Design plays a major role in our everyday lives, from the appliances we use to clothes we wear. There is an ever-changing balance between functionality and presentation inherent to the process of design. These eight museums artfully explore this process, bringing the works of artists from across the globe to new audiences.
8. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York City, USA
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As a New York City establishment, MoMA is one the most well-known modern and contemporary art museums in the world, with the first curatorial department devoted to architecture and design. This collection focuses on revealing the synthesis between architecture and design as interdependent art mediums. For architecture, this collection includes models, drawings and the esteemed Mies van der Rohe Archive. For design, the museum holds thousands of various design objects from textiles to tableware to sports cars.
7. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, New York City, USA
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As another New York City must-see, the Cooper Hewitt is dedicated to representing both historical and contemporary design to the fullest. Home to over 210,000 objects ranging over thirty centuries, this museum aims to educate and inspire through its collections of textiles, drawings, furniture, technology and more. Additionally, the Cooper Hewitt hosts the National Design Awards to honour innovation in various sectors of design.
6. Triennale di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Originating from the triennial International Exhibition of Decorative Arts and with the help of famed architect Gio Ponti, the Triennale di Milano became an institution in both the Italian and international art scenes during the second half of the twentieth century. Addressing the innovation and complexities of contemporary art, the museum’s collection emphasises Italian design, architecture, and visual and performing arts. In addition to its rotating exhibitions, the Triennale di Milano also holds conferences, film screenings, live performances and much more.
5. Design Museum Holon, Holon, Israel
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As the first museum in Israel dedicated to design, the Design Museum Holon works to represent Israeli design in an international context. One of the most notable aspects of this museum is the structure itself. Designed by Israeli architect Ron Arad, the exterior of the museum is built of large, curving steel bands that wrap around the interior structure to create wide sloping lines, abstractly referring to the Israeli deserts. These rounded lines work with the boxy interior to create a truly unique space that is ideal for the museum’s unique collection, consisting of industrial products, furniture, fashion, jewellery, and graphic design.
4. Museu de Arte Moderna, São Paulo, Brazil
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Located in the beautiful Ibirapuera Park, the Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM) exhibits contemporary and modern art with a special focus on works from Brazilian artists. These works explore experimentation, diversity, and plurality of artistic production, and are presented by the museum with the goal of making art as accessible as possible. The museum also plays host to the Panorama da Arte Brasileira, which maps the progress of contemporary art across Brazil and encourages both international and national interest in Brazilian art. The museum itself is built to visually incorporate its Sculpture Garden into the visitor experience, and boasts of award-winning educational programs.
3. Design Museum, London, UK
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Globally renowned for its inspiring collections, London’s Design Museum holds various temporary exhibitions simultaneously to feature a wide range of contemporary artists and designers. Visitors are also able to visit the museum’s interactive permanent collection, which explores topics from the history of the iconic Thonet chair to the design process for London’s Underground map. The Design Museum is further home to various educational programs in digital design and curation.
2. Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, Germany
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Well-known for its exhibition building designed by Frank Gehry, the Vitra Design Museum explores the intersections between architecture, art and everyday life through its impressive collection of design objects. The museum hosts a balance of large scale temporary exhibitions as well as smaller, experimental projects, focusing on both the history and future of design. These are featured simultaneously with the museum’s permanent collection, which boasts works by pioneers in design innovation such as Charles & Ray Eames and Le Corbusier.
1. Red Dot Museum, Singapore
Named after the prestigious Red Dot Design Awards, the Red Dot Design Museum is considered a pillar in representing the top contemporary designs from around the world. The ‘Red Dot’ is one of the most internationally sought-after awards signifying the best in product design, design concept, and brand and communication design. Entries go through a rigorous testing process to determine the most innovative design quality. Each year, the Red Dot Design Museum closes from October to April to prepare for their next set of exhibitions based on the winners of the award.
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This is an updated version of an article originally published on 26 June 2014