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Charles & Ray Eames Foundation

About the Foundation

Sharing and Sustaining the Eames Legacy


For decades, our generation has invested significant time, care, and resources in furthering the family's mission. 

"My siblings and I have always honored the spirit in which Charles and Ray sought to preserve their artistic legacy."

In the 1970s, our grandparents bequeathed parts of their estate to public archives, and, before she passed, we promised Ray that we would take care of the Eames House and the Eames designs. Our mother later asked us to disseminate Charles and Ray’s ideas and vision to the world.

– Eames Demetrios

About

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Charles & Ray Eames Foundation is the central institution dedicated to preserving, communicating, and expanding the artistic and intellectual contributions of Charles and Ray Eames. The Foundation builds on the mission of the Eames House Preservation Foundation while extending the cultural work long championed by the Eames Office. Together, these efforts ensure the Eames philosophy and ideas remain as vital today as ever.

With the Eames Office as founding sponsor, the Foundation preserves the Eames House and fosters a global network of collections and initiatives, serving as both a custodian and research center. It highlights not just iconic furniture and architecture but also the Eameses’ essential work in education, photography, filmmaking, and exhibitions.

At its heart, the Foundation is about connection—linking people, ideas, and institutions across generations to ensure Charles and Ray’s work and worldview continue to make a positive impact. 

Our Mission

  • Dedicated to the life’s work and vision of American designers Charles and Ray Eames. 
  • Preserves and shares their multidimensional artistic legacy through its own collections and programs. 
  • Extends supportive partnership to a growing network of Eames collections, sites, and initiatives around the world. 
  • Ensures long-term conservation of and access to the Eames House in Pacific Palisades. 
  • Explores how Charles and Ray’s optimistic design philosophy can inspire new generations to create a better future through design.

Programs & Initiatives

The Foundation advances its mission through a wide range of cultural and educational initiatives. These include exhibitions, events, and educational programs that explore the Eameses’ work and philosophy, as well as research and fellowships that foster new scholarship. By collaborating with museums, universities, and cultural partners worldwide, the Foundation ensures that the Eames spirit remains an active, evolving influence.


Our Impact

Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

Preserving a Landmark

Safeguarding the Eames House through the 250-Year Project and post-wildfire conservation efforts.

Years of Preservation Work

Sharing Charles & Ray's Archive

Donating artifacts and collections to ensure public access to the Eames legacy.

Artifacts Gifted to the Library of Congress

Inspiring a Global Community

Partnering with leading museums and cultural institutions to exhibit Eames work worldwide.

Major exhibitions shown at 58 venues in 21 countries
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