The Nordic Heritage Museum will showcase the work and life of one of the 20th century’s most prolific architects — Eero Saarinen — with an exhibition opening Friday, May 25, and concurring events starting Wednesday, May 23.
 
Saarinen built some of the most iconic buildings of his time, including the TWA Terminal at New York’s JFK Airport, Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C., and the St. Louis Arch.



Guest curated by Mina Marefat, architectural historian and professor at Georgetown University, the exhibition provides a visually rich overview of Saarinen’s key architectural projects and timeless furniture pieces such as the Womb Chair and the Tulip Chair.
 
An array of photographs and documents tells his biography from his childhood in Finland to his life in America, as well as his little-known covert service to the U.S. Office of Strategic Services during WWII. The exhibition highlights the principles that guided Saarinen’s work, confirming his lasting values and a renewed relevance of his work for the present generation.  
 
Join guest curator Mina Marefat for a lecture on Eero Saarinen at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, and stay for a preview of the exhibit. Doors for this event open at 6:00 p.m. with a suggested donation of $5, and reservations are encouraged. For reservations please call 206-789 5707 x21 or email rsvp@nordicmuseum.org.
 
Another special event in connection with the exhibition is Pecha Kucha Seattle: Nordic Love - Design at Seattle's Mid-Century. Pecha Kucha Night was devised in Tokyo as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat,” it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds, which keeps things moving at a rapid pace.
 
Now, Pecha Kucha Seattle, in collaboration with the Nordic Heritage Museum and the Seattle AIA, presents PK v. 37: Nordic Love - Design at Seattle's Mid-Century from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 31 at the Museum. The group has assembled a roster of fascinating presenters spanning architects, industrial designers, ceramicists, curators, furniture makers, textile designers, and other mid-century design luminaries to explore the impact and influence of Nordic designers in Seattle's mid-century design community.
 
For more information about Pecha Kucha visit www.pecha-kucha.org/night/seattle/36
 
For more information on the exhibition or guest lecture, visit www.nordicmuseum.org.