Buyer's Guide for Bauhaus Exhibition Chair: Barcelona Chair Reproduction

The Bauhaus Exhibition Chair (Barcelona Chair Reproduction) was designed in 1929 by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Riech, his companion and working partner. This iconic chair, known at the time as the MR90, was created specifically for the Pavilion of German representation at the 1929 Universal Exhibition in Barcelona, Spain.

At this Pavillion, Mies van der Rohe empahzied his “less is more” approach to construction through the use of modern materials, minimal structural frameworks and plate glass walls. The MR90 chair and complementary table, were an intregal part of this pavilion. Through the use of black leather cushions on polished steel frames, the clarity of line and form suited the interior of the Pavilion perfectly.

We manufacture our Bauhaus Exhibition chair reproductions very close to the original design, using full-grain, 100% aniline-dyed leather and high quality hand polished stainless steel frames. Shown here in Golden Tan.

Comparison Feature: "Original" Brand Modern Classics Brand Most Others
High Quality Leather in wide variety of colors Yes YES- 15 Italian leather colors, plus we can make to your own leather No
Stainless steel frame polished to high luster NO, Mild steel with only flash chrome plating YES, Stainless Steel polished to a mirror finish No, Mild steel with Chrome plating
Dimensions of the chair closely match the "original" Brand Yes YES, dimensions match, and adjusted for greater seating comfort No, generally smaller
Smooth frame corners Yes YES, all seams are welded and ground smooth; leg ends are rounded Not always ground smooth sharp edges on leg ends
Leather belting, finished on both top, bottom and sides and riveted to the frame (2 per strap on each end) NO, Belting finished on one side only YES, leather belting finished on both sides and the edges too; riveted. No, use faux leather over cardboard; not always riveted
Leather on top, back and sides of cushions Yes, all surfaces are leather except small area on seat bottom where there is nylon fabric YES, all surfaces are leather except small area on seat bottom where there is nylon fabric No, use faux leather backs and sides
Back cushion curved to the frame and attached with double snap system Yes YES, curved back cushion with angled bottom; 4 snaps hold the back cushion in place No, square cushion and no snaps.
No Corner seams on the front and back cushion Yes YES, we have removed the corner seams on the cushions Varies
Foam Density adjusted for comfort Yes YES, we use HR (High Resilient), Multi-Density Foam, Dacron wrapped for superb seat comfort and durability No extra padding, comfort level poor
Retail Price (chair) $11,000 $1,350 $999 or less
Exhibition Chair Exhibition Ottoman Exhibition Loveseat Exhibition Sofa
Overall: 30.5w x 31.5d x 31h
Seat Ht: 16.5
Seat Depth: 21.5
Overall: 24w x 22.75d x 15.75h Overall: 52w x 31.5d x 31h
Seat Ht: 16.5
Seat Depth: 21.5
Overall: 73 x 31.5d x 31h
Seat Ht: 16.5
Seat Depth: 21.5
$1,350 $ 730 $2,130 $2,810
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Modern Classics Furniture is pleased to now offer two levels of Leather: "Primary" and "Scandinavian". Each of the these groupings feature:

  • Full-grain leather from Grade A hides
  • 100% aniline-dyed
  • Made in Italy and imported to our factory
  • No split hides

We are happy to mail you a physical piece of leather so you can hold it in your hands. Just give a call or e-mail us with your address. Also, if you don't see the color you want, just let us know and we can try to source it.

Primary Leathers (Group A)

Below are the swatches of the Primary leather colors we offer for the Bauhaus, L’Epirit Nouveau and Mid-Century Modern Collestions.. Our standard leathers are full-grain, 100% aniline-dyed, corrected with a slight embossing. We do not use split hides leather. Leather thickness is generally 1.0 - 1.2 mm depending on application of seating component for stretching and tailoring the upholstery design and condition.

Standard Leather

Click on any of these swatches to see an enlarged view.

L103- Polar White Leather L107- Snow White: Leather L115- Café Au Lait Leather L119- Neutral Tan Leather L123- Autumn Tan Leather L131- Cocoa Brown Leather
L103
Polar
L107
Snow
L115
Cafe au Lait
L119
Neutral
L123
Autumn
L131
Cocoa
L135- Java Brown Leather L139- Charcoal Gray Leather L143- Standard Black Leather L147-Standard Red Leather L151- Apple Green Leather  
L135
Java
L139
Charcoal
L143
Black
L147
Red
L151
Apple
 
Premium Leather

Below are the swatches of the Premium leather colors we offer for the Bauhaus, L’Epirit Nouveau and Mid-Century Modern Collestions. There is generally a 12% up-charge for all Premium Leathers. Our Premium leathers are full-grain, 100% aniline-dyed. Our Premium grade leathers have a soft feel to them and much of the hides natural grain patterns are retained. They are also a little shinier than the Standard Leather. Premium leather thickness is generally the same the standard leather: 1.0 - 1.2 mm depending on application of seating component for stretching and tailoring the upholstery design and condition. Click on any of these swatches to see an enlarged view.

L211- Premium - Beige White Leather L227- Premium - Golden Tan Leather L235- Premium - Espresso Leather L243- Premium - Black Leather L247- Premium - Red Leather
L211
Beige
L227
Golden
L235
Espresso
L243
Black
L247
Red

Here at Modern Classics Furniture, we focus tightly on manufacturing and selling furniture in the niche market known as Modern Classics furniture reproductions. Since 1998, we have been a recognized manufacturing and distribution source of modern classic furnishings. Our customers include world renowned architects, interior designers, office furniture dealers, corporate buyers, offices, airports, museums, hotels, and homeowners. We only sell what we make, thus allowing us to control the production process.

Why we are your top choice for Modern Classic Furniture Reproductions:
  • We make and sell only our own products -- we do not sell other manufacturer's product, nor will you find our products elsewhere on the web.
  • We offer a 5 year warranty - call us with your questions: 877-733-1143
  • We offer FREE SHIPPING on orders over $2,000
  • We only make accurate reproductions using the finest materials
  • We offer wholesale and design trade prices- let us be your #1 source - sign up today!
  • I Just wanted to let you know that the Buahaus Exhibition chair was delivered a few minutes ago. I love the chair. The color is perfect and the quality seems quite high. The two delivery guys were helpful, pleasant and professional. I'd recommend Modern Classics to anyone.John
  • I am writing to say thank you. The colors worked out on the 2 Exhibition Chairs we purchased. It is very hard to match leather from different companies, but I made it work in the room and the client was very happy. The quality of the chairs were tremendous and I thank you for all your help on that day when they arrived and throughout the order. I hope to order more chairs soon. Thank you again, the chairs are great and you are appreciated. Warm regards.Don
  • We do business with Modern Classics and have been extremely pleased. They are just terrific and very accommodating. We have purchased several "Barcelona" chairs for clients. They are always meticulously packed, delivered on time, and look wonderful - all to the delight of our clients. I would not hesitate recommending MC, and do so regularly. Marlene
See more testimonials by clicking here.
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