In the fall of 1992, Darren and I needed to come up with a name for our new company that would feature high design classic modern furniture from some of Europe’s most respected furniture manufacturers. We wanted our company’s name to reflect the essence of what we would be bringing to Kansas City….furniture and lighting that had become visual icons of timeless, great modern design.
As we had done on numerous occasions when matters of the greatest importance were to be decided, we went to our favorite place for important decision making…a neighborhood bar and grill that featured 2 for 1 burgers and inexpensive pitchers of beer. We had made numerous decisions there, and solved many of the world’s imposing problems over the years, so we knew we could come up with a name for our company there…and we would have the inspirational help of a pitcher or two of beer.
We wanted the name of our new business to not pigeon hole us into a limited market of what we would carry…our focus was design, and more specifically, classic modern design. We were intent in bringing to Kansas City original design, respected design, and quality design. While our focus began with lighting and furniture, we didn’t want to exclude the possibilities that other objects of design might be available at our store in the future.
So we looked for a commonality in the products we would be handling beyond their design worthiness. We looked for validation that the products we would be handling were indeed the best design as generally regarded. We did a word exercise to see what words came to mind as we thought of our new venture. Design, clearly. Beautiful, original, coveted….and we realized these words all related to a passion for both of us….
Art.
That’s when the thought process took a definitive path…we would be promoting art interpreted in everyday objects like chairs and tables and lights. And where is art displayed?
In home…in public spaces…and in museums.
Museo (moo-SAY-o) is the Italian word for museum. Our new company would be a museum of sorts promoting design…classic design, modern design…great design. The products we would carry would reflect the aesthetics of great art…but with a twist…this would be art that was functional.
Works of art that work….both at home and in the office.
And so, Museo was born….over burgers and beer.