Midgard 555 Modular Wall Light by Curt Fischer

Curt Fischer’s 1920s Modular arm, made for the wall: an articulating Midgard lamp that swings out over a desk, bed or workbench.

In the 1920s Curt Fischer turned his adjustable lamps into a Modular system, and the 555 is its wall-mounted member. The arm articulates and the head positions freely, so light lands directly on the work surface, then folds back out of the way. A Bakelite switch sits on the shade. The 555 is hardwired into the wall and can be run from its own switch or from a wall switch. The shade is spun aluminum, powder coated; the arm and wall plate are powder-coated steel. It takes one E26 bulb up to 60 W, and every part is hand assembled in Germany.

Specifications

• Brand: Midgard (Germany, founded 1919)
• Model: 555 Modular wall light
• Designer: Curt Fischer, 1920s
• Type: Articulating, positionable wall lamp
• Shade: Spun aluminum, powder coated
• Arm and wall plate: Powder-coated steel
• Switch: Bakelite switch on the shade
• Installation: Hardwired to the wall; works with the shade switch or a wall switch
• Shown in: Black
• Socket: E26, max 60 W
• Location: Indoor
• Made in: Germany, hand assembled
• Item number (MPN): MD-33.555.1.2.0.91.7.0

Features

• Curt Fischer design from Midgard’s 1920s Modular system
• Articulating arm and positionable head
• Bakelite switch on the shade, or use a wall switch
• Spun aluminum shade, powder-coated steel arm and wall plate
• E26 socket, max 60 W
• Hand assembled in Germany

Best for

Beside a bed as a reading light, over a desk where surface space is precious, above a workbench, sewing table or kitchen counter. More from Midgard: Midgard TYP 113 Bauhaus Clamp Lamp by Curt Fischer, Midgard Spring Balanced Floor Lamp, White, Midgard K831 Adjustable Pendant Light.

Who this is not for

• Plug-in installs: it is hardwired; a cover plate may be needed over a standard US junction box, so have your electrician check the fit.
• Bathrooms and outdoor walls: it is an indoor fixture.
• Anyone who wants a purely decorative sconce: this is a working task light.

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led lighting since 2009, and few lamps carry as much design history as Midgard’s. Midgard was founded in 1919 by the engineer Curt Fischer, who received the world’s first patent for adjustable electric lighting. In 1926, when the Bauhaus moved into its new buildings in Dessau, Midgard lamps chosen by Walter Gropius went into the workshops, studios and Masters’ Houses. Its heritage designs are still made in Germany with original tools and long-standing suppliers.

Buy once: durability and care

Midgard lamps are built from steel, aluminum and Bakelite to last for decades. Switch off and let the shade cool, then dust with a soft, dry cloth. Enamel and powder coat can take a slightly damp cloth with a drop of mild soap; avoid abrasives and solvents, and keep moisture away from the socket and switch.

Frequently asked questions

How is the Midgard 555 wall light installed?

It is hardwired into the wall by an electrician and can be switched at the shade or by a wall switch.

Can I swing the 555 wall light out of the way?

Yes. The arm articulates and the head positions freely, so it reaches over a desk or folds back to the wall.

What bulb does the 555 Modular wall light take?

One E26 bulb, maximum 60 W; a warm LED is ideal for reading (our advice).

Who designed the Midgard 555?

Curt Fischer, Midgard’s founder, in the 1920s, as part of his Modular lighting system.

Is the 555 wall light suitable for a bathroom?

No. It is designed for indoor, dry rooms.

Which rooms suit the 555 wall light? (our styling advice)

Bedrooms as a bedside reading light, home offices, studios and kitchens with an industrial or Bauhaus mood.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, contractors and builders can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Midgard and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and free catalogs and finish swatches. Applying takes about three minutes; our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day. Lighting a studio, office, restaurant or hotel? Contact us with models and quantities and we’ll confirm availability and lead time.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days. Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.