Formica Corporation is proud to collaborate with the National Building Museum for its all-new VISIBLE VAULT: Open Collections Storage, a permanent exhibition that provides unprecedented access to thousands of artifacts that previously have been stored behind closed doors, some of them for decades. The rotating exhibition and its archives include hundreds of Formica Brand pattern samples, digital sample chips and brochures from the company’s decades of influencing American interior design.
“Over my 35 years developing designs at Formica, I’ve become deeply appreciative of the impact this company has made in shaping interiors,” said Renee Hytry Derrington, brand historian at Formica Corporation. “It’s a privilege to have Formica’s contributions recognized and showcased alongside other historic companies that have had such an incredible impact on the country’s built history.”
The National Building Museum Visible Vault will feature more than 2,500 artifacts that have previously been inaccessible due to their size, scope and complexity.This display represents highlights from the museum’s massive collection of 500,000 artifacts. In addition to custom display cabinetry, the exhibition contains numerous file drawers that visitors are encouraged to open to discover additional artifacts and the items on display will be regularly rotated to share new acquisitions and timely items.
Over the years, Formica Brand products have made a lasting impact on design. While the company was originally founded in 1913 as an industrial laminates company, it soon pivoted to decorative laminate surfaces that have been used in homes, restaurants and a wide range of other commercial settings ever since. The versatility and durability of Formica Laminate has been celebrated through partnerships with top architects and designers such as Massimo Vignelli, Zaha Hadid, Laurinda Spear, Abbott Miller and more. The brand is celebrated for its particular impact on diner and residential design of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, including memorable appearances in pop culture such as the “Brady Bunch” kitchen. The brand remains a staple in residential and commercial design today, evolving its offerings to meet current trends and design preferences while still touting the same high-performance attributes Formica® is known for.