If you are lucky enough to afford a genuine Barcelona chair, you will be able to show off the prestigious signature of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe stamped on your chair to all your family and friends. It is often difficult to distinguish the difference between a real Barcelona chair and a Barcelona Chair Reproduction (also known as a Madrid chair). Either way, it requires true craftsmanship (authentic or replica), to achieve the details and lines of this famous chair. Over the years, the Barcelona chair has changed very little distinguishing it from the first version. Originally designed before the production of stainless steel, the frame was intended to be bolted together. However, with the advent of stainless steel in 1950, Mies van der Rohe redesigned the chair with a seamless metal frame. Less expensive materials replaced the pricey pigskin such as cowhide. The chair had a modern look in 1929 and remains so today. In a word – it is timeless.    The Barcelona chair was originally built and intended for royal Spanish blood in 1929 by Mies van der Rohe and his business partner Lilly Reich. Mies van der Rohe was the architect of the German Pavilion at the World Exhibition held in Barcelona Spain in 1929. He offered King Alfonso XIII and his wife, Ena, two comfortable and well designed chairs to rest upon during their visit to the Pavilion. A chair for each of the royal couple.   It is said that the royals never sat on Mies van der Rohe's iconic chair. But ever since its creation nearly eight decades ago, the Barcelona chair is still a "must have" piece of furniture in the homes of the rich and wealthy today. High end designers, architects, design enthusiasts, and everyone in between love the infinitely classic design of the Barcelona chair. The design was influenced by folding chairs of the Pharaohs and Romans, inspiring a timeless and ancient vibe. A great classic design transcends all space and time. It will never go out of style.    Why the Barcelona chair belongs in your home: • An authentic Barcelona chair may cost more than $2000-$3000 or more (depending on where it is purchased). A Barcelona Chair Reproduction costs a fraction of the price with nearly all the same benefits • The deep seated cushions envelope the contours of your body to provide the most comfortable seating a chair can offer • The classic design of the Barcelona chair will never go out of style. It has been for around for over 80 years and remains one of the most sought after pieces of furniture today • This timeless chair is famous and was built by a world famous architect (Mies van der Rohe) and won the Museum of Modern Art Award • No matter what your style; traditional, transitional, or modern, the Barcelona chair seamlessly blends with any decor • This chair was originally built for a King and Queen. Are you royal enough for this chair?   Take a look at the Barcelona Chair Reproduction in 3D:   Save over 60% on a Barcelona Chair Reproduction today  As one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe had a 'less is more' mindset. This was apparent in his furniture and building designs. Some of his most famous architectual feats include: The Seagram Building in New York Lake Shore Drive Apartments in Chicago The German Pavilion in Barcelona Keeping this in mind, one can only imagine how this influenced his simple, minimalist, clean design evident in the Barcelona chair.   Mies was the director of the famed Bauhaus School of Design from 1930-1933.  Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was one of most influential Bauhaus furniture designers to ever grace this planet.   If you should decide to purchase a piece of Mies van der Rohe furniture, you will inevitably be a part of history in the sense that these designs were pioneered out of one of the most important eras of furniture design.    You may also like:   Save 50% on the Pamplona Ottoman today   "A chair is a very difficult object. A skyscraper is almost easier. That is why Chippendale is famous." --Mies van der Rohe, In Time magazine, February 18, 1957    The Barcelona chair was manufactured in the United States, Spain, and Germany between 1930 and 1950.  After the death of Mies van der Rohes' business partner Lily Reich, Mies ceded his rights to Knoll.   Knoll is an internationally recognized company known for its innovative and modern design.  Knoll was founded in New York City in 1938 by Hans Knoll, and later, production was moved to Pennsylvania in 1940.