Edith Farnsworth House - a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

First conceived by world-renowned architect Mies van der Rohe in 1945 and completed in 1951, the Edith Farnsworth House is an icon of modern architecture and continues to inspire artists and designers around the world. Built as a country retreat for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, the house is a building of white-painted steel and glass, which stands in striking contrast to its naturalistic setting. Located in a floodplain landscape along the Fox River, the setting is integral to Mies van der Rohe’s aesthetic conception and continues to be managed and developed as the house and site are restored and interpreted.  Over 10,000 visitors per year come for guided tours, exhibitions, programs and events - with additional offsite and virtual programming. We serve an international audience of architecture and design enthusiasts, educators and professionals as well as regional and local tourists.