Projects by Name

In 1948, the Museum of Modern Art initiated a series of model post-war houses by well-known architects exhibited in the museum's garden. Breuer's house was the inaugural design and was open to the public between April 14 and October 30, 1949. The rectangular volume of the house was clad in vertical cypress boards and topped by a butterfly roof. The children's and guest bedroom, along with a playroom and attached play yard, were located at one end of the house. The living-dining room and garage could be found at the other end. The master bedroom was located above the garage in the space created by the upward incline of the butterfly roof and was accessible by interior and exterior staircases. Outdoor spaces like the patio and play yard were defined by low, stone walls. Breuer furnished the interior with modern furniture, including numerous pieces of his own design. The interior color scheme was based on the colors and textures of natural stone and wood with blue accent walls. Large crowds visited the house and expressed enthusiasm for the house and its contents, though some critics disliked the separation of children's and parents' spaces. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. purchased the house after the exhibition and moved it to the family estate in Pocantico Hills. Breuer built numerous other versions of the house for clients inspired by their visit to the museum garden.