The Miller House and Garden Reviews

This was the residence of J Irwin and Xenia Miller. Upon her death, the house was left to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Beautiful house designed by Eero Saarinen with the interior designed by Alexander Girard who has had an enormous influence on Columbus. Dan Kiley was the landscape architect. Talk about the perfect confluence of design brilliance! This is a must see.

An important piece of architecture and a surprisingly lovely family home. Columbus, Indiana has a wealth of significant buildings and Miller House and Garden is one of the best.

I visited the Miller House in the dead of winter, with snow on the ground, certainly not the best time to see this jewel of a house, but I was so intrigued it didn't matter. I learned so much about Saarinen, Kiley, and Girard and their collaborative work on this fantastic mid century modern masterpiece. I loved the clean lines and the materials used by Saarinen, and his play with natural light throughout the house. The colorful fabrics, rugs and artifacts brought in by Girard where whimsical and folky. Kiley's gardens were gorgeous, so simple and understated, but so powerful. The house in it's original state had some beautiful art masterpieces by Monet and Picasso, among others, that were sold after the Miller's passing. I was lucky enough to go on the tour with a friend of the family, who had been at the house when it was lived in. I would highly recommend a visit.

Jaw dropping example of modernist architecture incredibly preserved and thoughtfully presented. Absolutely not to be missed. We had a fantastic tour with Nelson.

You must make an appointment for a guided tour, but no matter, YOU SHOULD. There are so many little
things to notice within the house and you can't do this without a tour guide to point them out. And its an amazing structure. The Miller FAMILY including the children, who created a public place for all to see, must be
congratulated. Very moving.

Wonderful tour of a unique modern house designed by architect Eero Saarinen (famous for the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport). This is one of the few modernist family homes that one can visit. It was the main home for Irwin and Xenia Miller and their 5 children. The interiors, designed by Alexander Girard are also fabulous and change with the seasons. The house is further highlighted by the landscape design of Dan Kiley.

This was such a fun and enjoyable tour! The tour guide and bus ride to the property made our experience even better than we expected.

The Miller House is an amazing achievement of simplicity, art and function. If you have an interest in mid-century design the Miller House should already be on your list. If not, get there soon!

Wonderful modern home designed by Eero Saarinen. There was plenty of time to tour the house (with a guide) and ask questions. The interior was furnished by Alexander Girard. The tour has a limited number of spots, so the group isn't too large. Highly recommended

It's a casual and lovely tour of a mid century modern home. It is gorgeous inside and the grounds are remarkable. For my taste, it was a little cold. I mean, I can't imagine kids running thru the halls laughing and playing - but from and architectural and entertaining standpoint it is worth the visit.

Interesting and informative tour of a fascinating mid-century modern house. Guide did a great job; answered all our questions and kept the tour moving along as well. Only downside: You cannot take pictures inside the home on a regular tour (special photo tours are available other times at a premium price). In a era when virtually everyone carries smartphones with cameras, it would be nice if visitors were allowed a few minutes at the end of the tour to take interior photos. Otherwise, by all means take this tour. We also did the bus tour of Columbus architecture; perfect to do this as a complement to that tour.

The house is fabulous! Our guide was very knowledgeable. The tour is well organized, with an orientation video at the Visitor's Center. Be sure to make your reservation online in advance - tour size is limited to 12.

Built in the early 1950's this home & its furnishings would be considered modern today. Beautiful house, furnishings and landscaping. Excellent tour guide. A very worthwhile experience.

The Miller House in Columbus is a home that brings together modern components of architecture, interior design, and landscape plans in an integrated whole greater than the sum of its parts. Trained docents help visitors appreciate what they are seeing as well as the family that made this place possible. Partnered with all the other great 20th C architecture in Columbus IN, the Miller House is a worthy destination. Try to see the video at the visitor center first so you can appreciate the vision which made this small city unique

This is truly a one-of-a-kind home that shouldn't be missed if you have any interest in history, landscape or design. It was one of the most unique architectural experiences I've experienced. I love to tour historic homes and if you enjoy that sort of thing, you will love this tour. Not only is it beautiful and interesting to look at, the detail provided in the tour was unmatched. It made my weekend. The tour guide knew so many details and facts and I really enjoyed every second.

We just took the tour and it was great! Our tour guide, Mary, was very informative about all aspects of the home . She couldn't have been nicer. Thank you, Mary .

We were visiting in the area with friends and took them to the Miller House. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Our guide, Betty Jean, was interesting and informative. The groups are small and book up well in advance. It was well worth the time and money. So glad we went.

Great for learning about architecture and Indiana history. Very organized tour and nice tour guides. Definitely worth the visit.

The Center is great. Location central. Good parking. Really nice shop. Video before tour very helpful in providing context. The shuttle over and back — very nice additional information from the docent/tour guide.

The house itself, and the grounds — an amazing experience. Such an amazing integrated effort on the part of Saarinen, Girard and Kiley. Being there offered an appreciation of the light, the materials, and the details that photos just don't pro

Took a Girl Scout troop to see the Miller House. Beautiful! The docent was knowledgeable and helped us appreciate the architecture.

Betty Jean our amazing and knowledgeable tour guide led us through this incredible house and added the "local" touch with her connection to a Thunderbird car once owned by Mr. Miller. The house itself is incredible if you are a fan of "Mid-Century" design. We completely understood the context of the design and the Miller family's objectives in creating a house for their family, and for the ages. The admission is well worth it for the knowledge and depth of information about the architect, landscape architect, and interior design artist.

Great house, great tour, great town. Must sign up for guided tour of the house. Shuttle to get to the house. Limited number of visitors per guided tour.

These folks really care about their history and preserving a house and wonderful, caring culture that has formed in their town. The Miller house is representative of Columbus and vice versa. The house is a mid-century build but has many design and furniture concepts that would be current today. The interior design and art work has some great pieces and really compliment the house.

A super fun, informative, and educational tour that totally exceeded my expectations. Bob was an awesome tour guide and provided us with tons of historical context, anecdotes, and stories along the way that made the experience that much better. I already can't wait to go back and experience it again!

Love this house! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and pleasant. Even though it was a rainy, cloudy day, my family really enjoyed it. Very inspiring!

I've lived in this town a long time and have always wondered what was behind the coveted bushes along washington st. I am not an architecture expert but the design was interesting. I felt like the house was cold from a children playing and inviting atmosphere. Worth seeing and appreciating how we all live differently.

I always thought the TWA building at JFK airport was an amazing feat of architecture, so when I had the opportunity to visit The Miller House which was also designed by Eero Saarinin I jumped on it. The architecture, landscape and interior design won't disappoint. The Miller house is where beauty meets form and functionality. GO!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Jan was a great guide. I was only disappointed, as a landscape architect, to not get to tour the garden. For me, rhetorical connections of inside and out must be appreciated from both directions. I don’t understand why we were not walked around the garden to experience these viewpoints.

A must-see for fans of mid-century modern design. Includes interesting history about the Miller family and their architect, Eero Saarinen. The tour begins at the Columbus, IN Visitors Center (gift shop and restrooms available) with a short film. Then you are driven to and from the house by air-conditioned bus. The inside tour is conducted by a knowledgeable and friendly guide.

I've lived in Columbus for more than 20 years and have always been somewhat in awe of the vision that Mr & Mrs Miller had for the community. After their deaths, they gave their home and grounds to an art museum, making it available for tours. Visits must be scheduled in advance through the Visitors Center and include the grounds, beautiful exterior & interior design and original (or reproduction) furnishings. It's a local treasure and worth visiting Columbus for all by itself.

The Miller House is a gem and must-see for anyone who appreciates mid-century modern and/or the perfect artistic expression of wholistic architectural design - where the house design, siting and interior design elements all perfectly achieve the client's personality and needs. The home is one of the best examples of this type of architecture. It had the perfect marriage of client and architects and now its stewards are doing a great job keeping it in tip-top shape and relevant.

The tour operations are smooth. At check-in we were greeted with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable top-level employee and then presented with a helpful and insightful video introduction. A short and comfortable bus ride to the property was followed by a relatively leisurely and immersive house tour experience. The group size was just right and we were given ample opportunity to photograph to our heart's content in certain spaces.

A very enjoyable experience that I recommend whole-heartedly.

An interesting and informative small-group tour of the Miller House and gardens. I came to Columbus just for this tour and I was not disappointed. A nice mix of history, design and personable stories.

Our main visit to Columbus is to see the Miller House and Garden and it did not disappoint. Our tour guide was very informative and knew the history behind the designs. A must see tour if you are in the area!

To see the home of a truly wealthy family that it well done not over done. Having been to Newport, Asheville and Sarasota this home is a visual classic. There is so much to see and the history is fascinating. The grounds are breathtaking. It is well worth the money.

I loved the guided tour and the introductory film giving the history of the home. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and fielded many questions. I did feel the timeframe for the tour could have been longer. While I understand wanting to keep the group together while inside the home, I didn’t understand why we weren’t given more freedom once we were outdoors. I would have enjoyed walking the grounds and seeing the pool.

This was my 3rd time to take the Miller Home Tour. It has been exciting every time! I keep bringing my family and friends back to see it. Every docent has been excellent. I have learned several new anecdotes every time. I highly recommend taking the Architecture Tour in the morning, and the Miller Home Tour in the afternoon. It's an investment in your appreciation of modern architecture everywhere!

The Miller House Tour (and preceding video at the Columbus Visitor Center) was a wonderful peek at one of Eero Saarinen's most important private commissions. Stark, white floors and walls, and a geometric arrangement of rooms are complemented by Alexander Girard's colorful Scandinavian and folkloric furnishings. It is lovely, and you'll want to sit down in the sunken living room area and relax - though of course, you can't! It's a thorough tour, taking you into areas you're not often allowed to visit in other homes (the bedrooms, the kitchen...). The tour includes a brief visit to the lawn and garden areas, and the guides try to give an understanding of how Saarinen, Girard and landscape designer Dan Kiley worked together with J. Irwin and Xenia Miller to design not only an architectural masterpiece but a working family home. If you're not familiar with Saarinen or Modernist architecture, you might find the guide's familiarity with the period a little lacking - don't let that dissuade you from a visit to The Miller House - a wonderful gift to the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

The Miller House in Columbus IN is an excellent example of mid-century modern architecture. Donated by the family to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the house contains many of the original furnishings and collections from family travel. A nice way to spend a Mad Men afternoon.

We recently took family who love art and architecture on the tour at the Miller House in Columbus. The tour guide was excellent -- knowledgeable, approachable, and humorous -- in guiding people through the home. Clearly, there were a range of people on the tour from the curious to those already in love with modern architecture.

