The Membership Community of the Design Museum of Chicago
Expanding what design means to Chicago.
From independent designers to the largest firms in the city, the Design Network is a membership for design professionals and appreciators alike that connects you to the creative community across Chicago.
Widen your professional circle, be inspired by new faces, and learn from your peers.
Field Trips: see firsthand how your favorite products are made at independent design studios.
Workshops: exercise your design muscles and spend time creating beautiful things with a supportive community.
Group shows and discussion events: celebrate and hear from the best in Chicago design.
Members newsletter: stay up to date with the Chicago creative community.
Our programming gets you involved in the in-person design community, inspires your creative talents, and encourages members to dream up different ways of working together.
Becoming a member means joining a group of curious Chicagoans who are supporting the mission of the Design Museum and expanding what people think about when they hear the word “design.”
help keep the Design Museum free and open to the public by becoming a member of the DESIGN Network!
Individual Membership
$100/year
For design professionals and appreciators alike.
Collaborate with and learn from a community that celebrates the transformative power of design.
Or $10/month
Family Membership
$150/year
Join a vibrant community of design enthusiasts and their families, supporting creativity and innovation together. Embrace the power of design to shape society for future generations.
Or $15/month
Student Membership
$50/year
Unlock the door to inspiration and opportunity in the design industry.
Meet and gain valuable knowledge from a well connected, talented group of professional designers across many disciplined.
Whether you're a high schooler, undergrad, or pursuing higher education, access exclusive benefits while fueling your passion for design.
or $5/month
Organizational Membership
Become a design leader in Chicago. Help shape the future of design.
Companies and organizations who join the Design Network provide their employees exposure to the best designers in the region and build creative partnerships and collaborations.
Go out into our lovely city and find inspiration!
Build your organizational network by participating in exclusive curated events.
$100/yr includes 4 employee members.
$20/yr for each add’l member.
Studio Membership
Our Design Network is built around the idea that helping independent designers succeed will create a more resilient and stronger community.
Increase your visibility with a Studio Membership — a creative partnership that connects your practice to our vibrant design community.
Reach new customers through DMoC promotion and special events meant to spotlight independent design in Chicago.
Welcome the DMoC member community to your creative space during Open Studio time and workshops.
Join a curated group of Chicago’s best independent design companies.
Share your story and expand what design means to Chicago.
Current Studio Members
Whether you join yourself or give the gift of membership to a friend, family, or student you know, every membership comes with great perks, including:
Opportunities for members to showcase design work
Members-only events and experiences
Free Design Museum swag at select events
10% discount in the DMoC store
Discounts from our friends and partners
Giving Back: 1% of membership dues create new scholarships for Chicago Public Schools students
Interested in joining the corporate sponsorship circle of The Design Network? Email us at info@designchicago[dot]org to get started.
Already a Design network member?
Sign in to manage your account and take advantage of all of the benefits.
Opportunities
Internships
Our interns are smart, creative, and thoughtful students from around the world who study graphic design, arts administration, marketing, engineering, fashion, industrial design, economics, photography… you get the picture! Every semester, we work with students to create an internship experience that will provide practical experience and supplement classroom instruction.
INTERNested? Reach out to us at info@designchicago[dot]org.
Grants
Design Impact Grants are part of Designing a Better Chicago, a partnership between the Design Museum, DCASE, NeoCon, and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. Learn more about Designing a Better Chicago below.
Employment
Interested in joining our passionate, creative team? We don’t often have postings, but when we do, we’ll share a link below.
Volunteer
We began as an all-volunteer organization and continue to rely on the talents and generosity of our volunteers today. Are you interested in helping at events? Building out exhibitions? Teaching workshops? Greeting visitors? Sign up below!
Field Trips
Groups are welcome at the museum! Our gallery is small, and can comfortably accommodate about 40 people at one time. If you are interested in scheduling a guided experience, either in person or virtual, please contact us for more information.