The Smithsonian Collection for the Home includes dining and bedroom sets, chandeliers, sinks and even fireplace accessories modeled after those from the Smithsonian Institution’s museums, libraries and archives. (Photo by Bernhardt)

The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex and research organization composed of 19 museums and 9 research centers, is now offering furniture and home decor products inspired by its own collections. The Smithsonian Collection for the Home includes dining and bedroom sets, chandeliers, sinks and even fireplace accessories. The Smithsonian collection is being offered through licensing agreements with several manufacturers that will distribute products to retailers such as department store chains. The initial furniture line of mostly wood and leather pieces, is based on designs found in the original Smithsonian Castle building and the institution’s Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum in New York.

This isn’t the first time the Smithsonian has offered merchandise under its name. Its catalog includes such items as clothing and jewelry, some under the Smithsonian name. Some of the corporate deals have drawn scrutiny from historians and nonprofit watchdogs in recent years, but the Smithsonian says they are necessary. Some branding experts urge caution in lending a revered name like the Smithsonian to retail products. Those responsible for the collection emphasize the positive side of it: “Not only do you have beautiful furniture but you get to do something good for the country by supporting this American museum. It really makes (consumers) feel like they’ve got a piece of the museum.”

Read article (Miami Herald, November 17, 2007)
Read press release (Smithsonian Institution, November 6, 2007)
Smithsonian Collection by Bernhardt

Related posts:  High fashion and film fuse in Dutch museum  //  New Smithsonian Museum First Appears Online  //

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