Philadelphia in the Fall is a whirlwind of fun and offers countless opportunities to celebrate arts and culture. As proud supporters of many of the area’s institutions, we love any opportunity to celebrate the places that provide curatorial, educational, and community service programming to our city.
Recently, our team gathered at a ceremonial reception and cocktail gala in the Trumbauer-designed and Eberlein-renovated Lincoln Ballroom at The Union League of Philadelphia to celebrate our most recent Trumbauer Award wins. Presented by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Philadelphia Chapter with the Ohio & Lake Erie Chapter, the Trumbauer Awards honors exemplary work in architecture, design, planning, landscape, decorative, and fine arts that preserve and advance the classical tradition. This year, our award-winning projects include The College of Physicians of Philadelphia for Historic Preservation and Furness Mansion for Interior Design (residential).
Traditional Building Magazine recently selected Barbara Eberlein as the sole interior designer out of a group of 25 experts from around the globe who have dedicated their careers to the classical style in myriad and outstanding ways. For Barbara, the restoration, preservation, and creation of traditional-style interiors is less about recreating what a space had been for a particular owner at a particular period in time, and more about culling all the goals, dreams, and aspirations of all the clients she’s worked with for the past 35+ years. Whether historic or newly constructed, traditional-style buildings and interiors speak of the past and hold promise for a bright future woven into the fabric of history.
Genoa, or in Italian, Genova, is an Italian seaport that boasts a wealth of Unesco World Heritage sites. Filled with palazzos, noble homes, and grand boulevards, the city is teaming with architectural treasures. Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic, and Rococo architecture are plentiful and magnify the former prestige and influence of the city during Genoa’s golden age of trade.
Known as the Cocteau chapel, Chapelle Saint-Pierre is a Romanesque-style chapel dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen, Saint Peter. Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer in the French Riviera, the chapel was the perfect place for the vow renewal of old friends of Barbara’s who lived in the town and were married twenty-two years ago in Barbara’s living room! Founded in 1295 and renovated in the 1950s with the addition of stunning murals that manifested the artistic and divine vision of Jean Cocteau, the chapel boasts serene hues of pale pink, white, and blue that highlight the space with both gravitas and grace.
Located in southern Italy, Naples is one of the most ancient cities in Europe and was a major cultural center in the Roman Republic. With a strong architectural heritage still expressed in the urban fabric of the city today, Naples boasts a wealth of historic buildings, parks, and a city center that represent all the relevant periods of the history of Naples. Much of this history and art is documented and preserved in the city’s numerous museums, including the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli and the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte. Naples also boasts a thriving contemporary art scene, making the museum experience truly a revelation.
Venice, the “City of Canals” is arguably one of Italy’s most unique and picturesque cities with its stunning architecture, beautiful bridges, and of course, winding canals. The Art Biennale (La Biennale d’Arte di Venezia), is held biannually in Venice and is one of the largest and most important contemporary visual art exhibitions in the world.
Whether it is enjoying the ballet, perusing art galleries, or the halls of some of our favorite cultural institutions, experiencing local arts and culture is the perfect way to illuminate our inner creativity.
Using the power of art in their vibrant multiuse space designed by Eberlein Design, the Dina Wind Art Foundation supports living artists and shares the rich story of artist Dina Wind, ensuring her legacy and promoting her art to empower artists and transform lives. We are proud to support this local organization that celebrates differences, offers exposure to innovation, and supports relevant, inspiring initiatives to build a community of independent-minded creators.
Eberlein Design employee, Lindsay Bedford, is also a Mural Arts Philadelphia Black Artist Fellow. In April, she completed not one, but two public art projects, including the installation of a temporary vinyl mural at the Percy Street Project located in South Philadelphia, and, an installation used in the Philadelphia Ballet’s free, interactive multimedia performance, Behind the Stage Door throughout the city of Philadelphia.
Chihuly Garden and Glass offers a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly, with an exhibition that includes eight galleries, a centerpiece glasshouse, and a lush garden. A truly magnificent feast for the eyes!
This spring, Barbara joined the Chilton Club and the New England Historic Genealogical Society to tour the historic greater Philadelphia area, with stops at some of our favorite past Eberlein Design projects.
In March, Barbara traveled to Charlottesville, Virginia for a weekend retreat at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. The weekend was filled with exclusive experiences, lively conversations from luminary essayists and personalities in the design world, and elevated cuisine.
Art Basel Miami Beach is always an eye opener, peaking your curiosities and discovering new directions of art and design. It was also a great opportunity to engage with the design community at the Palladio Awards ceremony for which Barbara served as a juror. How wonderful to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our fellow designers, architects, landscape architects, and craftsmen.
In November, Barbara traveled with the Leaders of Design Council to Monte Carlo for a multifaceted program and inspiring experience in a place of renowned beauty. After years of limited travel, it was a joy to connect with peers for professional development within the design community.
Marrakesh is a designer’s dream! This immersive trip to Morocco with the Institute of Classical Art & Architecture and Mitchell Owens of Architectural Digest was filled with unbelievable surprises around every corner. From the tidal wave of color, to the celebration of decorative arts, and the aroma of exotic fruit and flowers, the entire experience was transformative. A feast for the senses, the experience was refreshing, energizing and restorative.
Celebrating years of creative collaboration with wonderful clients, the EDC team completed an exquisite client project in Big Sky, Montana this summer. The stunning 18,000 square foot home demanded an approach that complemented the magnificent setting. Hand cleft stone and roughhewn timber architecture inspired us to define the sensibility of the bold, modern interiors with a rustic elegance.
