The Furniture City Museum at Grand Rapids.
At the Museum of Grand Rapids is held the “Furniture City” exhibition. A multimedia display showcasing the history of the furniture industry in Grand Rapids, Michigan from the mid 19th century through to modern times.
Focus is on the artisans and craftsmen who combined to make Grand Rapids what it once was. Visitors are able to perambulate through recreated sections of an old furniture factory from the early part of the twentieth century.
Look up and see a system of shafts, pulleys and belts transfering energy from a 70,000 lb. steam engine to functional woodworking machines. Hear stories from factory workers, overseers and owners of the 1911 Furniture Strike.
Today, modern furniture design companies such as Steelcase, Herman Miller, and Haworth are still located in Grand Rapids and west Michigan. Additionally many graduates of the city’s Kendall College of Art and Design bring their new-found skills to the furniture design industry.
Reply to Furniture City Museum