One note: book in advance if at all possible. All the tours the day we were there (a Saturday) were sold out; we booked 4 weeks in advance.

Spectacular day, magnificent docent, and the company of two women l love,the Miller house and gardens surprise and delight.

I have toured several homes designed by architects, and this is one fine example. Not open to the public, you need tickets, and get them well in advance. Arrive at the Visiter center about 30 minutes or so before to secure your spot or you may lose it, that is how we were able to get on the tour at the last minute. Because of the folk art and other items, young kids are not advised to go. Wheelchairs can maneuver thru , but door openings are narrow. When you find out the year this was built, it is just amazing to compare to others of that period.

Had the most wonderful tour given by Dody Harvey. She was so sweet and enthusiastic and made the experience so delightful. She also recommended Zaharako’s Ice Cream and it was amazing. The house is beautiful and the grounds are so well kept.

Really awesome tour of the home and grounds, my daughter and I were there for architectural reasons, however come back in the spring or summer when the gardens are in full swing has to be beautiful.
Regardless, the tour guide (Steve) was great and very knowledgeable and conducted the tour in a orderly yet comfortable fashion.
Photographers like us, limited to on spot inside and unlimited outside, still so much to take in, don't forget to enjoy it!

Fantastic tour that I'm sorry I waited so long to take. I woke up a couple days later thinking about the family, architects, builders, gardeners, and anyone else involved with every single detail in this amazing home. I'm just grateful it's open to the public for tours. J. Irwin Miller seems to have been a giant among men, and I especially admire his work on civil rights. I love history, and this was an excellent and informative tour. I highly recommend it, and I didn't realize until we went that the tour is the only way you can see the house (by shuttle from the Columbus Visitor's Center). Be sure to book early; it's a don't miss.

The tour of this architectural treasure is run from the Columbus Visitors Center. It is worth every penny to see this mid-century modern house. The tour guide and the house caretaker gave a memorable tour of the house and grounds.

Our group of 10 arranged a private tour and found it a great way to spend the morning in Columbus. One of our group had been to the home and had lunch with Mrs. Miller several years ago, so she appreciated seeing the rest of the house. The informative video at the start really gave a good overall background story of the Miller family. I would recommend this to anyone interested in art or architecture. No photos are allowed inside the house, so I am posting several of the exterior and grounds.

A pleasant life in this starkly chilly house and gardens is hard for me to imagine, but the innovations in their design and furnishings are clear, thanks to our informed and enthusiastic guide. At its price, the house and garden tour is a bargain.

I'll start by saying that my husband and I are huge MCM fans. I surprised him with a detour through Columbus, Indiana on our road trip through Indiana and Ohio. The Miller House is pure MCM perfection. The clean simple lines of the exterior surround an open living and dining space that still house all-original details of this Saarinen masterpiece. Make sure to check out the local Saarinen churches as well, one designed by both father and son.

Loved this tour. The outside is just as interesting as the inside. I had wanted to visit five years prior but was discouraged by a family member who said it was just average. I lived in Chicago, one of the architecture capitals of the world, for over a decade and was absolutely enthralled.

For anyone who loves architecture, interior design, and landscaping, this is a 'must see' tour. The orderliness of design and the attention to detail is truly amazing. While this might be the pinnacle of mid century modern residential design, it is actually an example of how design perfection can be attained when there is collaboration between the owner, designers, and contractors.

First of all, book ahead (easy to do online), especially if you're going on a weekend, to make sure you get a spot on the tour.
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After reading about this house for years, it was a treat to get to tour it. The short video at the Visitor's Center (before you get on the bus to go to the house) gave a very good introduction to what you will see when you get to the house. Both the house and thr landscaping were particularly interesting in the way they complement each other.

This house is awesome! Only a small group of folks are allowed on the tour at a time which makes it easy to ask questions and not feel crowded. On the way to the house the tour guide gives info about other residences in town which is really nice. I highly recommend checking this out!

The Miller House and Garden Tour is a definite must if you make your way to Columbus. It is wonderful to see the home of the man who had such a significant impact on his city. The house is beautiful and the passion and personal experience our tour guide shared with us brought an even deeper level of appreciation for all that the house represents. I highly recommend!

It is an absolute wonder in all three areas! Architecture, landscape design and interior decor! Such a joy to see such an innovative site! Designed in 1960’s! Great guide on the tour! Worth the charge and the time! We will be telling everyone about this home for years to come!

Toured the Miller House and loved it. The design and decoration of the house was very different from many houses I have toured. Lots of light and great view of the outdoors added to my enjoyment. It is a little expensive, but I thought worth it.

We have a Mid-Century home in Palm Springs. The Miller Home is a perfect example of Mid-C architecture. The way the Miller's worked with both Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard was collaborative and wonderful. The landscape architect, Dan Kiley was also a key factor in the ambiance and perfection of the estate. They have not missed a beat.
I encourage ANYONE who is interested in Mid-Century architecture, landscape architecture as well as Interior design to visit! You will be amazed. And the city of Columbus, Indiana is a mecca of architecture!!!

What a special little town and the Miller house...beautiful! My husband and I had a fantastic tour of the Miller house. The folks at the visitor center (where the tour begins) we’re friendly and helpful. Willis, our guide, was super knowledgeable. Do yourself a favor and take a tour of this stunning home-inside and out!

After a morning tour of the architecture in town we did this in the afternoon . Wow. People and house ahead of its time. Really enjoyed the tour guide and the opportunity to see such beautiful house and grounds. I am not an architect, but after a trip to Palm, Springs we are impressed by mid-century modern and here is the epitome. I liked the history of the family and the town also.

This is truly an exceptional tour if you want to see a very important modern architectural building. The Miller House and Garden is completely furnished with all the original furniture and most of the original artwork.

We visited Columbus, Indiana to see the wealth of mid-century modern architecture. The Miller House tour is a must. Aero Saarinen's design is timeless. The docent was knowledgable and told us the story of Columbus.

A bit expensive for a couple but the tours are leisurely and the groups held small to a dozen or so. Very much worth it.
The house is the centerpiece of an amazing town's dedication to architecture.
Be sure to get a reservation.

The tour, available through the IMA and the Visitor's Center, is a great opportunity to step back in time to the late 50s and early 60s. Although it is a piece of modern art in it's own right, it was also a home and it reflects the owner's lives. The layout is in the mid-modern style and very interesting. There are many pictures available through the IMA but it is something else to see it in person. The grounds are very beautiful and work with the design of the house to present an overall impression of beauty.

This is a comprehensive tour of an amazing work of modern architecture. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, and the house and gardens are packed with interest.

The tour of the house was interesting and our guide, Linda, had all the information to make it an enjoyable and memorable experience. Importantly, we wouldn’t have been able to take the tour at all without the exceptional assistance of Lisa at the Columbus Visitors Center; she went above and beyond to help us.

Very pure mid-century architecture merging the talents of error Saarineni , Dan kiley, Alexander Girard to build a house for a visionary and civic minded industrialist. Clean and inspiring, Wonderfully preserved.

This house, designed by Eero Saarinen, is spectacular. If you have the time for this tour, it is highly recommended. The interior design is very cool, and many of the details are pretty special.

This tour is not to be missed if you are in the Columbus area- and if you are an architectural geek- worth a trip! We started in the lovely visitors center ( complete with a Chihuly chandelier and glass art installation), our guide was knowledgeable and personable and the home is a jewel.

This house exemplifies Mid-Century Modern architecture. From the conversation pit filled with Alexander Girard design textiles to the Herman Miller furniture, this Eero Saarinen designed home is the mecca for the MCM enthusiasts.

If you are an architectural buff, this tour is a must do—almost 50 years after it was built for the Miller family, the house feels modern, beautiful, and functional. The play between the building, the interior design, and the amazing garden and landscaping is second to none. Our wonderful guide Henry was charming and informative.

Stunning house and grounds. We took a short shuttle ride to the gated property. Our group was limited to 12 visitors, which was a perfect tour size. The house is completely and beautifully furnished. Loved the dining table, conversation pit, and kitchen. Our guide provided a nice overview of the house's history.

This was the highlight of our visit to Columbus. Getting inside the house was well worth the cost and advance reservation (NOTE the tour groups are small.... so book ahead). Our guide DODY did a great job and gave us a good feel for how the family lived there, how they worked with the designers. So very glad this has been preserved. would have like to have had a chance to walk through the outdoor spaces.

NOTE: NO INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY is allowed -- check with the visitor center as a specific photo tour is at times offered

The best time to take the Miller house tour is in the spring! The landscape is always beautiful but in the spring the grounds are covered with tulips. It's a short 1 hour tour but we'll worth it if you enjoy modern architecture.

If you like architecture, you may find lots of different style buildings which was designed by famous architects in Columbus. Miller House and Garden is one of them. Because everything in the house of both inside and outside is still kept as the original appearance, you can feel how Miller's family lived there. The style of whole building is more like an art gallery. And, the internal decoration of house and landscape are also very impressive for Miller's art and aesthetics tastes.

This house epitomizes modern architecture. It's a wonderful way to experience how Eero Saarinen's design of spaces, Alexander Girard's rich interiors and Dan Kiley's minimalist landscape worked together to create a livable, timeless residence. We also learned a lot about the Miller family and it is inspiring how one man shaped a city to be such a wonderful place to live even thru today. I had no idea this city existed before hearing of the architecture tours and after visiting, am sad that more cities aren't like this one. It is a wonderful example of how vision, planning and caring can create wonderful spaces for people to live.

What a perfect complement to our visit to the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit. From start to finish the experience was seamless even though Joyce had to cope with the shuttle being out of commission. She did a great job getting the docents together and making our tour happen. We had limited this group to 26 people after Becky Harper helped me book the tour. The shuttle only holds 13 and so we staggered the two groups arriving to the house. Several people on our tour had no idea what they were about to encounter and walked away just gushing about the wonder of the tour of this private home now open to the public for viewing. I highly recommend the tour with a great deal of advance reservations due to the popularity of the site. We will be returning in September with our second group tour.

What an amazing place. Tour is very well done for both architects of which there were several in our group and lay people alike. We were staying in the Edwardian, Inn at Irwin Gardens and were struck by the difference 40 yrs, 2 World Wars, the roaring 20's and the great depression can make. 1910 to 1950 is only 40 years and these two buildings are so fundamentally different. The confluence of having world renowned architect, landscape designer and interior design was almost overwhelming. A real joy to tour - and learn about just what mid-century modern was all about.

