Designmusea

Designmusea is an international initiative that connects museums dedicated to design, craftsmanship, and decorative arts. It was established in 2006 to promote cooperation among institutions and to raise public awareness of the importance of design in cultural heritage. The organization operates under a membership model, with participating museums receiving support for curatorial projects, joint exhibitions, and digital outreach.

The core objectives of Designmusea are to preserve collections related to industrial design, furniture, textiles, and applied arts; to facilitate scholarly research; and to provide educational resources for schools, designers, and the general public. Members collaborate on themed exhibitions that travel across countries, share best practices through workshops, and exchange curatorial expertise. In addition, Designmusea coordinates the Annual Design Museum Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to design history and innovation.

Key member institutions include the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, the American Design Museum (AMDM) in New York, the Design Museum in London, and the Museum voor Industrie- en Productiedesign in Delft. These museums represent a mix of national and corporate foundations, ranging from academic institutions to private foundations.

Designmusea also publishes a quarterly journal that features research articles, exhibition reviews, and interviews with designers. The platform hosts an online database of design objects, offering searchable metadata for scholars and enthusiasts. Through digital exhibits and virtual tours, it extends the reach of physical museums to global audiences.

The initiative has contributed to a greater appreciation of design’s role in society, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue between design professionals, historians, and cultural policymakers. By fostering collaboration among diverse collections and audiences, Designmusea continues to enhance the visibility and accessibility of design heritage worldwide.

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