inside charles and ray eames’ whimsical toy collection at the institute’s latest exhibition

the exhibition at eames institute, toys & play, celebrates the joyful exploration of games collected by the iconic duo throughout their careers.

christina petridou November 16, 2023 4 min

Toys & Play by The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity

The latest exhibition at the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity, titled Toys & Play, celebrates the joyful exploration of games that have impacted the imaginative minds of Charles and Ray Eames. By inviting viewers into a realm of whimsy and innovation, this exhibition offers a distinct peek into how toys influenced the design process of these iconic figures. For them, play wasn’t simply about enjoyment; rather, it provided a unique perspective for navigating life. Toys & Play provides a glimpse into the collection of the Eameses, featuring items like spinning tops, tricycles, kites, and a barrel organ. These objects, unlike typical mass-market products, were valued for their simplicity and lack of pretension, representing what the Eameses regarded as ‘good design.’ Llisa Demetrios, the chief curator of the Institute and the youngest granddaughter of Ray and Charles Eames, reflects on the significance of toys beyond amusement.‘Toys were empowering tools of ‘found learning.’ Having fun and learning without realizing you were—that was the best game growing up.’

peek inside charles and ray eames' whimsical toy collection — all images by Noah Webb and Set Design by Cecilia Elguero for the Eames Institute, unless stated otherwise

toys as tools for exploration

Charles Eames’s well-known statement, ‘Toys are really not as innocent as they look. Toys and games are the preludes to serious ideas,’ encapsulates the mindset that guided the Eameses’ creative process. Over their lifetime, Ray and Charles gathered a large assortment of toys, viewing them not just for entertainment but also as subjects for examination. These objects were methodically cataloged and stored within the Eames Office at 901 Washington Boulevard, kept for use in films, showrooms, and as pleasant distractions within their workspace. ‘For Ray and Charles, playing was a portal to serious ideas,’ Demetrios continues. These toys weren’t just for enjoyment; they were tools for exploring concepts ‘like understanding an unseen force becoming visible, as I witnessed when I dropped a marble down the musical tower and listened to the notes play.’

Play, as understood by the Eameses, involved engaging in activities solely for their intrinsic value. It wasn’t about immediate gains but about nurturing curiosity, fostering connections, and embracing the learning that emerged from experimentation and experience. While the Eameses’ designs often carried a playful essence, their concept of play extended beyond whimsy; it was a strategic approach to creatively tackle problems from unconventional angles. The Toys & Play exhibition’s opening coincides with the release of a limited edition catalog by The Eames Institute (see more here). This catalog offers deeper insights into how these toys influenced the Eameses’ creative process, featuring detailed documentation, archival photographs, artwork, and an illuminating essay by Sam Grawe.