The architecture tours in Columbus are excellent and informative. One tour takes in the many architectural sights in this small city. Even more exciting is the tour of the home of Irwin Miller, former chairman of Cummins Inc. and mastermind of Columbus' rich architectural heritage. His home is an extraordinary example of mid century modern, designed by Eero Saarenan. The tour itself is a detailed examination of the house, it's history and the interior design and landscape design that went with it. Not to be missed!

I am building a house and found the tour of the Miller House inspiring! The guide was extremely informative about the building and the Miller family. By the end of the tour we felt like we knew them - she really brought the building to life.

Unusual for a house tour, I want to go back.

Absolutely a fascinating tour of a true visionary home. Started in 1954 but could have been yesterday.

Do not miss this! Buy online tickets before you come so that you can go. They only take 24 people a day. Saarinen created the conversation pit here. Eames created outdoor furniture here. It is a gem, inside and out.

This is a creation of the Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, better known for more grandiose architecture such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and Dulles International Airport outside Washington, DC. It is a wonderful example of Mid-Century Modern architecture and furnishings. For aficionados of modern architecture, the Millar House is a must-see attraction in the must-see little town of Columbus, Indiana. The civic pride engendered, no doubt, by the city's wealth of great architecture, is everywhere evident in its tidiness, thriving downtown, neat yards and lawns, and general cheerfulness. Book tours (preferably ahead of time) through the Columbus Area Visitors Center and be prepared to spend a pleasurable day in Columbus.

We enjoyed our trip to Columbus, IN in May and capped it off with a tour of the Miller House. The house was very modern at the time, reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright house, and was interesting to tour. I loved the vibrant colors, views of the outdoors and the grounds. Miller was a very forward thinking man who did much for the Columbus community and his personal story was interesting as well. The tour guide was well versed on both the man and the house and provided us with many facts and anecdotes.

The Miller house is an iconic example of modern domestic architecture.

Located in the town of Columbus, Indiana, the home was commissioned by the CEO of Cummins Engine to be the home for his family which included 5 children.

The home was designed by Eero Saarinen and decorated by Alexander Girard. The landscape design was by Dan Kiley.

The landscape design is fresh, geometric, and well attuned to the locale. The home surprised me. I was impressed by the design of course, but I could not imagine a family living there or wanting to live there myself. The minimalist design and cold marble walls makes it feel sterile and more like a work of art than a home.

It is more beautiful from the outside than from the inside.

The interior design is well coordinated and made personal to the family - but the colors and shapes didn’t appeal to me and showed a simplicity that didn’t look sophisticated to - it looked more like it belonged in a nursery for young children.

It’s absolutely worth seeing and deciding for yourself if it’s just a work or art or if it really works as a home for a family of seven.

It’s important to see the other Saarinen designs around Columbus, and to see the Inn at Irwin Gardens - the gorgeous Edwardian home that was in the same family. It wondered is the stark design of the Miller House was a reaction to not liking the splendor of growing up in the Irwin house or if it was more a resounding personal endorsement of the Modernist school of design.

Unfortunately it was raining when we visited so we didn’t get much chance to see the garden but the house is a must for those interested in US modernist architecture and was one of the highlights of our mid-west tour. A real family home, the centre piece is a pit around which the family would relax - it must have been a delight to live there. The lady who showed us around the house was so full of warmth and enthusiasm for the building and she gave us lots of background information about the Miller Family - the tour was most enjoyable. We also enjoyed a brief look around Columbus, epitome of small town America for us Brits - so glad we visited.

Our friend from Belgium were visiting us in Indianapolis and this was one place that we knew we had to take them to see. The consensus was that this is a must see for everyone. We find it difficult to come up with places to show our Belgian friends when they come to visit but this was a no brainer. They were impressed that such a incredible piece of architecture was in Columbus.

My husband and I had long wanted to visit Columbus, IN as we are both architecture buffs. While we thoroughly enjoyed the 90-minute bus tour which covered a lot of ground all around Columbus, the highlight was the Miller House tour.

Nelson was our guide and his knowledge of the history of the Miller House was extensive. His relaxed demeanor was a plus as this was not a dry recitation of facts and figures but an engaging explanation of what went into the design and construction of the home and its exceptional contents. I can highly recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in contemporary architecture and design. Well worth the time and money (a modest amount of money, at that).

A delightful tour of a mid century modern gem. Traveled from San Francisco to tour the home and gardens and it was sooooo worth it.

The Columbus visitor center offers an excellent, small group tour of this Mid Century Modern landmark home and Dan Kiley designed garden. Seats are limited because of the small bus size, so be sure to book in advance. We snagged the last 3 seats on a Saturday tour one week ahead, after seeing an article on Columbus IN architecture in the Washington Post. By taking the later afternoon tour, we got the chance to see the curtains drawn for the evening by museum staff and see the pattern. In December the Millers' collection of creches and a Christmas tree were on display--a fun bonus. This is an interesting tour led by informative guides.

I finally made my way, after years of waiting, and headed up to Columbus IN for the Architectural Tour and Tour of the Miller House and Gardens. Spectacular architectural treasures and the tours were excellent! The Architectural Tour gives you an overview of many mid-century architectural treasures. You can then use the self-guided map to return on your own to take time in your favorites. The Miller House is the best mid-century house in the country, the work of Saarinen, Girard, and Kiley at the peak of their careers, working together to create a seamless treasure. The rest of this small town jewel requires more than a day. It will be an unforgettable visit.

I worked for the Miller family many years ago and was pleased to see how the home still reflected their love of furnishings both beautiful and unique. Out tour guide was very knowledgeable and pointed out details that made it even more interesting than the obvious. Loved it!

Just an amazing house, floating on the site. Both the Girard interiors and Dan Kiley are landscapes are breathtaking. The Millers were visionaries. Its as fresh and livable today as 60 years ago.

The miller house is definitely a pillar of mid century modern design. To be in the space of the house is awesome. Must see!!

The comment I heard from the other people on the tour "I want to live here!" (same for me!!!)

Just a fabulous tour of a stunning house. I’ve lived in many parts of the country and visited a wide range of homes but this has to be my favorite. MCM designed by Eero Saarinen just amazes at every turn

The Miller House tour was fantastic, the guide knowable and made the architect, art, gardens and design come alive. The guide provided orientation to the group outside, so when we stepped inside the Miller House, we were prepared to be wowed!
The details the architect, designer and landscape design were well planned to make each area wonderful. Each room revealed more of the details the design team built into the house to truly make it modern in every way!
Time well spent!

Our fabulous guide Nelson filled us with amazing information on the house, grounds and history of the Miller family. It's beautifully maintained by the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. Thanks to them for maintaining this beautiful home and the memory of the designer, architect and landscaper.

The Miller house was amazing - If you like mid-century modern, you must not miss this. I was not particularly enamored with this style and was still amazed by it. The gardens complement the house - and the interior design makes it. I’m now officially an Alexander Girard fan! And the conversation pit is the best! The tour guide, Marcia, was great and knew the subject matter well.

I had high expectations, and they were exceeded. What a fabulous, light-filled, sophisticated house! Our docent was cheerful and very well-informed. Ranks up there with the Gamble House in Pasadena in my house tour experiences - and I'd much rather live in the Miller House. If only the Bonnard, Matisse and Picassos were still there.... Really admire the joint creators of this place - family, architect, designer and landscape architect.

We visited The Miller House and Garden in early spring for our anniversary. From start to finish, it was a very organized, well informed and wonderful experience! Our tour guide Linda and House Host Chad were very informative and fun to be with for the tour. The shuttle drive was super nice too! The house and gardens were amazing and we would love to come back here when everything is in bloom. We came to Columbus just for this tour and to do the "Downtown" app tour and it was well worth our trip. Thank you so much for a great experience! Mr. and Mrs. "Grand Rapids" :)

We, my wife and I, had visited this home as guests of the Millers many years ago and we were excited to be able to revisit. The tour was well organized and well presented. Our guide was knowledgeable about many small details of the home. She too had visited the home when the Millers lived there and that experience added to her familiarity. We remembered the house and grounds as extraordinary and the tour confirmed that perception. The home, its contents and the grounds have been very well maintained and provide a wonderful example of effective design collaboration between architect, landscape designer, interior designer and client. One the couples on the tour with us had toured the house a few years ago. They returned because they found the place so special. We can only agree with them.

Check at the Welcome Center for tours of the Miller house. Mr. Miller was CEO of Cummins Engine and a prominent resident of Columbus. He commissioned Eero Saarinen to design his personal residence and the result is breathtaking. This house is simultaneously a masterpiece of mid-century modern design while remaining a place in which you can well imagine living due to the creation of intimate spaces. It is furnished with designs by Charles Eames, among others, and surrounded by exquisite gardens done by Dan Kiley. We were guided by the most knowledgeable of hosts who took the time to point out features literally 50 to 100 years ahead of their time and who was just as awe-struck as we with the beauty and function. This tour was the chance of a lifetime. You don't need to be an architect to understand the brilliance of this creation. Go see this! Now!

Loved this place. We take a lot of house tours and see a lot of victorian furnishings and lavish interiors, but you don't find many Mid-Century Modern homes preserved. For a group tour organizer, the limit of 13 people per house tour is a bit problematic to coordinate, but worth the trouble. Most of our folks really enjoyed it. At $20 a head, it's not cheap. Well worth it if you like Eames era design though.

Don't miss! A must SEE! The tour is wonderful, the docent was very knowledgeable about the history as well as design elements. This house and gardens is the perfect example of mid-century modern that is still relevant today. Timeless architecture.
Note: the Visitors Center is one of the best I have ever encountered.

Excellent facility, very knowledgeable guides, timely, a true gem Midwest! If you are the least bit interested in architecture and/or design, this is a must. I have been several times, and continue to introduce friends to the tour and going along with them.

The ability to go inside this architectural "museum" and have access to how this family lived was amazing. The guides were great with their wealth of knowledge and interest in the home was fantastic. Well worth a visit if you are able to and are interested in mid-century architecture at all.

The tour was well organized, from the intro film at the visitor center, to the shuttle bus, to the interior and exterior. The tour guide (Jan) did a great job! One of the best house tours we have been on. Many thanks.

Although this example of exemplary architecture resoundingly speaks for itself, some who are not familiar with the language of Architecture rely upon a skilled spokesperson. Ms Gallant clearly is that. Any visit to Columbus would be lacking were this venue not experienced. Inside photos are restricted to be shot only from a spot standing on a living area rug...If postcards will not suffice, there is a far more expensive tour that is less restrictive.

What a wonderful way to cap off a great day in Columbus, Indiana. The Miller House is a perfectly curated home fthat inspired me to leave my beliefs and conventions from growing up in a traditional colonial behind at the door. I loved this place from start to finish...architecture, design, landscape intellect...it's a step back and a hundred steps ahead all at the same time. color, beauty and simplicty.
Small group, lovely mini bus and very informed guide. Not to be missed.

