Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969)

Widely regarded as one of the pioneering masters of modern architecture, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe inherits the title as the ‘Father of Bauhaus’ for his intensely modernist vision and art deco form of expression. Born in Aachen in Germany, 1886, Mies sought to establish a new architectural style representative of modern times, similar to the impact Classical and Gothic conjured for their own eras. He constructed an influential and inspirational twentieth century architectural style, stated with extreme clarity and simplicity.

Bound by the ethos of ‘less is more’, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created aesthetically compelling work, simple in appearance yet holding a unique beauty to any observer or art lover. Expanding his craft between architecture and furniture design, German born Mies undertook the majority of his career living in the United States, before his passing in Chicago, 1969.

The influence and inspiration generated by Mies resonates to this day and his work is championed and celebrated on a worldwide scale. The Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Archive, an administratively independent section within the department of architecture and design at MoMA New York, was established in 1968 by the museum's trustees, whilst the National Gallery Berlin and Museum of Fine Arts Houston are amongst some of his remaining existing examples of architecture, testament to his significance.