Bell Works Hosts New Photography Exhibit Honoring Dan Kiley

HOLMDEL, NJ — Bell Works has partnered with The Cultural Landscape Foundation to host a new exhibit through November dedicated to modernist landscape architect Dan Kiley.

The exhibit, titled “The Landscape Architecture Legacy of Dan Kiley,” is a photographic exhibition honoring Kiley, who is known for projects like the Gateway Arch National Park and the Ford Foundation Building.

According to Bell Works officials, the exhibit itself is designed to prompt dialogue around responsible stewardship of Kiley’s legacy and the country’s modernist landscape architecture.

“As stewards and lovers of American Modernism, we’re honored to showcase Mr. Kiley’s legacy,” Ralph Zucker, the owner of Bell Works and the CEO & Founder of Inspired by Somerset Development, said. “A close collaborator of Eero Saarinen, whose visionary design shaped Bell Works New Jersey, Kiley's work is some of the most influential in all of landscape architecture.”

In addition to the new exhibition, the show’s arrival also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the transformed Eero Saarinen-designed Bell Labs campus.

“It’s only fitting we celebrate his timeless contributions as we commemorate a decade of Bell Works and double down on our efforts to serve not only as a nexus for business and community but also as a beacon for arts and culture,” Zucker said.

Featuring 45 newly commissioned photographs by renowned photographers that highlight 27 of Kiley’s more than 1,000 designs, notable works include the Miller House and Garden, the Art Institute of Chicago South Garden, Patterns and more.

The exhibit also includes a full-color, free, downloadable gallery guide titled “What’s Out There: The Landscape Architecture Legacy of Dan Kiley.” The guide features images from the exhibition, brief site descriptions, site plans and excerpts from recently collected personal recollections from Kiley’s colleagues.

"As the metroburb evolves, it is crucial to enrich our community through arts and cultural events,” Paola Zamudio, the lead designer and creative director of Bell Works, said. “Showcasing Dan Kiley’s work in this exhibition allows us to honor his legacy and highlight his influence at Bell Works. We’re devoted to offering programs that educate, inspire, and celebrate the contributions of influential individuals to our cultural landscape."

Since debuting at the Boston Architectural College in 2013, the show has been on view at more than 20 museums, cultural institutions and universities — most recently including ABC Stone and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.

“Along with highlighting Kiley’s modernist landscape legacy, this exhibition raises issues about the unique stewardship challenges with a nationally significant modernist property,” Charles A. Birnbaum, The Cultural Landscape Foundation’s president and CEO, said. “Thus, it’s appropriate to have the exhibition at the former Bell Labs site, which is being very well safeguarded by Bell Works.”

The exhibition is free and open to the public through November, officials said.

For more information, you can visit the exhibit website.

Bell Works is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.