Came to Columbus primarily to see the Miller House. It did not disappoint. Very organized tour and our guide was fantastic. He was a retired engineer and his passion, knowledge and perspective for the architecture were welcome. Would highly recommend seeing this. Excellent adherence to COVID protocols. Well done.

As we know, some places, while cool, don’t measure up to expectations. The Miller house far exceeded ours, though — in every respect. Amazing in its entirety, and in all the fabulous details. And our tour person was outstanding!

Saarinen, Kiley, and Girard worked together to design this modernist home for J. Irwin Miller and his family and what a jewel they created. The clean white modern lines of the building are beautifully accented by the warmth and color Girard added to the interior. Well worth the time and cost. Be sure to book in advance as there is a limited number of people allowed on the property daily. The Columbus Architecture Tour is a great addition to this tour. Book both and see a unquie and forward thiking community.

This is a must-do must-see tour for anyone who cares about history and art. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and gave us a magnificent tour. The house is perfectly preserved. We were given the context, references and insider stories to the history, reasoning and relevance of this house within Columbus's development into the great town it is today.
Beautiful tour of a beautiful place given by Donna, our amazing Volunteer Guide.
I wish more tours such as this were given for many other of the great buildings in Columbus.

My granddaughter and I took the tour of the Miller home. While I had been in this home in the 1960s, I was amazed at how well the home was preserved and presented. The tour guide was knowledgeable and added to the experience. This is a must see on visits to Columbus.

An amazing experience of history and architecture! Organized, friendly staff and a great tour. I highly recommend this tour.

There are a limited number of people that can take this tour - so plan ahead as it is worth doing while you are in Columbus. It is a beautiful example of a well thought out home and landscaping that has stood the test of time in its style and functionality. My husband grew up in a house very much like this mid century and it was fun for him to reminisce.

The Miller House provides insight into the life of an inportant figure both locally and on the national scene. It also clearly demonstrates what was cutting edge design in the 1950's and how that good design still works well into the 21st Century. The tour provides an intimate look in the Miller family's life and their dedication to their community.

Even if you don’t care for mid-century modern architecture you will enjoy this tour. There is so much going on that is reveiled in the tour. Not only the structure, interior design and the landscape design.You also come to know the family and their passions. You feel what it must have been like to live in this home. A treasure that should be on a bucket list for anyone who appreciates art of any type. Excellent guides and small groups make this a very intimate tour.

Not to be missed! Great tour and generous public views of this well-designed and planned home.
Such simple and elegant outdoor spaces.

For anyone interested in mid-century modern architecture and design, the Miller House is a must see. The house and gardens are spectacular, and the furnishings are exquisite. Unlike other homes I've seen from the era, the Miller House also combines mid-century furnishings with other eras and shows how a family actually lived there -- and it works extremely well. This house is a gem.

If you know of Cummins Engine Company, then you should tour this house. Mr Miller’s innovative mind is reflected in the style of the house. Beautiful garden

After several years of thinking about doing this, I finally joined friends to tour the Miller House in Columbus, IN. We had reservations and it was $25 each. Tour started with a short video at the Visitor's Center and then we boarded a small and comfortable bus for the short trip to the Miller House. Since it is very modern, I wasn't sure how much interest I would have in it but the grounds are stunning, the tour very informative, and the home fascinating. Information about this family that did so much for Columbus is very interesting. Greatly enjoyed the day.

Erwin Miller who once vied for nomination to be President of the US, brought numerous innovative ideas to Columbus. His home and gardens reflect his interests and impact on Columbus.

We have traveled extensively enjoying architectural tours and examples of "modernism" all over the world. I read about the Miller House and casually planned to visit Columbus when I was in Indianapolis or Louisville. Who knew that Columbus, Indiana, a town of less the 50,000 people, was a bastion of architecture and could rival Bilbao, Spain as an architectural travel location. This sleepy archetypal Indiana town "smacks you" with architectural masterpieces designed by the icons of modernism: Eero Saarinen, I.M. Pei, Robert Venturi, Cesar Pelli, Richard Meier, just to name a few. The public art, urban planning, and the charming shops all add to an amazing experience. Columbus would have none of this if it wasn't for the vision and leadership of J. Irwin Miller, who is one of those individuals that make you realize how inadequate most of us are. He was amazingly generous, talented,and successful while keeping it all in perspective, emphasizing what is actually important within a framework of values and philanthropy.
Columbus is undervalued as a destination and I have not even mentioned how great the Miller House and Garden Tour is. I could have spent all day just at the Miller House. It was amazing!
Before you spend all that money venturing to Bilbao, Barcelona or Brasilia, spend a couple of days in Columbus, about halfway between Louisville and Indianapolis. It is a treasure.

This house is now owned by the Indianapolis Museum of Art. So you travel there on an IMA small bus. Our local guide was very informative and we learned not only the technical details of the home & property but also the history and story of the Miller family. Recommend this tour.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Miller House! It was like stepping back in time, and our guide was very knowledgeable.

Jan, our excellent guide, managed to keep us moving without rushing us. The house and gardens are exquisite.

We were shocked at how wonderful the whole experience was. The tour starts with a short but informative video in the lovely Columbus Visitor Center. After a short bus ride, during which our guide, Linda, explained a bit about Columbus and the Millers, we arrived to the house and its beautiful landscaping. Linda, who is a retired geometry teacher, was incredibly knowledgeable and brought a bit of her love for geometry into explaining the family, the house, the interior decorations, and the landscaping. The house is beautiful but not ostentatious, with many subtleties, which Linda explained. We were particularly struck by the way in which the interior decoration and, especially, the landscaping, melded with and reflected the architectural design concept, creating a unified whole.

If you're anywhere within a few hours of this place, go see it!

This is a wonderful example of a mid-century home. It has the best of the time. Our docent, Dody was knowledgeable of the house and the family that had lived there. The house is a beautiful showcase of Eero Saarinen, Alexander Girard and Dan Kiley. Reservations are a must. The number per tour is very limited.

Beautifully maintained marvel of modern architecture. Go see it!

I just hope you get a better tour guide than ours. He made it pretty clear on shuttle ride one the way out that we have a limited amount of time, he'll tell us all the important things, if we have a question about a decorative arts object save it for the ride back. Well what good does that do for others who may not have noticed whatever it is you were curious about. He opted for a smarmy style of delivery, which was off-putting from the start.

Then throughout the tour, he presented information in quiz form, looking for answers so specific you wouldn't be able to come up with it unless you'd studied up. Then preceded to mock anyway bold enough to attempt an answer. By the end of the tour, we were all beleaguered and just stood in stony silence until he provided the answer to whatever arcane bit of knowledge he was promoting.

He did a poor job of moving the almost too large group of 13 through some of the narrow hallways, and he did not make any effort to be sure all of the group was off the bus, in a room, caught up with the group before starting his interpretation of the space. Which meant more than once, if you were at the back of the group, you couldn't see anything inside the room that he was talking about. A decent guide would notice that and ask those guests blocking the doorway to move farther inside to allow everyone inside the space.

The worst were the sexist comments about all the buttons and dials on one side of the bed, for the person who controls everything. I'm not going to tell you whose side of the bed that was ... Mrs. Miller. Or, we're about to enter the nervous system of the house. This room is for the men because I know you ladies don't like to see fancy kitchens. Har har.

Overall, he was just the kind of smug and pretentious guide that gives historic house tours a bad name.

The Tour Guide, Willis, was well prepared to present the home by Eero Saarinen, interior by Alexander Girard and the landscaping by Dan Kiley. It was a beautiful day to tour this great property.

We wanted to visit this home after watching a PBS special about Eero Saarinen. We carved time out of our trip and went out of our way to visit, and it was well worth it. You should make advance reservations online. You check in at the visitor center in Columbus. There is a short movie about the home and owner and then a shuttle takes you to the home, a short five minute drive. A little time is spent outside talking about the home and the landscaping, and then you are shown inside. The tour takes you into nearly every room and focus is equally divided between Irwin Miller, the home owner, Eero Saarinen, the architect and Alexander Girard, the designer. Carol was our tour guide and was very good. Although I loved the tour and wouldn’t change a thing, I wish a little more had been said about the actual construction of the home, e.g. why certain techniques or materials were used. This home is worth every penny of the admission and should not be missed if you are in Columbus.

My husband and I enjoyed the Creche the Halls Miller House Tour. Asa a local resident, I'd visited the home on other occasions when Mr. and Mrs. Miller were living there This tour showed me so much more of the home than I'd seen before. The holiday decorations including the creches were worth the visit. I highly recommend it.

My friend and I decided to see Columbus IN to see the wonderful architecture, absorb the history and catch up with one another. This tour was a definite highlight of our trip. Guide Dody was so passionate and informative. We even got to linger outside and enjoy the grounds a bit before leaving. A spectacular place to see!

Visited this home which was once the home of the former CEO of Cummins Inc. The Miller Family lived in this home and raised their children in this very modern house. When this house was built there were things in this house that was unheard for it to have been built so many years ago. The kitchen was quite modern and it has a step down living room. It is worth seeing the home of J.I. Miller who was such a down to earth man who headed up such a huge company. The house has wonderful gardens and multiple types of trees. Beautiful shrubs all around the property for privacy too.

This house is is unparalleled in design and execution. Designed for J. Irwin Miller, the ideal client, by Eero Saarinen with interiors by Alexander Girard and landscaping by Dan Kiley, this house is the embodiment of modern architecture at its finest. No detail is overlooked. The large house and expansive grounds are meticulously crafted into a unified creation of grace and style.
The house and grounds have been meticulously restored using original family artifacts. The restoration is on-going, which bodes well for the long-term viability of this exceptional property.
The tour is thorough and highly informative. The volunteer docents are well informed and manage to infuse their tour with enthusiasm and wit. This is an absolute must for anyone who appreciates modernist architecture, interior design or landscape design.

Finally got in after making reservations a month in advance. Tour is always sold out - tried twice before to get in the same day with no luck. There are only two tours a day and thirteen people on each. Seems to be much more difficult to visit than other architecturally significant private residences (Robbie house, farnsworth house etc.).
Tour guide was good and the house and grounds were definitely worth the effort to get in. I wish there was more time dedicated to the grounds - and maybe some ability to walk around the garden on one's own. The grounds are a masterpiece in their own right and the tour dedicates very little time to them. No photography is allowed either inside the house or outside (which was surprising).

