Understanding Severance: An In-Depth Look at Lumon Industries’ Perpetuity Wing and Its 3 Key Exhibits

Located at the heart of Lumon Industries, the Perpetuity Wing serves as a crucial setting in the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Severance, which premiered in 2022. The series has been widely praised for its intricate narrative style, particularly its mystery box storytelling that captivates audiences with its complexities. This setting is pivotal for exploring the phenomena surrounding employees who have undergone the severance procedure, where their memories are compartmentalized between their professional and personal lives—what they refer to as their “Innies”at work and “Outies”outside of it.

Among the various characters navigating this strange reality, Mark (Adam Scott), Helly (Britt Lower), Dylan (Zach Cherry), and Irving (John Turturro) all work within Lumon’s Macrodata Refinement Department. They are confined to the severed floor, a space governed by the authority of Harmony Cobel. With limited access to the outside world, the Perpetuity Wing becomes one of the rare links the Innies have to their broader existence.

Unveiling the Perpetuity Wing: A Museum on Lumon’s Severed Floor

A Tribute to Lumon’s Legacy and the Eagan Family

Adam Scott with a blank expression walking in a sterile hallway in Severance season 1 — Image credit: AppleTV+

Within the confines of the Perpetuity Wing lies an exhibition dedicated to Lumon Industries and the influential Eagan family. For characters like Irving, the wing symbolizes hope and purpose. Its three distinct exhibits reinforce his unwavering dedication to the company, deepening his connection to Lumon’s ideals.

Exploring the Perpetuity Wing’s Three Notable Exhibits

Hall of CEOs

The Hall of CEOs features lifelike wax figures representing all past and present CEOs of Lumon, from Kier Eagan to the current head, James Eagan. Each figure is accompanied by a commemorative plaque detailing their birth and death dates, as well as their tenure length. Inspirational quotes from these leaders adorn the walls, such as Kier Eagan’s “The remembered man does not decay”and James Eagan’s “History lives in us, whether we learn it, or not.”Each figure includes an audio recording that narrates their leadership philosophies and experiences.

Lumon Legacy of Joy

The Lumon Legacy of Joy exhibit brings together a collage of black and white photographs showcasing joyful faces. Irving enthusiastically explains to Helly that these images depict real individuals whose lives have been positively influenced by Lumon Industries. Notably, the exhibit regularly updates its collection, reinforcing the notion of Lumon’s ongoing impact on the outside world.

Kier Eagan Replica House

Completing the trio of exhibits is the Kier Eagan Replica House, a meticulously crafted full-size replica of Kier’s residence. Every detail has been replicated with precision, right down to the placement of his slippers. A sign on his bed humorously warns against sitting on it, adding to the unique charm of this immersive experience.

The Significance of the Perpetuity Wing in Severance

Crucial for Character Development and Employee Manipulation

As Helly grapples with her newfound existence as an Innie, Irving proposes a visit to the Perpetuity Wing to instill motivation and purpose in her. Dylan adds a playful touch by providing Helly with an Eagan Bingo sheet. However, when Irving expresses agitation about the Bingo game, Helly seizes the moment to attempt an escape, though ultimately she fails.

Later in the season, the Perpetuity Wing re-emerges during the distinct Waffle Party perk earned by Dylan. This quirky event allows the characters to indulge in waffles while engaging in a bizarre ritual involving masks and storytelling linked to the Four Tempers—woe, frolic, dread, and malice—as articulated by Kier Eagan. Dylan ultimately uses this opportunity to activate a plan intended to awaken Mark, Helly, and Irving’s Innies outside of work hours.

Beyond individual events, the Perpetuity Wing plays a vital role in shaping Lumon’s narrative. It positions the Eagan family, especially Kier, as almost sanctified figures to be revered. For severed employees like Irving, the wing offers a semblance of history and a sense of purpose desperately needed due to their lack of memories of their lives outside Lumon. It curates a limited perspective of Lumon’s past and its leadership, profoundly influencing the mindset of the Innies.

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