Iowa Architectural Foundation to Host Meredith Hall Celebration Event

Monday, September 30th, 2024

“Celebrating Meredith Hall: a Mies Masterpiece Renewed” will be presented by the Iowa Architectural Foundation and the Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication on October 12 at 7 p.m.

Des Moines, IA – September 30, 2024 — The Iowa Architectural Foundation and the Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication are proud to announce a special event, Celebrating Meredith Hall: A Mies Masterpiece Renewed, on October 12, 2024. This exciting evening will celebrate the restoration of Drake University’s Meredith Hall, a 1965 architectural landmark designed by modernist master Mies van der Rohe. Proceeds from the event will benefit the ongoing restoration efforts.

Event Highlights:
● Social Hour & Docent Stations: Starting at 7 p.m., guests will enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or beer while exploring the beautifully restored interiors of Meredith Hall. Docents will be stationed to share insights about its design and history.
● Knoll Furniture Display: Capture a selfie at the modern furniture display, sponsored by Pigott and MillerKnoll, specially curated as an homage to Mies and Saarinen furniture designs of the Modernist movement. Florence has always credited Mies as her most influential mentor, and, in 1948, Mies granted Knoll exclusive rights to produce his furniture.
● Exhibit: Dive into the rich history of Meredith Hall with a digital exhibit showcasing original blueprints, photographs, and artifacts that reveal its architectural significance.
● BNIM Architects Q&A: Learn from the experts at BNIM Architects about the intricate 2022-2023 restoration project. The revitalization included key infrastructure updates, sustainability improvements, and enhancements to the learning environment—all while preserving Mies’s original vision.
● Special Access to Scott Chapel: Guests will also have the rare opportunity to visit the Oreon E. Scott Chapel, a modernist treasure designed by Eero Saarinen and dedicated in 1955.
● Documentary Screening: At 8:00 PM, settle in for an exclusive screening of the 2023 documentary The Mies van der Rohes, offering an intimate look at Mies’s life and work through the eyes of his eldest daughter.
● Plus, a Chance to Win!: Guests will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a Florence Knoll hairpin table—an elegant addition to any modernist interior.

This event is a unique opportunity to celebrate the vision of Mies van der Rohe, experience the renewal of one of Iowa’s most treasured architectural landmarks, and support its preservation for future generations.

Tickets:
Tickets are $40 and are available for purchase on Eventbrite here.

This event is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors: BNIM, MillerKnoll, Pigott, Story Construction, Modus, and The Waldinger Corp.

About Iowa Architectural Foundation: The Iowa Architectural Foundation is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of architecture and design in Iowa through education and community engagement.

About Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication: The School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) is committed to developing educated professionals, coupling hands-on training in professional skills with a strong liberal arts education.