For anyone with an interest in mid-century modern architecture, interior design or landscape design, the Miller House and Garden Tour is a must-see. The house and the stories behind it are stunning, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art has preserved it in a manner worthy of its significance in the worlds of architecture and design. The Columbus Visitors Center, which runs the tours, does a fantastic job. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about any of it. Our tour guide was amazing and had answers to almost every question. The few questions that she couldn't answer off the top of her head were answered once we got back on the shuttle bus where her notebook was. This is not a child-friendly experience, and you can't bring large bags into the house (but you can leave belongings on the shuttle bus while you are inside the house) If you are considering this tour, I HIGHLY recommend it.

Took the tour on a rainy Saturday. You start at the Columbus visitor center (which is worth seeing itself). After a short film presentation, you board a shuttle bus which takes you to the Miller House.

Although the tour lasts over two hours, I was so engrossed in looking, and in listening to the excellent docent, that when it ended I was astonished that that much time had elapsed. The designs of the house, its interior, and the surrounding grounds demonstrate the magic that can be produced by the collaboration of creative people. Each design field reinforces the other, with an attention to even the smallest details that is wonderful to observe. To me, even though the designs were clearly "of an era", the house did not feel dated.

If you are a design buff, and especially if you enjoy modernism, don't miss this tour.

This house was what brought us to Indiana, and we are very glad we went to see it. It is quite unique and full of wonderful surprises. Its owners and creators put a lot of thought and attention into every detail. The fireplace is absolutely beautiful and unlike any other. The conversation pit was our favorite.
The whole house is bright and inviting, and it sounded like the family was very happy living in it.
The tour was very good, although I could have done without the tour guide expressing his political views in however veiled a manner:).
The tour is called The Miller House and Gardens, but it is really just the house. Don't expect a walk in a garden. The surroundings are very pretty and serene, but there was no time for walking around. It did not spoil the impression in any way; the house is really the pearl you want to see.
All in all, it was a very good experience, and we would recommend it without any reservations!

I enjoyed this interesting small tour at the Miller House and Garden in Columbus, IN. Our guide was informative and friendly and provided a pleasant tour throughout the home. Photos are only allowed from one viewpoint on the interior portions of the house, but it still allowed me to get some cool shots from that advantage point.

How often does one get to visit a world-class house with a small group of people and imagine what it would have been like to live in such a special place? This was just that kind of experience. Do not miss it on a visit to Columbus!..

The Miller House is such an amazing piece of architecture and design. It is well worth the visit. It was a smart home before those even existed.

Attended this tour and had Donna as a tour guide. Loved the mid century modern architecture and the stories behind the building.

Every detail of the house, grounds, the Millers, the architects, the forethought was inspiring. Breathtaking in it's scope particularly when placed in the time period it was conceived and built. Every detail of the Miller home was carefully thought out but, clearly appreciated even before execution. The home and the the trip to Columbus was a highlight in a year full of wonderful experiences.

We were a couple with 31 other members on a USA Architectural tour.
The guides were all friendly and knowledgeable showing us all this spectacular designed house with fantastic views overlooking different areas of the vast garden and landscaped area.
Only around one third of of group were architects so suitable for others just interested in great house designs, ideas or garden landscaping.
Photos allowed outside and possible in only certain areas inside but check with guides beforehand first if important to you.

This tour greatly exceeded my expectations. The story of J Irwin Miller and his dedication to modern architecture and the city of Columbus is a fascinating one. The house, its furnishings, and its beautiful grounds bring this story to life. And our guide was extremely knowledgeable in filling in all the details. I learned so much. Thank you for a wonderful experience!

The Miller House was amazing. Our guide was terrific and the home is incredible. The tour runs about 1 1/2- 2 hours and really discusses the history of Miller and his work with Saarinan. I found it very comical when the guide stated the house was used to entertain, "since Country Clubs were not around at the time". The influence of Girard within the home was very interesting. We were able to tour outside the home. It has to be one of the world's foremost modern homes to visit...Indiana Columbus is worth the visit.

We really enjoyed this tour. Our volunteer guide/docent was very knowledgeable and we learned so much.

We were disappointed that some tour guests chose to bring a child who wandered around and into areas that were specifically deemed off limits. Our guide was collected, but it was unfortunate that adults would leave a child basically unsupervised.

Fascinating & informative tour of an Eero Saarinen house in Columbus, IN. National Historic Landmark. Worth seeing for the conversation pit alone! One owner who donated the original firings & textiles. Beautiful gardens. Highly recommend!

This house is not as well known as Johnson's Glass House, or Van der Rohe's Farnsworth House, but it should be. It is fully equal in quality of design and architectural significance of those storied modern masterpieces. And, unlike those more famous forebears, this house is a lot more of a practical living space--no leaking, no flooding! (Sorry, Phil, sorry Mies.)

I came to Columbus, IN to see all the architecture. Miller House Tour was well done and interesting enough. What I don't understand is why everyone thinks these designers are all that great. Most of the touted buildings around this town have flat roofs and THEY ALL leak. You go through these nice looking edifices and see water stains, and even worse, dishpans collecting water dripping from the ceiling! I wouldn't want these guys designing MY house!
The public library has one bathroom (one for guys, one for gals)and is not handicap accessible.
No heat in the building.

Fun day. Have never been. Found gift shop to be great. Movie enlightening. Tour guide well versed. Gardens are not much.

We loved the Miller House and Garden. It's amazing to see it in person. I've seen photos of it and elements of the design in exhibits on Girard or Saarinen's work, but to see how the family lived at the house was a real treat. Our tour guide, Linda, was one of the best tour guides I've ever had. She was extremely knowledgeable, funny and personable. I felt like I'd made a new friend. Definitely a must-do if you're close to Columbus. The rest of the architecture in the city is amazing.

We made a visit to the town of Columbus, IN and while at the impressive visitors centre decided to book a tour.

What a great decision - one of the most interesting home tours we have done. This property remained in family hands until it passed to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, so the property and most of the original furnishings are in place.

Our volunteer tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and provided a wonderful experience. The tour lasted about 90 minutes including the ride to and from the visitors centre.

I can't recommend this one highly enough - $50 for the two of us and well worth it!

This Saarinen house is one of only a handful of homes he designed, for that reason alone it's worth a tour. The home is beautifully maintained with many furnishings from the original interior design, accentuating the period feel of the home. I recommend booking in advance as the tour is limited to a small group of people and isn't conducted that often. They do allow walk-ins to put their names on the waitlist, but it's definitely not guaranteed as the tour attendees are devoted to modernist architecture. The tour lasted nearly 2 hours, and the tour guide allowed us to take our time and answered all of our questions knowledgeably. This house tour and the general architecture tour were the purpose of our trip, we thoroughly enjoyed both.

It was a wonderful tour! The house is of course beautiful, and our guide was so well-informed. The conversation pit is absolutely priceless to see, and hearing all the little facts really brought the house and the time period to life!

This is a must see of brilliant men collaborating on a project. From the moment you walk into the home you are awed by the sheer design. It's so unique and although it is a showcase it is also a home that is welcoming. Dan Kiley did an extraordinary job on the landscape which I fell in love with as much as the house. We toured in October and the colors were amazing. The trees seem to frame the back yard with their own beauty as nature only can.

The house is an interesting tour. The guide, Bob, was very knowledgeable. The grounds are impeccable. I had never heard of Mr. Miller, let alone how influential he was. If you like architectural tours with interesting history, this is one for you.

Went on tour in early April. Would be better in later spring or summer with more attractive trees and grounds. The tour was well organized and informative. The global collectibles throughout are quite an eclectic array. The warmth of the home depends on the decor as it is otherwise a rather stark interior with large spans of white marble panels. The house is somewhat dated and showing its age with what appeared to be some deterioration and fogging to many of the large windows and glass doors. The chidren's bedrooms resembled small dorm rooms and the kitchen was small for the size of home and family. Even with a group of 12, it was a tight squeeze through some of the hallways and interior spaces. The tour was rather limited as there was only one place inside from where photos were allowed. (Some tour goers snapped away wherever they pleased). The outside tour did not go close to the pool area, and it could not be seen from behind the evergreens. I was surprised that the admission did not provide a discount for members of Newfield's since they are associated. Overall, the tour cost of $25 is a little high for what it is. Have toured many historic and famous homes including those of Frank Lloyd Wright at no charge. Fans of modern architecture would be most interested.

Anyone with the slightest interest in architecture would do well to take this tour! Architecture fans should make an effort to take it!! It is the quintessential example of mid-century modern design. The grounds themselves are a marvel, and when you go in the house the wonders abound! Every room has something or everything to delight the eye.

This home does have an interesting history, although it feels very pretentious. You must navigate on the runners and with 13 of us it was okay. I understand the significance of how different structures are important to our history and though I am glad I took the tour $20 was steep for what it is. No photos unless you pay $60 for a photo tour. There were aspects of the home that need fixed (water damage), and there was bad dry walling so for a perfect straight line home they took shortcuts too. It is an interesting home but stream line and dated.

J Irwin Miller brought his world class vision to Columbus IN. His plan to bring his town out of mediocrity included using outstanding architects for the design of the public buildings and spaces. He also used them for his corporate Cummins buildings and his personal residence.

Dody was our docent for the tour of the Miller House, and she helped bring Miller's vision to life for me as we walked the grounds and rooms of this amazing home.

Thank you for a wonderful experience. I will come back another time, and I want to be sure to see the home at night!

Mr Miller was a principle in Cummins Inc, the diesel engine company headquartered in Columbus, IN. He had architect Eero Saarinen design this house c 1955 for him and his family (Saarinen also designed the famous St Louis arch). Other notable persons of the time designed the interior and the landscaping. Eventually the family gave it to the Indianapolis Museum and it's now open for guided tours. The cost is $25/person which is a bit high but the money goes to the museum. It's quite impressive but no pictures are allowed inside the house. A bus takes you from the Visitors Center to the house for the tour which lasts about an hour. It's a beautiful example of "modern" architecture.

A real treat for architecture buffs. The Miller House is a fascinating home. It is a national landmark. Our guide provided much interesting information not just about the home but also about Mr. Miller and his family. Highly recommended.

Visit a home with total planning focused on function. At first it reminds you of institutional living until you later reflect on the design and the intended function of the living and outdoor spaces. The setting is beautiful and the grounds are well manicured.

Ok, if you're as passionate about mid century modern architecture is I am then Saarinen's Miller house is an absolute must see. Columbus Indiana is less than an hour south of Indianapolis. Easy access and easy parking in central Columbus from which the tour bus leaves. The Indiana Museum of Art who manages the house has some irritating rules limiting photography which is very unfortunate. Nevertheless the house is an inspiration of gracious modern living. GET TICKETS IN ADVANCE ONLINE. My preferred tour was sold out weeks in advance.

