The Iowa Architectural Foundation will hold a gala event Saturday to celebrate the rebirth of one of Iowa’s most significant landmarks, designed by world famous architect Mies van der Rohe, one of the founders of Modernism.

Completed in 1962 for Home Federal Savings and Loan at 601 Grand Ave., the glass-and-steel building has been owned by the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines since 1992 and recently had a major rehabilitation.

The Iowa Architectural Foundation has provided some background on the building and its place in the city’s architectural heritage.

“In 1959, Home Federal’s owner and chair, Jonathan Fletcher, traveled for weeks, interviewing architects around the country. He was particularly taken by the Seagram Building in New York, designed through a collaboration of Mies and famed architect, Phillip Johnson. This swayed him to commission Mies to design the company’s new headquarters.

“Critics have recognized 601 Grand as a key addition to the architectural heritage of our city, state and the world. Robust press coverage has highlighted the building as one of the two most important mid-century additions to downtown, matched only by the 1965 Modernistic concrete-and-glass American Republic (now American Enterprise Group) headquarters, by Skidmore Owings & Merrill/Gordon Bunshaft.” The building was rehabbed a few years ago.

The gala provides an opportunity to “pause and take note of Des Moines’ rich architectural portfolio and acknowledge the leaders who have had the vision to engage the best local architects, but also bring cutting-edge, internationally-known design talent to further influence the face of our city and state,” according to a release.

The event, called Mies en Scene, runs from 7 to 11 p.m. at 601 Grand. A live auction will include an original linen napkin sketch by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and other sketches by prominent architects.

There will be displays of Mies’ life and achievements, as well as the evolution of the savings and loan and a battle by preservationists to save the building, including its designation as a local landmark by the Des Moines City Council.

Iconic, collectible classic furnishings will be on display and will create the backdrop for “Mad Men”-type photo opportunities. Clothing is cocktail or business attire, and midcentury modern attire is welcome.

A limited number of tickets are still available for $100, and include wine, beer, signature martinis and hors d’oeuvres. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite or directly from the Iowa Architectural Foundation by emailing director@iowaarchfoundation.org.

In case you’re wondering, the foundation has included an answer to the name of the event.

“Why is the event called Mies en Scène? It is a play on words. Mise-en-scène (French pronunciation: [miz.?~.s?n] “placing on stage”) is an expression used to describe the design aspect of a theatre or film production, which essentially means “visual theme” or “telling a story” in visually artful ways, through story boarding, cinematography and stage design. We feel this is a great term for describing the genius of 601 Grand, and hope we are ‘setting our stage’ for years to come.”