Museum of Design Atlanta facts for kids
The Museum of Design Atlanta (often called MODA) is a cool museum in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It's the only museum in the Southeast that focuses completely on design. It's a place to learn about and celebrate all kinds of design!
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| Established | 1993 |
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| Location | 1315 Peachtree Street Atlanta |
| Type | Design museum |
Contents
What is Design?
MODA helps you see how design is everywhere in your daily life. It does this through special shows and programs. These programs are for kids in school and for adults too.
The museum often has exhibits about many types of design. You can see things like:
- How buildings are designed (architecture)
- How products are made (industrial design)
- How furniture and rooms are set up (interiors)
- How graphics and fashion are created
MODA is located on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta. It's right across from the High Museum of Art.
MODA's Story: How it Started
MODA first opened its doors in 1989. Back then, it was called the Atlanta International Museum of Art & Design. It was located in Downtown Atlanta.
In 2003, the museum got some local help. It then changed its name and its main focus. It became a design museum. After this, MODA put on some very popular shows. These shows featured famous designers like Marcel Breuer. They also explored topics like Japanese architecture and even ladies' handbag design!
Moving to a New Home
In 2011, MODA moved to its current spot in Midtown Atlanta. This new location is on the ground floor of a cool building. The building was updated by an architecture company called Perkins+Will.
The museum now has about 9,000 square feet of space. The building itself is very eco-friendly. It has a special "LEED Platinum" certification. This means it was built in a way that is good for the environment.
In 2013, Laura Flusche became the new leader of the museum. She is the executive director.
Cool Exhibitions at MODA
MODA always has interesting exhibits that show how design shapes our world.
Italian Motorcycles
When the museum first opened in Midtown, its first exhibit was called Passione Italiana: Design of the Italian Motorcycle. This show displayed a dozen Italian motorcycles. These bikes were from the last 50 years. You could see designs from famous brands like Ducati and MV Agusta.
Everyday Design and Art
Other exhibits have looked at the history of bathroom design. There was also a show about international posters related to AIDS.
In 2012, MODA featured an exhibit called Emerging Voices 11. This show celebrated the work of young architects in Atlanta. Another exhibit was Stories in Form: Chair Design by the Portfolio Center. This show displayed chairs made by students. The students learned about design history and then created their own unique chairs.
Skate It or Hang It!?
One really fun exhibit was Skate It or Hang It!? The Evolution of Skateboard Art. This show explored the art on skateboards. Skateboarding has been important to youth culture since the 1970s. The exhibit showed many different styles and images found on skateboard decks. It was popular with skateboarders, artists, and young people in Atlanta.
More Design Topics
MODA has also had exhibits on many other cool topics. These include:
- New ideas in game design
- The work of famous architect Eero Saarinen
- The designs of Paul Rand
- How everyday things are designed
- How design can help solve social problems
Inside the Museum
MODA's exhibition space is about 6,500 square feet. It has two main galleries. These rooms have a modern, industrial look with concrete floors. The front area can also be used for events. The back gallery has a high, vaulted ceiling with tall windows. The museum also has a built-in sound and video system. It uses digital projectors and special lighting.
See also
- High Museum of Art
- SCAD-Atlanta
