New Design Museums Around The World You Should Be Excited About

Previously denied the reverence associated with fine art, cultural curators are realizing the immense importance of design in our lives, as an integral part of the world’s creative history and future. The cultural capitals of London, New York, Israel, Hong Kong and Barcelona are leading the way.
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

The Clothworkers’ Centre

The Clothworkers’ Centre for the Study and Conservation of Textiles and Fashion, part of the V&A Museum in London, provides access to the impressive collection of historical textiles and fashion housed in the Museum. For those interested in fashion, it is an invaluable research tool. By booking an appointment, visitors are able to view and study historical garments first-hand, which would otherwise be on display behind glass cases or kept in storage. As well as providing a platform for the public to view and appreciate the history of fashion design, The Clothworkers’ Centre is equally dedicated to conserving this collection for the future, ensuring that this resource remains available for years to come.
The Clothworkers’ Centre for the Study and Conservation of Textiles and Fashion, 23 Blythe Road, W14 0QX, London, UK. +44 20 7942 2682.

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Design Museum Holon

Designed by world-renowned architect Ron Arad, the Design Museum Holon in Israel features events and educational programs for designers, students and the public. As one of the newer design museums, its collection is contemporary and cutting-edge. It boasts an extensive collection of contemporary design objects, which regularly increases. Design Museum Holon aims to showcase the trends in design and the relationship between technology and design innovations, as well as broadening the concept of what constitutes design. The museum is currently collecting what will become a valuable archive of 21st century design.
Design Museum Holon, Pinhas Eilon Street, 8 Holon, ISR. +972 73 215 1525

M+ Hong Kong

A future feature of West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong, the M+ building will be completed by 2018. It will feature art, design, architecture, and video art from the 20th and 21st centuries, focusing predominantly on Hong Kong, China and Asia. Blurring the boundaries between art and design, M+ aims to become a cultural center, mapping the trajectory of visual culture – past and future. In a time where there is increasing creative crossover between disciplines, M+ ensures it will remain relevant and contemporary with its unique interdisciplinary approach. Despite the building being currently under construction, M+ has already hosted talks and exhibitions through Mobile M+, engaging the public in dialogue around the importance of design. Aric Chen, appointed as the curator of design and architecture at M+, said he aims to place Asia at the center of design, rather than on the periphery as it has been historically viewed by Western culture.
M+, West Kowloon Cultural District, 9 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, HK. +852 2200 0217

The Museu del Disseny de Barcelona

Opening its doors in December 2014, The Museu del Disseny’s tagline is “from the decorative arts to design.” It combines Barcelona’s collections of decorative arts, ceramics, textiles, clothing and graphic art with the aim of exploring how everyday objects impact our lives. Featuring an event hall and auditorium, the Design Museum will educate people on the beauty of designs that we often take for granted. It will also become part of Barcelona’s Design Hub, the future site of Barcelona’s top design institutions. The building itself will undoubtedly become an iconic design feature of the country’s landscape. Designed by MBM Architects, the Museu del Disseny is not merely an aesthetic tribute to design, but echoes the increasing importance of environmental concerns in today’s design world. It is designed as a self-sufficient energy system, meeting top standards for sustainability. The Museu del Disseny de Barcelona is set to become a landmark of design, illustrating its global appeal, functionality and innovation.
Museu del Disseny de Barcelona, 37-38 Pl. des les Glories Catalanes, Barcalona, SP. +93 256 68 00

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