Midland Center Opens New Mid-Century Modern Themed Bar & Lounge

More than 50 years ago an innovative and prolific architect used his vision and creativity to transform the world of architecture, energize the movement of Mid-Century Modern design, and leave a legacy of his work in the Midland community. Alden B. Dow, architect and philosopher behind the construction of Midland Center for the Arts, developed the region’s cultural destination for art, science and history exploration which finished construction in 1971.

His lasting stamp on the world of architecture, and specifically hundreds of Mid-Century Modern homes and buildings in Midland, continues in our community today with a maintained passion for Mid-Century Modern design, neighborhood architecture tours and frequent visitors of the renowned Alden B. Dow Home & Studios.

“As we continue to find ways to engage our community, embrace our history and origins, and create exciting offerings for our patrons, the Center for the Arts is excited to open the Pendulum Lounge, a new bar and lounge experience for specialty cocktails and small plates with a connection to what makes our building unique – Mid-Century Modern design and architecture,” said Terri Trotter, President & CEO at Midland Center for the Arts.

The themed lounge, situated near the front entrance of Midland Center and the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art, features an array of cozy and retro Mid-Century furniture, historical photos and artifacts from this period in time, and rotating entertainment centered around the height of the movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Midland Center for the Arts, known for their unique and flavorful dishes during catered events and parties, is bringing the traditional flavors and staples of the era, fused with a 21st Century flair that we know and love today.

Stepping into the Pendulum Lounge will take guests back to the middle of the 20th Century for small plates and hearty offerings, featuring American classics with an elevated twist like meatloaf, deconstructed deviled eggs, and more paired with signature cocktails, wine and beer. Guests can expect a rotating array of live music and themed-activities like smooth jazz featuring regional musicians, live visual artist demonstrations, Mid-Century Modern trivia and more to be announced.

Alden B. Dow is known to have left a legacy that challenges us to look, examine and question the world - in the focused pursuit of the quality of life. He intentionally designed structures that reflected the way we truly live as humans, and created spaces that not only nurture and comfort us, but awaken our minds to help us develop our own individual creativity. Guests can socialize inside one of his greatest Mid-Century Modern spaces while envisioning the creative world around them at the Pendulum Lounge opening on Thursday, March 4.

The lounge gives guests an opportunity to sample something delicious while lounging on something classically mid-mod every Thursday evening starting Thursday, March 4 from 4:30 – 8 p.m. The Center is limiting the number of guests in the space to accommodate adequate social distancing, along with thoroughly sanitizing between parties no more than 6 people. In addition to these best practices, the Center has air scrubbers within the spaces to remove more than 99% of potential disease-causing pathogens.