Charles and Ray Eames “Mathematica” exhibit coming to The Henry Ford

Metro Detroit’s most popular tourist destination, The Henry Ford, has acquired a new permanent exhibit. Designed and realized by Charles and Ray Eames in 1961, “Mathematica” conveys the world of numbers and mathematics through interactivity. The exhibit will go on display next year.

“‘Mathematica’ not only changed the way exhibitions were designed, but it was created to address a specific problem within the museum and education community that is still relevant today, which is a better way to convey mathematical principles and ideas to visitors,” says Patricia Mooradian, president of The Henry Ford, in a press release. “Learning by doing has always been an important concept for our organization and with this acquisition we can now fully provide our visitors with unique, educational and entertaining elements that incorporate the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) platform.”

The exhibit coming to The Henry Ford is one of three versions of “Mathematica” created by the Eameses. One is installed in the New York Hall of Science and another is owned by the Museum of Science in Boston. The version acquired by The Henry Ford was originally installed at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and incorporates interactive elements unique to it.

According to a release, The Henry Ford is currently working on the design and location for a permanent display of “Mathematica.”

Charles and Ray Eames are recognized as two of the greatest designers of the 20th century. They are perhaps best known for their iconic chair designs. The pair’s connection to Michigan is deep, having both studied and taught at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills and worked as designers for Zeeland’s Herman Miller brand.