Members Only Preview of The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design

Members can enjoy early access to The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design at Mint Museum Uptown before the public.

The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design, drawn from the rich holdings of the Thomas H. and Diane DeMell Jacobsen Ph.D. Foundation, provides a rare opportunity to survey the history of American craftsmanship and ingenuity, seen through the lens of seating furniture.

The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design, on view September 16, 2023–February 25, 2024 at Mint Museum Uptown, features chairs sat on by presidents, chairs that were thrown from skyscrapers, and chairs designed by renowned makers — and a few that visitors can sit on themselves.

The 52 chairs on view exemplify that a chair can be much more than just a place to sit. The exhibition reveals chairs as works of art that tell stories of United States history spanning from the early 19th century to the early 21st century. These stories range from the contributions of immigrants to changing tastes in style and aesthetics to new innovations in technology and materials.

Visitors can admire the works of esteemed makers and designers, including George Hunzinger, the Stickley Brothers, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Charles and Ray Eames, whose work has left an indelible mark on American design and continues to inspire contemporary artists and designers.

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