The Original Symbol of Aspen

Herbert Bayer was an internationally famous member of the Bauhaus who was avidly recruited by Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke to move to Aspen to help implement their vision of Aspen as a special community.

Bayer was an innovator in architecture, typography, graphic design, photography and exhibition design. He designed the Aspen Meadows Campus, Outdoor Sculptures and Music Tent. He also spearheaded the restoration of Victorian buildings in town, including the Wheeler Opera House and Hotel Jerome. In addition to the development of these historic landmarks, Bayer also created the original symbol, the celebrated aspen leaf and snowflake, for the Aspen Skiing Corporation in 1946.