If you love architecture, this is a great house to see. The ideas here of passive solar lighting, a great room and a modern kitchen are functional and beautiful. Our small group of 9 had a knowledgeable guide. We found inspiration for our own home here.

This was such a great experience. The tour was amazing. Our tour guide Bob was very knowledgeable and also very funny. The home was absolutely beautiful. If architecture and design is an interest for you, then you have to check this place out! Afterwards I recommed just walking/driving around Columbus to checkout the other architectural sites.

An informative tour of a home ahead of its time, architecturally, technologically and in its interior design. Both gardens and home are worth the trip.

This was a fascinating house and story behind it. I enjoyed this even more than the walking tour of downtown Columbus.

It was very interesting to see how this family had things from all over the world brought to the small town of Columbus. He was a very amazing business man!

The tour guide (who was a local volunteer) was very well versed in the history of the area and the house itself. He gave us not only an overview of the architecture and artwork, but many anecdotes about the family that made it so much more interesting. I would highly recommend this tour.

We were so impressed with the city of Columbus. The Architecture tour and the Miller House tour were both fabulous. The guides were very knowledgeable and engaging. We have travelled many places and this city and these tours rank right up there. We would highly recommend touring Columbus. Plus the Visitors Center is beautiful and welcoming with a very friendly staff

This tour is a must do during your stay in Columbus, IN but you must book well ahead of your visit. Enjoyed the very knowledgeable tour guide and visiting the mid-century home and gardens.

This home was designed as a private home for a family of seven - but is a spectacular melding of the architecture of Eero Saarinen, the interior design by Alexander Girard, and the landscape design by Dan Kiley. You will need to schedule your tour through the Columbus Visitors Center. Steve J., our tour guide, was great, and very knowledgeable.

The tour starts at the Visitors Center where you will view a 15 minute video about the house. You will then board a shuttle bus to transport you to the front of the home and back to the Visitors Center. The tour includes the interior of the home, as well as great views of the surrounding landscape. Photography is permitted outside, but not permitted within the house. The tour takes a little less than 2 hours.

As other reviewers have mentioned, this is a stunning property and sterling example of mid-century design, both inside and out. We booked on-line and arrived at the visitors center (also a lovely building) where you watch a short video about the property and participants. You then are transported via a small bus to the site which is just 5 minutes away. We received a tour of both the house and gardens, only missing out on a close view of the swimming pool and guest quarters. The guide was very nice and informative and the property and building are stellar. The Miller House feels futuristic even for today. A really nice experience that lasted about 2ish hours end to end.

This is the type of mid-century modern home that is warm and comfortable. It looks like a real family could live there, and they did.
The house was very interesting to tour with lots of great design features inside and out.
My only complaint was the tour guide who presented like a grammar school teacher, complete with forced enthusiasm and little quizzes throughout the tour. The tour would be good for families with children but we were a group of design profession adults and would have preferred a presentation more in depth.

What remains of the home's interior artifacts are quite nice. What's missing is all the colorful original works of art the Miller's owned from the Monet to Rothko,with Picasso and Warhol thrown in, this home surely sparkled with color in coordination with the furnishings and textiles remaining.

Aspects of it were disappointing. The interior of the house needed repairs from water damage and the stains on the Gerard rugs were sad to see.
If the Miller House is supported by the Indiana Museum and a Foundation I feel some restoration is in order. The neatly grass fields really should be reverted back to a more native landscape as we consider climate change and pollination.
The mid century design and the collaborations btw Saaranin, Kiley and Gerard is amazing.

This home is a great example of modern architecture. Our guide was knowledgeable about the house, architectural and structural design, furnishings, and the history of the family who built it. I recognize that taste is personal; but, I think this home is more special than any of the several Frank Loyd Wright homes.

This mid-century modern house had three important men involved in its design. The architect was Eero Saarinen. The landscape architect was Dan Kiley. And the designer of the interior was Alexander Girard. It is well worth the time and money to see this remarkable home and garden.

Great little tour for a rainy day, little pricey ($22) for an 1.5-2hr tour. The house and history of the architecture and the Miller family are very interesting.

The visit was super interesting and our guide explained us everything, including the history of the house and a lot of architectural details. All very well exlained. We loved the house, the gardens, the furniture… If you are in Columbus you can not miss it!!!

If you’re interested in mid-20th century modern design, this is a must see/do. Wonderfully preserved example of the work of architect Eero Saarinen, landscape architect Dan Kiley, and designer Alexander Girard. Newly opened to public after original owners resided there 50 years. Need to order tickets in advance; not recommended for young kids. Very knowledgeable tour guides. Meet at visitor center where you’ll board bus to site.

We didn't get to see this attraction but did watch the short movie at the visitors center. I looked wonderful.
I was looking forward to seeing it (after reading the comments here), but the Sunday tour was "sold out" (they only take groups of 13 and there was only one tour) and they do not have tours on Monday.
If you want to see this one, I recommend that you plan ahead and make reservations...even on "down times".

We always wanted to go to the Miller house as a family and finally made it this year. The architecture and simplicity of the furnishings are intriguing. Also the reasoning behind the floor plan is quite interesting. We are glad we finally got there as a family Christmas present!

Highly recommend the Columbus Visitor Center's tour of the Miller House. Well-informed guide, courteous staff (and great gift shop at visitor center).

The city of Columbus, Indiana is unique in having so many buildings designed by world class architects. This was made possible by the Cummins (Diesel) Foundation. The J. Irwin Miller House and Garden Tour is a National Historic Landmark and demonstrates the collaboration of the Millers and architect Eero Saarinen who had worked with them previously on their church (which can be seen on the Highlights Tour). The interior was designed by Alexander Girard and the landscape and gardens by Dan Kiley. The guide provides a very thorough explanation of the design features. It is a home that was fashionable for the Millers' entertaining and yet a family abode with numerous children present. The tour of the house is done using shoe covers to respectfully preserve the interior. The recessed conversation area in the living room is a stunning feature. Mr. Miller was the person that conceived the idea of having the Cummins Foundation pay the architectural fees for public buildings, so it is fitting to view his remarkable home. Interior photography is limited to one area while on the tour, with no restrictions on outside photography.

Had been talking about doing this for awhile. So glad we finally made the time. Wonderful house - very interesting concept and architectural idea. Our tour guide, Nelson, was fantastic. We love how they kept the house pretty much “as is” from the day the matriarch died. Loved to see how the family lived there. Definitely worthwhile for architect buffs.

A great early modern house and noteworthy landscaping. My tour guide was very good and knowledgeable. A timeless piece of architecture. Wish you could have stepped away from the house and to get a better overall veiw of the house.

I loved seeing the Miller home. Having lived in Columbus, I was excited when it was open to the public. When you visit, be sure to take a tour. You will not be disappointed!!

The tour is conducted very professionally. Meet at a central location downtown, then a shuttle bus takes you to the home.
A very good example of mid-century architecture that is presented in easy to follow tour format.
If you like architecture this really is worth your time

Unbelievable residence. A must see when in Columbus. Everything was truly unique. I am at a loss for words to describe how interesting the architecture was as well as the history behind the Miller Family.

The timeless creativity of the Miller house was stimulating and energizing. The harmony among the building, the furnishings and the landscaping is exciting. Our guide was personable and very knowledgeable. We didn’t know that this house was on our bucket list, but after seeing it, we have checked off a big one. We have visited grand houses all over the world, but this one is on a human scale. Kudos to the Miller family for letting us enjoy it.

The house and grounds are wonderful. If you are interested in mid-century modern architecture and design (and even if you are not) this is a must see. The price at $25 a ticket might seem a little high but it was worth it. You get a shuttle to the house from the Visitor Center and our volunteer guide Jan did a fantastic job telling us about the history of the home and the Miller family. We loved it!

The house was stunningly decorated for Christmas with unique nativities scattered about. Highlights include the large family conversation pit and the children's quarters. This unique family home provides a window into how this very influential family lived publicly while maintaining the necessary privacy to raise a family. Don't miss opportunities to visit this home in all seasons!

Everything about this tour was excellent. Our tour guide Willis was personable, informative and answered all our questions. You don't have to be interested in architecture to enjoy this. The landscaping is beautiful - with the walls of windows you can enjoy the plants and trees inside or out. The house is spectacular. Words can't convey the beauty of the design and thought put into it. This is a must see if you are passing anywhere near here!

The Miller house was one of 2 houses designed by Eero Saarinen, and it is definitely worth a visit. The architecture is mid-century spare, but the interior design is happy and bright, and almost every single object is one-of-a-kind and artfully displayed. In truth, the interior is an inspiring display of materialism, in the best sense of the word. I particularly loved the bright purple settee in the master bedroom and the fabric-covered wall pinned with treasured private objects, such as the needlepoint that Xenia Miller made of the house. There was even a beautiful, handmade side table made to hide Xenia’s in-progress needlework. I kept thinking of the phrase: a place for everything, and everything in its place. Truly an inspiration. The only downside of the tour is that photography is only allowed outside the house and in one specific point in the entryway. Not sure why photography is so restricted, but I feel that that is an unfortunate, stingy choice. Otherwise, a great tour.

The tour of Miller House and Garden in Columbus, Indiana, is both unexpected and indeed will be unforgettable. The sleek modern design with light that seems to envelope the space with the contrast and compliment of the bold Kiley textiles and displays are inspirational. The visual continuation of design through the house into the landscape is a visual play on the senses,

The short movie in the visitor center gave much of the background of the Miller family who were instrumental in bringing art to Columbus. The home tour was truly exceptional. We've toured other important artistic homes, and this once ranks at the top of the list because all the furnishings were of the home, not just of the time period. The tour volunteer, Bob, was exceptionally familiar with house and the Miller family history. The experience was easily worth the $25 admission price.

This tour is absolutely essential if you want to get a full sense of the extraordinary architectural legacy of this small city, and the only way you'll get to see a masterpiece of Eero Saarinen's domestic designs, preserved accordingly to the original intentions of clients, architect, decorator, and landscape designer. We lucked out by having only four of us on the tour with a guide who had a profound depth of knowledge about the house and and infectious enthusiasm for it.

The Miller House tour is great! The landscaping surrounding the home has been well thought out from its inception. The home itself is straight out of a architecture magazine. Every detail inside has a purpose. It's so beautiful that it's hard to believe a family with 5 children rough-housed here! Take the Columbus Architectural Tour in the morning and the this tour in the afternoon. They are both so informative of this surprising town in the midst of farm land!

