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What is Marimekko?
It's a Finnish design firm whose work you may be aware of if (a) you remember cutting edge design from the 60's and 70's or (b) you've seen their sheets and towels at CB2 or Crate and Barrel or their fabrics at the latter.
When founded in 1951 in the post WWII years, the firm had the then 
radical idea of integrating the entire home environment. The company, its ingeniously designed production facilities and its unique employee benefits became a source of national pride at a time when the depressing remnants of the war were still prevalent.
Products for living, dining, kitchen and bath areas were available and, within a relatively short time were distributed in Europe and the U.S. Since a wide range of fabrics were also stocked at participating retail outlets, customers were 
provided with many additional possibilities for home decor.
Head to the Marimekko exhibit at Mies van der Rohe's Crown Hall on the IIT campus and you're bound to be impressed. There are huge swaths of fabric in multitudes of designs and colors hung from 4 sided armatures and women's clothing that dates from the 60's that still looks fresh today. The marvelous open space of the building offers plenty of breathing room for the exhibit.
Crown Hall is at 3360 S. State. You can take Lake Shore Drive and exit at 31st St. Signs will point the way to campus buildings and visitor parking.
The exhibit which is free and open to the public runs until July 28. Hours are Tues.-Sat. 10AM-4PM. For further info., call 312.567.5014.
More on IIT to follow.
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