Are you interested in contemporary architecture? Then you should definitely take a look at the online platform “Iconic Houses”. There you will find around 200 buildings of the 20th century of particular significance.
The overview map shows the global distribution of ironic houses. Source: iconichouses.org
Iconic Houses describes itself as “the international network connecting architecturally significant houses and artists’ homes and studios from the 20th century that are open to the public as house museum.”
According to Iconic Houses 20th century architect’s houses and modern house museums form a unique category of sites open to the public. Whereas the buildings are located all around the world the professional issues that concern running the sites are more or less the same. Research initiatives and co-operation with universities and expert teams, restoration issues at large, audience development, caring of the collections and display strategies as well as temporary exhibitions programs represent some of the issues of mutual interest.
The Iconic Houses Network
In 2012 a group of modern house museums started the Iconic Houses network.
The aim of the network is to provide a platform for professional discussion: to share not only the best practices but also encourage each other to develop new activities. We have lots of potential together. The first step is this website with almost 200 Iconic Houses that are open to the public.
The Iconic Houses Network brings professionals and sites together from all the corners of the world. This professional forum encourages sharing information and best practices as well as creating new and fruitful partnerships between organisations small and large.
Criteria to Join as House Museum
To be included as a modern house museum or artists’ home and studio on the Iconic Houses world map and in its directory:
- The house must be recognized for its significance in the development of modern architecture of the 20th century.
- The house must be designed by an architect who played an influential role in the development of 20th century architecture as demonstrated through scholarly publications.
- The house must be in its original condition or restored to its original state. The house may not be significantly renovated or expanded in a way that negatively impacts the architects’ original vision.
- The house must be available for public visitation either through regular hours of operation or by appointment. Information regarding hours of operation and any restrictions such as exterior viewing only, must be published on a wesbite along with physical address and contact information including email address and telephone number.
If the house meets these criteria, the organization running the house can participate in the Iconic Houses Network in different membership levels. This explains why some houses are presented more extensively than others.
