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Richard Meier's Model Trove Set to Reopen

The warehouse, in Long Island City, New York, will feature Meier's designs, both built and unbuilt, from the 1960's through the present.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 4/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

Ever wish you could peer into the mind of Richard Meier? Now is your chance as the famed architect behind the J. Paul Getty Museum is re-opening his New York warehouse of architectural models to the public.

On May 2, Meier will open the doors of his storehouse in Long Island City, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the Pritzker Prize winner's 40-year career. Visitors can view 3-D mini-works-in-process from the 1960's--including the first model for his breakthrough Smith House in Connecticut--through the present. This presentation is a reprise of last year's enthusiastically received four-month event, which prompted the septuagenarian to open the space on a seasonal basis. (The warehouse is closed to the public during the winter due to climate-control issues.)

The most prominent display in the bare bones 3,600-square-foot space are large scale presentation and study models of the Getty in Los Angeles, which took 15 years to develop and is considered his masterwork. The warehouse also contains his prototypes for furniture and product design as well as sculptures composed of wax elements, architectural model pieces, and stainless steel.

Visitors to the space are welcome by appointment on Fridays beginning May 2 from 10am to 5pm. Appointments can be made through Richard Meier & Partner Architects.