The Philosophy Chamber

An Exhibition Design Project

LEE²DESIGN led the design of the The Philosophy Chamber: Art and Science in Harvard’s Teaching Cabinet, 1766–1820 exhibition at the Harvard Art Museums, which ran from May 19, 2017 to December 31, 2017. The Philosophy Chamber, after which the exhibition was named, was a historic room at Harvard University dedicated to the discipline of natural philosophy. It played a vital role in teaching, research, and intellectual thought, housing numerous important artifacts that were used and studied by Enlightenment-era academics. However, as a result of a university expansion over two centuries ago, these artifacts were given to various departments and museums across the campus. Therefore, the purpose of The Philosophy Chamber was to reunite these objects and commemorate the intellectual significance of this historic Harvard learning space. LEE²DESIGN worked with the curator to research and rebuild elements of the room as part of the exhibition, including recreating the iconic wallpaper based on historical fragments from the University Archive.

Client: Harvard University

Location: Cambridge, MA

Year Completed: 2017

Image Credits:

Harvard Art Museums