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Design Museums
By J.A. Romig | MAY.27.08
Artistic appreciation is an important aspect to a full life. Good design makes living better. |
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After we passed through the rough part of our evolutionary journey, we humans began to make more than spears, clothing and shelter. We started to produce material goods and build structures that not only worked but withstood the test of use. For a long time, individual families were the original archivists, passing genealogical records (as well as actual treasure) to newer generations. Then came tribes and villages, then cities and kings. All this while, craftsmen, architects, artists and ordinary people were creating small wonders. Swords of the finest forged metal. Furnishings, pottery and yes, art. Eventually someone got the idea that certain objects, documents and creations belonged to humanity. Some things should be kept for the ages. Today, there is a museum for every category of human endeavor and concern imaginable. Design museums preserve and celebrate the Applied Arts.
You visit an art museum to see sculpture and paintings. You visit a design museum to admire the subtle, functional beauty of a Shaker bench. You come to marvel at an early La Pavoni espresso machine. At an art museum you are impressed by the painted detail of the dress Queen Elizabeth I is wearing and the drapes behind her. At a design museum you view the actual textiles and learn about their artisan weavers. Design museums are fascinating, educational and inspirational. Most of them are open to the public, hosting both permanent and traveling exhibitions.
Vitra Design Museum | Weil am Rhein, Germany
The Frank O. Gehry structure reminds one of a fantastical castle, twisting on its foundation. Sponsored by the furniture company, Vitra, the museum is permanent home for the estates of renowned designers such as Charles & Ray Eames and Anton Lorenz. Instead of putting everything on display, the Vitra chooses to host smaller shows that feature one or more of the artists represented within their collection. As with many museums, the Vitra also offers expanded services such as workshops for children and adults.
Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum | New York City, NY
Founded by the three granddaughters of industrialist, Peter Cooper, the Cooper-Hewitt is also a branch of the Smithsonian Institution. Cooper-Hewitt shows are highly educational and creative. The grounds include a couple of town-houses that are enveloped in vertical gardens. The Cooper-Hewitt sponsors the National Design Awards and boasts a master's degree program.
The Design Museum | Shad Thames, London
The Conran Group converted an old produce warehouse into a home dedicated to industrial, architectural and commercial modern works. The two-story structure is privately run and garners income from donations and entry fees. With a new exhibition almost every month, one can expect to see shows ranging from designer footwear to large-scale architectural installations. Along with on-site shows, the Design Museum hosts educational activities and panel discussions. There is a cafe on premises and Marc Newson bathrooms that are an exhibit unto themselves.
The Chicago Athenaeum | Chicago, Illinois
Focusing on the architectural end of design, the Chicago Athenaeum celebrates the creativity of industry. While the museum's main facility hosts rotating events, the Athenaeum operates some permanent exhibits, spread around the Chicago area. The International Sculpture Park in Schaumburg, IL is one of those off site locations. The Chicago Athenaeum is also sponsor of the American Architecture Awards.
The Museum of Modern Art | New York City, New York
Once again, leave it to the ladies to get a good thing going. Abby Rockefeller, Laura Bliss and Mary Sullivan defied skeptical husbands and the odds to create what is now considered the world's foremost museum committed to the modern art. The MoMa introduced America to the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso and today, houses the most comprehensive collection of modern masterpieces in existence. Dali, Warhol, Matisse, Kahlo, you name it. On top of that the MoMa presents a top-tier design collection. If you want to see famous designs and works of art, the MoMa is the mecca.
The Museum of Contemporary Art | Los Angeles, California
Three different locations. Marvel at the large-scale sculptures located at the Geffen Contemporary Museum. Get close up to art works, both unknown and iconic, at the MCA Grand Avenue. Do business, view exhibits or attend design/art-oriented lectures at the Pacific Design Center. Bring your kids and or send your teens to the MOCA's hands-on workshops. There's even a paid apprentice program for high schoolers.
The Design Exchange | Tonronto, Ontario
Founded by ten citizens who saw a desperate need, the Design Exchange opened in 1994. Since then the DX is at the forefront, promoting all aspects of design, especially Canadian design. Of note are the over 50 educational events held each year at the DX. Home to the only permanent collection of Canadian industrial design, the DX contains both and exhibit hall and a design center. The DX Resource Centre, with its archives of books, magazines and research, is only a phone call away.
Artistic appreciation is an important aspect to a full life. Good design makes living better. A pretty painting looks nice over a couch, until the couch goes out of style. When you absorb the ideas and concepts behind good design, you learn to choose a couch that will survive the trends so you can keep the pretty painting. You come to understand the reasons why that molded plastic chair was once a radical design. You'll see the past price tags and recognize workmanship. You'll come to honor the extraordinary minds and talents that gave form to function and enjoyment to the common things in human life.
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| | By J.A. Romig | FOKaL Writer |
| [ MAY.27.08 ] |
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