MoMA The Museum of Modern Art

Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design

New York, Sept 2, 2023 - Aug 25, 2024

The Museum of Modern Art announces Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design, an exhibition that examines how design can be elegant and innovative while also responsible and respectful of other ecosystems. On view in the Museum’s street-level gallery from September 2, 2023, through July 7, 2024, this exhibition of approximately 80 contemporary design works from MoMA’s collection looks at how some 40 designers are considering the full life-cycles of materials—from extraction all the way to recycling, upcycling, or disposal. The exhibition investigates the fundamental role design can play in translating current environmental considerations into sophisticated and informed responses.

Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design is organized by Paola Antonelli, Senior Curator, and Maya Ellerkmann, Curatorial Assistant, Department of Architecture and Design.

Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design

MoMA Life Cycles Installation view of Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design, on view at the Museum of Modern Art, New York from September 2, 2023 – July 7, 2024. Photo: Robert Gerhardt.
Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design exhibition at MoMA Installation view of Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design, on view at the Museum of Modern Art, New York from September 2, 2023 – July 7, 2024. Photo: Robert Gerhardt.
Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design exhibition at MoMA Installation view of Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design, on view at the Museum of Modern Art, New York from September 2, 2023 – July 7, 2024. Photo: Robert Gerhardt.
MoMA Life Cycles Adaptive Manufacturing part of Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design exhibition Photo: Ronald Smits.
MoMA Life Cycles Adaptive Manufacturing part of Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design exhibition Photo: Ronald Smits.
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