at the history housed within the archive.

As MillerKnoll continues to champion design for the good of humanity, the launch of the archives represents a significant commitment to preserving the legacies of not just two brands, but an entire movement in design history. With this archive, MillerKnoll solidifies its role as a custodian of modern design, ensuring future generations can find inspiration in the past.