We visited the Miller House as part of a small group tour from the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Evidently when the IMA was gifted the home and a $5M endowment to maintain it, they had to negotiate with the neighbors over the frequency, size and content of tours which limits groups to 13 people and precludes walking around the beautifully landscaped grounds. The house is remarkable and a stunning example of mid-century modernist architecture, interior design and landscaping. It was entertaining to see examples of "cutting edge" design that reminded many of us of a typical 70's dorm room in the streamlined, minimalist furniture, especially the small bedrooms. The house also revealed more of the character of the Millers than perhaps they realized with the master bedroom on the opposite side of the house from the children's living quarters. The living room was spectacular with an open plan, floor to ceiling windows and white floors everywhere. It was hard to imagine children in the place, though the tour guide noted that the kids claimed to enjoy running and jumping into the sunken conversation pit. It's rare to see a modern house with so much of the original furniture, decoration and fixtures. An electronic typewriter, multi-line office phone and "miniature" TV were all reminders of how much technology has advanced. Tours start at the Columbus Visitors Center with a short video about the architect, interior designer and landscape architect. You then take a shuttle to the house. You're advised to use the visitor center's restrooms as none are accessible during the tour. The house seems handicapped accessible, but you will need to climb steps to get on the bus. Large purses, backpacks and coats can be placed in a coat closet as you enter the home. Very worthwhile to visit whether you love architecture, modern design or history.

If you like architecture, do not miss this amazing tour. Incredible house and grounds that docents lead you through describing the modern architectural design, furniture and gardens. It was my favorite home tour ever. Also, the docent was so incredibly knowledgeable and the group small enough for good interactions. Well worth the trip.

I visited the Miller house today and I can't say enough in favor of it. First, let me say that I got tied up in an interstate traffic snarl on the way to Columbus, and ended up arriving at the visitor's center 4 minutes AFTER my tour was scheduled to depart, instead of the half hour early the website recommends. I ran inside, handed them my ticket and the lady said "Hope you don't need to use the restroom; they're all waiting for you on the tour bus" (yes, I was THAT guy). I sheepishly ran onto the bus, expecting everyone to be angry with me. I have to say, both the guide and the other visitors were very nice about it. And of course, they didn't have to wait for me like they did. I don't recommend arriving late, but my point is that I found them to be very forgiving, in addition to everything else!

I agree with all the other favorable reviews, but let me just add this layman's comment. This masterpiece is quite large, built entirely of steel, glass and marble, and is filled with fascinating, sophisticated art and furnishings. So it has all the requisites of a high-brow museum-like home. But somehow, they managed to execute it in such a way that it is ALSO bright, cozy, homey, warm, comfortable, and expertly sited to take full advantage of, and even enhance, the views out every huge window. In addition to everything else, it was also home to a family with lots of young children, and as such it was, and is, a happy place. That makes it well worth a visit even if you know nothing about architecture, art, Columbus, or the Millers. You will know more about all of them after you leave, and you will have enjoyed the visit!

This was a wonderfully done tour. We were there on a rainy day and between the video, bus ride, and walk through of the house and grounds we barely noticed the rain and had a wonderful time. Our guide, Henry, was extremely knowledgeable and told an engaging story with his tour. Highly recommend this experience!

This tour did not disappoint. The short informative video put the Miller House origins and owner in context, and our guide shared descriptions and facts that helped us understand the design of this unique, memorable mud-century home. It’s beautiful and peaceful, and I’d love to return with my daughters.

This house & garden tour was a highlight of our trip to Columbus! The house & garden are an amazing example of modern architecture. Tours are booked through the Visitors Center ($20/adult); I recommend booking in advance online as tour size is limited to 13 and there are only a few tours each week. Not suitable for young children.

The visitors center has an introductury film (very good) and a terrific gift shop of artisan made goods. Also, a fantastic Chihuly chandelier.

Accessibility: reasonable; a bus with a lift takes you to the house; no stairs in house.

We had the pleasure of two tours: The Miller House and Garden, Iconic Walking Tour of Columbus. Both guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Jan, at the Visitor's Center, was wonderful.

I have taken a handful of the architectural tours here over the years and they always do a great job. We had the Miller House on our road trip list for YEARS and finally got around to visiting. I was familiar with the home and had seen photos of it, as I’m a huge fan of Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard. But photos just don’t do the place justice. It is a mid-century masterpiece in every little detail including the landscaping, exterior and how it is placed on the site. My only negative is that I wish the tour was longer and more in-depth. (I could probably listen to a guide talk about this home for hours!) TIPS: Buy your tix online in advance as they will sell out. Tour departs from the columbus indiana visitors center. Get there early to check in, browse the super gift shop and visit the restroom (there are none to use during tour). The tour begins w/ an intro video before you meet your guide and take a shuttle bus to the site. No photography is permitted in the house. There is a small hardback book about the Miller House in the giftshop for about $25. We are so lucky that this private home is now open for tours! I am so glad I got to see it and I hope to see it again some day. Big thank you to the Indianapolis Art Museum and the whole Columbus Ind team and tour guides that make this possible!

We had a great experience here in Columbus. The guide was local, friendly, and very informative without being rushed or pendantic. The Miller house was the highlight of our visit to this state. A must for any MCM fans.

Gifted to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Miller home is a gem. It has been preserved with many of the original fittings and furnishings, many themselves custom-designed for the home by leading architects and designers. It's clean and simple in its lines, with beautiful large windows encouraging indoor/outdoor aesthetic flow. That also makes the garden spaces important. Their design is also quite minimalist, large plains, simple surfaces, geometric repetition. Tours are of restricted numbers so you must book. Not great for children unless they are well disciplined -- you cannot touch anything, obviously, and everyone must stay together.

The house and gardens are a marvel in design and technology regardless of one's personal taste. It is a well organized tour (we got on only because two people didn't show - so book ahead online) Tour guide had 8 weeks of training, so she really knew her stuff. Plus, she meet William Irwin who grew up in the house so she had neat back-stories to tell. The Indianapolis Art Museum owns the house and it is meticulously maintained. An employee of the museum was with the group so he could answer any questions the guide couldn't. The groups are small so one can ask questions. One of the best tours of this type I have been on, and the house is a marvel.

They bus you out to it and there are no photographs allowed, even outside.

It's a lovely family home on a huge plot of land with manicured lawns. Inside the house is well designed and I loved the seating pit in the lounge, I want one!

If you just saw it you wouldn't think it was particularly ground-breaking.

This tour shone a light into all the facets of this little gem.

It is hard to capture in the written word the beauty of this house.the best of mid century architecture. Beautiful grounds as well as striking interior. A must see!

If you are into architecture of any sort, especailly modern, do not miss this gem located in the South Central Indiana town of Columbus. Only 40 short miles south of Indianapolis, the entire town is a marvel of architecture designs but some of the worlds most famous architects. The Miller House was built in 1957 by Eero Saarinen, the architect who planned the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. This house is significant for many reasons including the fabulous gardens. If you are anywhere near this town a visit to the Miller House is high recommended. Do not miss it if you are even remotely interested in architecture. This house just opened within the last year or so and is operated by the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Make sure to get reservations early (plan ahead) as the tours have limited numbers and they sell out quickly. Our guide was very knowledgable and the house is in excellent condition.

Had been told by many of my friends just how wonderful the tour of the Miller House in Columbus, IN was so I decided to see for myself. It didn't disappoint us at all. Donna, our tour guide was AMAZING. She was so very knowledgeable and friendly and such a delight. I highly recommend this tour!

We arrived by tour bus of about 15 people. It left from their gift shop and we watched a short film about the home before we boarded the bus. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and pleasant. The home and furnishings really told their story. Just a beautiful home and gardens.

The Miller House tour is a fascinating tour of a private home designed by Eero Saarinen. The home was used for many years, and therefore has all sorts of interesting decorative elements. The building itself is starkly white, with the landscaping being enjoyable from indoors as well. The room arrangement is very geometric, echoing the grid lines of the building itself (and also the gardens).
The tour is well run. It starts at the visitor center, with a short bus ride taking you to the "backdoor" The guide was very well informed.
A must do when touring all the mid-century architectural sights of Columbus IN.

The house is an architectural masterpiece and our guide, Mary, was able to tell the tell the interesting story of the home. Both the house and the grounds are amazing. Well worth the time if you are interested in architecture.

Be sure to check out ALL of the tours listed on the city website. We took four in the two days we were visiting and each of them was very good. As we're not super keen on architecture, we most loved the tour the Historic Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum Tour. This Miller House and Garden Tour was clearly our second most favorite.

I returned with friends who had never toured this home. Fun to share with them. It was dark and rainy outside, so I experienced the spaces in a new way. This place is a treasure that I will bring others to visit. The film before the tour seemed updated from my previous visit.

I recently had the opportunity to tour the house with my wife. We were part of a larger group. To be honest, had it been up to me independently I probably never would have done this tour. But as part of a group that had decided to do the tour I had a ball. I have to admit as well that I was pretty ignorant of the history of the family, of Cummins and the architects. I guess that's what made it special. I learned a tremendous amount about the history and that area of the state. While the whole style of the house was not me, it was fascinating to see what the family and the architects had done back in the 1950s.

Our volunteer tour guide was honest, interesting and willing to take the time for questions. Thank you!

The tour is probably best suited to adults but children are welcome.

This is mid-century architecture at its finest. Study the design, the storage, the creativity that the Miller's implemented into this marvelous home.

The Miller House and garden tour was fabulous. The mid-century modern house and its garden were exactly as promised in the brochure - - - and then some). The guide was very knowledgeable and we had a wonderful time. As we were in Columbus on a Tuesday, we were also able to see the original Miller house gardens that open to the public on Tues. and Sunday.

We were excited to tour the Miller home as it is such a piece of our personal history. We lived in Columbus for a while and my husband worked at Cummins and had met J.I. I was so intrigued by the home and fascinated by the conversation pit in particular that when we built our first vacation rental, the Carpenter's Cabin, I incorporated a conversation pit. That was over two years ago and just last week we finally got to see the original. It did not disappoint. The home and grounds are lovely and the story behind it is fascinating. And kudos to our great guide, Bob, who made the experience even better.

This house was actually completed in 1957 but has an open, ageless feel. Designed by Eero Saarinen for the wealthy heir and his wife in Columbus where no expense was spared and it shows. The grounds and light, airy quality of this open and inviting house is beautiful to behold. Our guide seemed to know this house as if he were the owner. He was a font of knowledge and made us all feel at ease as we went from room to room taking in the beauty and elegance of this masterpiece. I would highly recommend the architectural tour in the morning and this tour in the afternoon. Make a day of it and grab some lunch nearby between tours or dinner afterwards.

