Next time you’re visiting the Woodruff Arts Center you may notice it has a new neighbor: the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). The only museum in the Southeast devoted exclusively to the study and celebration of all things design, MODA’s mission is to examine how design affects our daily lives through engaging exhibitions, K-12 educational outreach and adult programming.
The museum’s new midtown location is in the Atlanta Public Library building across the street from the High Museum of Art. The space, restored by architects Perkins+Will, features a clean, modern design with environmentally friendly touches such as LED lighting and a water conservation system that collects rainwater from the roof and uses it as (non-potable) gray water. The 9,000-sq. ft. museum has applied for LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council — the highest environmental rating buildings can achieve.
On exhibit through June 13 is “Passione Italiana: Design of the Italian Motorcycle,” which is presented in association with Alabama’s Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. On display are 11 masterpieces of Italian design from companies such as MV Agusta, Ducati, Bimota and Moto-Morini.
Learn about how some of the world’s most famous architects and designers have created bathrooms that are as functional as they are fashionable at “Water Dream: The Art of Bathroom Design,” which will be on display from June 25 to Sept. 24. The bathrooms on display are designed to conserve water, which the curators hope will inspire an appreciation for how “concepts resonate into realities.”
In addition to exhibits, MODA also presents special events. Every Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m., the museum stays open late for Drink in Design, a reception that features guest musicians, screenings and demonstrations. MODA’s Design Conversation series welcomes a guest speaker every month. And this summer, campMODA is available for kids ages 6 through 12. The one-week sessions begin on Mondays and run through June and July. At the camp, children are taught the basics of robotics through the use of Legos and the Lego NXT Robotics System.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and the military and $5 for children ages 17 and under. Membership levels begin at $40/year and include unlimited admission. For more information, call 404-979-6455 or visit museumofdesign.org.
