The Mies van der Rohe Society at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is auctioning on E-Bay the opportunity for the high bidder to shatter the first pane of glass removed from S.R. Crown Hall. The May 17, 2005 "Smash Bash" is part of the kick off for the historic renovation of the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed National Landmark. The renovation coincides with the 50th anniversary celebration of this Modernist architecture icon.
At the building's dedication in 1956, Mies said, “Let this building be the home of ideas and adventures [”¦] then the building will be of great service to our students and in the end a real contribution to our civilization.” The building fulfills this promise every day, as the lively home to the renowned College of Architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology and as an architectural icon studied by designers around the world. Last year it was named one of Time Magazine's Greatest Buildings of the World.

S.R. Crown Hall and Mies' legacy at the historic IIT campus drew Rem Koolhaas to build his first American commission here – his McCormick Tribune Campus Center opened in 2003 and was named one of the Architecture Highs of that year by the New York Times.

Buy the privilege to smash a pane of glass with IIT's president and trustees. This event will include a press conference and media coverage. Proceeds benefit the restoration of S.R. Crown Hall. Don't miss out on your chance to be part of history! Please visit www.mies.iit.edu to learn more.

Event Details:

May 17, 2005 at 5:45p.m
Illinois Institute of Technology
S.R. Crown Hall