Our Story

Formerly the Chicago Design Museum, the organization was founded in 2012 as an entirely volunteer-run organization that planned and executed pop-up exhibitions. In 2014, after two years of successful itinerant programming, more than 500 backers supported a Kickstarter campaign to provide funding for the museum to operate year-round. Beginning with a single staff member, the museum now mounts at least 3 exhibitions per year, has hosted hundreds of public programs, and engaged with millions of visitors. 

We make our best effort to keep all programming free or low-cost. Each exhibition is uniquely designed in concert with the exhibition themes, and the gallery space undergoes a complete transformation for each show. From undulating MDF “hills” for a show on Chicago’s bicycle culture to a behind-the-scenes environment for a show on design in theatre, the exhibition design always responds to and supports its content in a unique way. As a result, visitors are greeted with a new, unexpected experience every visit, and are inspired to see the exceptional within the simple. The museum is committed to creative solutions that elevate humble materials.