Timed to NYCxDesign, Vitra’s Newest Showroom Will Open on the Bowery

New York City is integral to the Vitra story. It was during a trip to the city in 1953 that Willi Fehlbaum, the co-founder of the Swiss design company, was introduced to chairs by Charles and Ray Eames in a furniture shop. As the story goes, this discovery inspired him to explore furniture manufacturing—and, in 1956, license production for Eames’ designs for the European market. Vitra has had a presence in New York City since the 1980s, and most recently the producer of lighting, furniture, and accessories has welcomed guests to a temporary showroom space in West Chelsea’s Starrett-Lehigh Building.

Today, however, Vitra has announced a permanent new showroom. In mid-May, timed to NYCxDesign, they will open in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood, at 46 Bowery. The sprawling 6,266-square-foot, third-floor space will act as a home for both the Vitra and sister brand Artek teams, and as a platform for collaborations and events.

“For over forty years, Vitra has had a presence in New York City, with the opening of our Meatpacking District showroom in the early 2000s marking a significant milestone. Now Vitra is entering a new era with a move to Chinatown, to a space that will hopefully be a discovery even for our Manhattan community,” says Vitra CEO Nora Fehlbaum. There, Vitra and Artek will also unveil concepts and products for public spaces, offices, and homes.