Another Indiana gem…who says there’s just corn in Indiana?

The Eiteljorg Eagle Society recently took a day trip to Columbus, Indiana to tour the Miller House and Gardens, recently acquired by the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The tours are led by guides from the Columbus Visitors Center.

As a traditionalist, I prefer antiques over modern any day, however this showplace of modern design and architecture was absolutely beautiful. The home, built in the late 1950s, was designed for J. Irwin Miller of Cummins Engine fame by architect  Eero Saarinen, with interior design by Alexander Girard and landscaping by Dan Kiley.

Noted as one of the finest examples of modernist design in the country, the Miller House has been meticulously restored using original family artifacts. From the sunken living room to the dorm- like children’s rooms, the home is functional and majestic as it flows together with the surrounding landscape. Be sure to check out the dining room rug, designed by Girard and custom-cut to fit around the dining room table's permanent pedestal base. The rug even has a zipper to remove it for cleaning!

I think all who experienced this jewel would agree that the Miller House is definitely a National Historic Landmark to put on your must-see list.