My daughter and I love Mid Century Modern style homes and the Miller House is a perfect example of this style home and furnishings. The tour guide Bob did a fantastic job. I could go again. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Columbus area.

What a gift Irwin Miller's family gave to the world. The fascinating story and the collaboration of three famous architects/designers with impute from family created such a "public/private" functional home. Thank you so much.

What a lovely day here! Well, actually, it was rainy nasty weather, which tells you a bit about how nice the tour was that it didn't matter! (I do wish we had brought an umbrella along, though!) Fascinating home and I learned a lot a didn't know about this period of architecture. I also really enjoyed the information and backstory about the family. The visitors' center, where you purchase the tickets and leave for the tour, is lovely and worth a stop in itself just to get a feel of the city. Definitely we want to return for the architectural tour sometime! Just a note, no photography is allowed inside the home.

We visited in late January. They were running extra tours because of the Superbowl, and we were fortunate to get on a tour by ourselves--just the two of us and the guide. I remember when the house was built, and how avant garde it was for the time. The architects were really ahead of the curve. Our guide was very knowledgable, and having her to ourselves, we could take our time and auk all the questions we liked. One thing that really impressed me is that the Millers raised their five children in the house. It is very much a functional home, not just a showplace. The attention to detail is astounding. For example, the chair cushions, dining room rug, and table settings ar all coordinated in both patterns and color. We really enjoyed the tour, and plan to do the other tour offered of architectural sites later this year.

The Miller House and Garden tour exceeded my expectations. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable but not boring. He was able to answer all questions. The garden, house and interior designs complemented each other. I was really surprised at how small the girls’ bedrooms are - it was obvious that the girls would not have shut themselves away in them but used them for sleeping!
The little shuttle bus is perfect and the size of the group just right so everyone can hear and see.

The regular tour of the Miller house is an hour and a half and well worth it if you like modern architecture and/or the history of how a family can impact a town and create a wonderful setting for living. The story of the family and the architect/decorator/landscape architect is inspiring since it is both beautiful, functional, and actually somewhat modest for a wealthy family. All the glass that opens to the outside and affords lovely views brings the outside inside and offers great living space as well as a lovely environment to entertain guests. It provides ideas for more modest homes of the regular folk as well as providing a peek into what it might be like to be wealthy enough to design your own house with a world class architect. This small town is so lucky to have had the Miller family help create such an amazing place.

Ok, I will admit to loving the Mid-Century Modern style of homes, but even for those who don't, I think seeing this house is a must see.

I was happy to learn more about the Miller family, especially the father, who seemed to exemplify civic duty and great character. Certainly for this small city, he was hugely influential, but his influence spread beyond his town to even a national level.

One of his interests was in Architecture and he made friends with many well known architects of the time, such as Eliel and Eero Saarinen, IM Pei, H Weiss, to name a few.

Eero Saarinen (designer of the St Louis Arch among many other things), designed this home and it really is magnificent. A quick glance at the outside, may not look like much ( kind of a low white box), but as you learn during the tour, there is much beneath the surface.

The gardens and grounds are also beautiful to see. Designed by Dan Kiley, a well known landscape architect of his time, they are a perfect compliment to the house and to the natural beauty of the plants and trees.

Even if you only have a mild interest in architecture, this is something you should try to see. The home is curated by museum in Indianapolis. Because the house sits in a residential neighborhood, you start your tour at the visitor center in the downtown area and then take a shuttle to the home. This way, the disturbance to neighbors from gawkers driving past, is minimal. The tour guides were great, and they even provided some portable seating for people who can't stand for long periods of time. All the way around, this tour and how it was managed, organized and run was A+

I would NOT recommend this tour to someone with very young children. Children would need to be old enough to stand still, and not to touch the many tempting things that are on display. The conversation pit alone would be a huge temptation to a lot of kids. I would not have brought mine here until they were at least 12 or so years old.

The town of Columbus, IN is charming and there is enough to do and see in the area for a long weekend or even a short vacation. About 10 miles to the west of Town, is the amazingly beautiful Brown County area.

Short bus trip from visitors center to the home brings you to a place architects from all over want to see. Wonderful.

Probably one of the best architectural residences I have ever visited (and I have been to many all over the world). This gem is beautifully preserved and it’s caretakers seem to take great pride in it. You can tell by the personal anecdotes shared by the guide and docents during the tour. Architecture, landscape design, and interior design executed by masters at the top of their game. Truly the gem among Columbus’ treasures.

If you're lucky enough to get Linda as a guide, you're in good hands. She was interesting, informative, and knew her history/art/Miller details. You can only take photos in the house from one spot, which was too bad, because there were photo opportunities everywhere. You take a shuttle from the Visitor's Center and be sure to book the tour ahead of time, as they sell out.

While slightly underwhelming on the exterior, the inside of this beautiful home does not disappoint. Regardless of your architectural persuasion/affinity, all will appreciate this beautiful estate and the story behind it. Our only complaint was that we didn't have more time to explore the outdoor area and felt a little rushed.

Wow, wow, wow! This house and tour was amazing my wife and I have visited many House tours over the years and this by far was the best one we've ever been to. We liked it better than the Biltmore.

Our tour guide, Sherry Stark was amazing. You can tell she was really engaged in the knowledge that she had of the house and history. We really enjoyed the overall experience. When visiting Columbus Indiana, the Miller House needs to be on your list of must go places.

The IMA runs this 1.5 hour tour that gives you access to the home and grounds of this amazing mid-century home. The volunteer docents are very nice and try to give funny stories about the family that lived here. The home is a collaboration of Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard's best work....the "conversation pit" alone is worth the trip. Unfortunately they don't allow photos inside but you can find images online. Definitely a dream house for inspiration!

We have been to Columbus several times, but this house was not open to the public. It was well worth an additional visit. This house is beautifully designed and the furnishings are all there (other than the art collection). It's hard to believe that it is so completely preserved. It was a rainy day so we didn't get a chance to walk around the grounds, but the view out of every room was special. The guide was excellent as well. Go to Columbus and take this tour in addition to the regular city tour. You'll not be disappointed.

Miller House is an Interesting and unique mid-century modern residence. The tour was well done while respecting the house, furnishings, and landscaping. The well-versed, friendly volunteer guide provided history and background after the shuttle bus brought us to the grounds.
We donned shoe covers and entered the home. From a large protective rug near the center of the home our guide explained the layout, the dining room, and living room with conversation pit. We were permitted to take photos only from this area and outside. This was understandable as it would not be hard to back into one of the beautiful furnishings while taking photos.
The open spaces in the central living area and outdoors are wonderful. Seeing the furnishings and understanding that a family with 5 children lived here was interesting. The kitchen is the latest technology of that time.

Short five minute shuttle ride to the Miller House. Our tour guide highlighted the architecture, garden, and interior design of the house, giving us an appreciation of the collaboration that delivered the Miller House. This is a rare opportunity to experience the house at close quarters. Highly recommend.

I hadn't known about the Miller house before my visit to Columbus. It was a very interesting place to visit, It was a very interesting use of space and the concept of the design was very interesting. It was very simple and livable but at the same time it was very elegant. Each detail of the house was thought through and planned. It was designed so that it could be very open to the outside. The windows of the house were arranged so that there was an unobstructed view of the property and the gardens, The trees were selected to compliment the house, The landscape architecture was an integral part in the overall effect of the house. The tour guide was very knowledgeable.

We did the tour of the Miller House yesterday- our tour guide was so friendly and knowledgable, and everyone at the Visitor's Center was great, too!! We also enjoyed the company of the site security gentleman, who accompanied the tour.
We learned so much, and now we can't stop talking about going back Highly recommended for anyone who loves MCM design, or just has an appreciation for beautiful architecture. To see the talents of Saarinen, Girard and Kiley all in one place is an incredible honor. Thank you again for a wonderful experience, and we will return, for sure!!

The late industrialist J.I. Miller is still an icon around Columbus, IN. His family home, now administered by the Indianapolis Museum of Art, is a product of the creative mind of Saarinen the younger, and was built in the 1950s. It is a glass parallelapiped, set in extensive gardens and groves designed by Dan Kiley. The house is a visual tour de force, if an exercise in conspicuous consumption. But then, if cost is no object...Tour docents are well trained, and quite knowledgeable about Miller, the property, and the family. One of the features of any tour is the vaunted 'conversation pit', an area in the middle of the living room that is sunken about four feet and lined with sofas and cushions. Interesting, but it escapes me why one must be below grade to carry on a meaningful conversation. Seems sort of fru-fru, but then who am I? The adjacent grand piano, whose natural finished underside was visible to the conversationalists in The Pit, had to have that offending surface refinished in red in order to fit in. The Kiley-designed grounds are truly beautiful, with a sense of order and tranquility. This property is an outstanding example of Mid-Century Modern, in its architecture and furnishings, and is eminently deserving of a visit and tour.

First time visitor. I went with 3 friends. We had all done our homework so we were familiar with the layout and the gardens but we were all blown away by the tour. Nathan, Seth, Mike(?) and everyone else who's name I don't remember were fantastic. They were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the home and made the experience even better. I went in the winter which was beautiful with the rich fabrics and glassworks, and vintage Christmas ornaments! We are planning to go back in the spring for the full Miller House experience.

My husband and I enjoy touring architecturally unique homes. This one did not disappoint. The tour begins with a video at the Columbus Visitor's Center to get some background. Our tour guide began the "guiding" during the 5-10 minute bus ride to the Miller House. He was great- extremely knowledgeable and took his time with us so we got the most out of the time we paid for. It's a beautiful home and landscape. It was a nice way to relax together on a Saturday afternoon.

We have been twice to this Miller House in Columbus IN - always enjoyable to see and hear about the architecture and history of the place. Tours are well done and informative. Makes you wish you would have visited there when the 80 million dollar Monet painting was on the wall. The tour is taken from the downtown location and a bus drives you there.

We had a truly spectacular visit at the Miller house. First of all, we are big fans of midcentury modern, second, our tour guide, Martha, was full of information, and so-o-o interesting, third, it was a sunny, beautiful (but cold) day.

The joy of this house goes far beyond Saarinen's architecture. It is full of all the original belongings, furniture, rugs, etc. The Miller family had an extensive and eclectic collection which the architecture artfully displays.

We're all lucky that this special house has been preserved and expertly maintained. It's an American treasure.

This is a cannot miss tour. The house and gardens are fascinating and beautiful. The tour guide was knowledgeable and interesting. The group is small, so you get to see everything and get questions answered.

The Miller House tour was excellent. Linda did a great job as our docent and the architecture was outstanding! I would highly recommend this tour to others!