Eames House and studio reopens following Los Angeles fires

The Eames House in Los Angeles has reopened following "a meticulous process of restoration" due to smoke damage from the city's extensive wildfires earlier this year, coinciding with the announcement of a foundation to preserve the legacy of Charles and Ray Eames.

Located in Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, the Eames House, or Case Study House No. 8, once served as the primary residence for mid-century modern designers Charles and Ray Eames and has since become a cultural landmark.

It was under threat of burning down in last year's Palisades Fire, narrowly evading the fire that destroyed more than 7,000 structures, including iconic homes by modernist architects Richard Neutra and Ray Kappe.

The July reopening encompasses the restoration and cleaning of the primary residence, as well as the opening of a smaller, secondary building on-site that contained the Eames creative studio.

Previously used as an on-site office, this is the "first time ever" the studio will be open to the public, where it will serve as a more flexible space for exhibitions, workshops and panel discussions.

"After five months of closure, the Eames House reopens to visitors," said the team. "Though the home was spared from the wildfires earlier this year, it sustained considerable smoke damage and has since undergone a meticulous process of restoration and cleaning."

"For the first time ever, the studio will be open to the public."

The reopening also coincides with the Eames family launching the Charles & Ray Eames Foundation, an initiative dedicated to preserving the designers' legacy.

Adrienne Luce will serve as the Foundation's Executive director, while the Eames' five grandchildren are set to serve on its board.

"As grandchildren, it has been our honor to ensure that Charles and Ray continue to make a global impact," said chairman Eames Demetrios.

"Their work extended far beyond their most recognizable contributions in furniture and architecture – it was philosophy, photography, art, exhibition design, toys, lighting design, and architecture. This next chapter is about succession planning and looking ahead to future generations."

In 2019, an extensive restoration plan was announced and launched for the property, which included re-examining the preservation practices that were then in place.

Elsewhere, the Eames' granddaughter Llisa Demetrios serves as the chief curator of the recently opened Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity outside of San Francisco. Its headquarters contains an archive and exhibitions of Eames designs, while its branding was completed by design agency Manual.

The photography is by Chris Mottalini, courtesy of Eames Office

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