Le Corbusier - Le poème électronique - 1958

Title: The electronic poem – The electronic poem
Author / Involved: Le Corbusier; Louis C. Kalff (involved with Philips); Jean Petit (cover design)

Publication year: 1958

Publisher / Client: N.V. Philips (in relation to the Brussels World’s Fair, Expo 58)

Format: approximately 20.2 × 20.2 cm (square)

Number of pages: about 70 pages with text, photos and drawings

Language: German

Cover / Design: Pictorial cover by Jean Petit.

Description of the content:
This rare book, issued on the occasion of the World’s Fair Expo 58 in Brussels, documents the iconic “Electronic Poem” (Le Poème Électronique) by Le Corbusier that was performed in the Philips pavilion. It offers a unique look at the groundbreaking multimedia spectacle: architecture, light, film and electronic music (composition by Edgar Varèse) come together in a total experience.

The pavilion itself (designed by Le Corbusier in collaboration with Iannis Xenakis) featured hyper-modern forms (thin concrete panels) and housed a 480-second performance in which visitors were immersed in visual and acoustic projections.

Significance & Collectibility:
The book is historically very valuable: it documents one of the first large-scale multimedia installations and is closely linked to the legendary Expo ’58.

The original edition from 1958 is now rare, especially in this good condition. The German version is rarely encountered.

For collectors of architecture, design, music, or 20th‑century exhibition history, this is a unique item.
A brochure added that was distributed in the Philips pavilion. See the last two photos (in four languages).