Art and design enthusiasts might find an unlikely oasis in New Harmony, Indiana - a town rich in distinctive architecture and captivating artistic creations.
New Harmony, Indiana: A Haven for Art and Architecture
Nestled in the heart of southwest Indiana, the small town of New Harmony is a hidden gem that boasts a rich history and a unique blend of art and architecture. This revitalized town, once a utopian community founded by the Rappites, a religious German society, in the early 1800s, owes much of its contemporary charm to Jane Blaffer Owen, an oil heiress from Houston.
One of the town's most notable attractions is the Atheneum, designed by Richard Meier & Associates and debuted in 1979. This modern architectural marvel houses Historic New Harmony's visitors' center and has earned Meier several accolades, including the American Institute of Architects National Honor Award for Achievement of Excellence in Architectural Design.
The Atheneum is not the only architectural masterpiece in New Harmony. The town is also home to buildings designed by Philip Johnson, another renowned architect. The Roofless Church, for instance, was commissioned by Jane Blaffer Owen in 1957, with Johnson designing the structure and Jacques Lipchitz creating the gilded bronze gates.
The Roofless Church site is a veritable open-air gallery, featuring sculptures, memorials, and a fountain by artists such as Stephen De Staebler (Pieta) and William Schickel (Grandparents' Baptismal Fountain).
Another focal point of Church Park is Don Gummer's Fountain of Committment, constructed in 1996. This park, along with the surrounding area, was designed by New York landscape architects Zion & Breen, with a bronze bust of Tillich created by James Rosati. Tillich's ashes were interred in this park in 1966, across the street from the Roofless Church.
The Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation, founded by Jane Blaffer Owen's mother, plays a significant role in New Harmony's artistic landscape. The foundation's mission is to share great works of art with communities far from major art museums. This mission is reflected in the town's free access to all attractions, including the labyrinths.
The Harmonist Labyrinth, originally designed by the Rappites, dates back to the early 1800s and was restored in the early aughts. Another unique attraction is the Cathedral Labyrinth and Sacred Garden, a replica of the 12th century Chartres Cathedral outside of Paris, France, designed by Ken Schuette.
The art in New Harmony is not limited to the modern. Public art by Jacques Lipchitz, Ralph Beyer, Don Gummer, and Mark Mennin can be found throughout the town. Jane Blaffer Owen met Paul Tillich, the German-American theologian and Christian existentialist philosopher, through Jacques Lipchitz, and commissioned three bronze castings of a Lipchitz sculpture for the town.
Jane Blaffer Owen's contributions to New Harmony did not go unnoticed. She earned many accolades, including Commander of the British Empire, bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II. Today, New Harmony stands as a testament to her vision, offering visitors a unique blend of history, art, and architecture.
Richard Meier, who designed the Atheneum in New Harmony, earned the American Institute of Architects National Honor Award for Achievement of Excellence in Architectural Design, showcasing the town's sustained emphasis on lifestyle and home-and-garden, as embodied in its architectural masterpieces. The Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation, founded by Jane Blaffer Owen's mother, contributes to this blend by sharing great works of art, which are free for visitors to admire and enjoy in New Harmony's unique environment.
