The International Hildreth Meière Association is thrilled for the designation of New York City’s newest landmark, the “Red Room” at 1 Wall Street, a remarkable interior outfitted with glittering mosaics on the walls and ceiling by Hildreth Meière (1892–1961), an Art Deco master muralist who led the way for women in the decorative arts.
The “Red Room" served as a stunning reception room and banking hall within 1 Wall Street for the Irving Trust and Bank Company when the building was completed in 1931. The abstract pattern in glass mosaic, covers 13,000 square feet including the walls and ceiling. The colors change from deep oxblood at the floor to orange with gold higher on the walls, to gold with orange on the ceiling and gold-leafed tesserae accents the design as it climbs the walls. This collaboration was the genius of two of the 20th century’s great masters, architect Ralph Walker and muralist Hildreth Meière. (The 50-story building itself, with its fluted limestone facade designed to resemble curtains, has been a city landmark since 2001). Hildreth Meière and Ralph Walker had several collaborations in New York City including 1939 New York World’s Fair and 32 Avenue of Americas (Formerly the AT&T Long Distance Building).
The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approved the designation as an interior landmark with a unanimous vote on June 25, 2024. Landmarks Preservation Commission chair Sarah Carroll said, “Today’s vote to designate this special interior landmark ensures it will continue to delight visitors for years to come.”
The “Red Room” will be open to the public starting in the Spring 2025 as part of Printemps, the Parisian luxury retailer opening its first US location at 1 Wall Street. “We are thrilled to be part of the restoration and preservation of one of the most important Art-Deco murals in NYC,” Laura Lendrum, Printemps America CEO, said. The opening is an exciting moment for the community since the room has not been open to the public since 2001.
This recent designation is added to the 20 landmark sites associated with significant architectural and cultural heritage that contain Hildreth Meière’s work. Landmark status further solidifies the importance of preserving these historic works for future generations. The 20 landmark sites include locations in Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington DC.
Illinois
Maryland
- 10 Light Street (Part of an Urban Renewal District)
Missouri
Nebraska
New Jersey
New York
- 32 Avenue of the Americas (AT&T Long Distance Building)
- Fordham University Church
- One Wall Street
- Radio City Music Hall
- St Thomas Church
- St. Bartholomew's Church
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Temple Emanu-El (Part of a Landmark District)
- St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Pennsylvania
- Church of the Holy Trinity, Rittenhouse Square
- Mary Immaculate Seminary (Future Home of the Lehigh Valley Resort and Spa)
Washington, DC
- National Academy of Sciences
- Henry P Daly Building (Municipal Center)
- Washington National Cathedral
About the International Hildreth Meière Association
Founded in 2004 by Louise Meière Dunn, the International Hildreth Meière Association (IHMA) inspires, educates, and preserves the legacy and works of artist Hildreth Meière. As the primary source for information on Hildreth’s life and works, IHMA has created exhibitions, publications, documentary series, tours, and lectures for the general public, educational groups, and the sites of Hildreth's commissions.
For collaboration and/or press inquiries, please contact info@hildrethmeiere.org