At Expo 72, 72 E Randolph St, the Design Museum of Chicago is a small, free gallery for changing exhibitions on design. Topics range from architecture, graphic design and urban planning to street art, paper arts and music. Displays can include clay works, video projections in a bank vault room and drawing stations. Set aside about 30 minutes for a look around, and check the museum’s website before you go: the exhibitions change, and the gallery can close between shows.
A museum built around changing exhibitions
The Design Museum of Chicago began as a pop-up project in 2012, with exhibitions held at different venues around the city. It opened a permanent space in 2014 after a crowdfunding campaign. Its exhibitions take a broad view of design, covering subjects such as architecture, graphic design, product design, interiors, fashion, street art and urban planning.
The program changes over time. Past shows have explored paper arts from around the world, games in modern culture and the links between design and music. Check the current exhibition before planning your visit, as the gallery can close for several weeks while one show is taken down and another is installed.
What you might see inside
Exhibitions use two-dimensional, three-dimensional and digital work. Displays have included clay pieces, video projections in a bank vault room and festive living rooms. Drawing stations give visitors a chance to take part, making the compact gallery a possible stop for families as well as design enthusiasts.
The museum is at Expo 72, 72 E Randolph St, on the first floor. Admission is free, with donations optional. The space is small, so a visit can fit alongside another museum stop or plans in the downtown area. The exhibitions vary, so the works and themes on view depend on when you visit.
FAQ
Is the Design Museum of Chicago free?
Yes. Admission is free, and donations are optional.
How long should I spend at the museum?
Plan for about 30 to 40 minutes to see the exhibition.
What kind of exhibitions does the museum have?
The changing exhibitions cover design in areas such as architecture, graphic design, urban planning, street art and paper arts.
Can the museum be closed between exhibitions?
Yes. It can close for several weeks while exhibitions are changed, so check the museum’s website before visiting.
