Raising Robotic Natives (detail), designed 2016 by Stephan Bogner, Philipp Schmitt, and Jonas Voigt (Courtesy of the designers). Photo © Stephan Bogner, Philipp Schmitt, and Jonas Voigt
Raising Robotic Natives (detail), designed 2016 by Stephan Bogner, Philipp Schmitt, and Jonas Voigt (Courtesy of the designers) Photo © Stephan Bogner, Philipp Schmitt, and Jonas Voigt
Exhibition

Designs for Different Futures

October 21, 2019–March 8, 2020

Whether it’s apocalyptic, utopian, or still up for grabs, the future is a perennial source of inspiration for designers. Join us as we explore visionary and sometimes controversial designs that promise to transform how we live, eat, heal, travel, and even love, in any number of possible futures. From lab-grown food and robotic companions to citizenship exchange and a digital kiss messenger, discover imaginative ideas that respond to human civilization’s future needs, desires, and fears.

Organizers

Designs for Different Futures is organized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Walker Art Center, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Dorrance Galleries

Main Building

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Free with museum admission link_arrow

Pay What You Wish admission on the first Sunday of the month and every Wednesday night

Preview the Exhibition

Get a sneak peek at works in the exhibition.

Sponsors

In Philadelphia, this exhibition is generously supported by the Annenberg Foundation Fund for Major Exhibitions, the Robert Montgomery Scott Endowment for Exhibitions, the Kathleen C. and John J. F. Sherrerd Fund  for Exhibitions, the Lisa Roberts and David W. Seltzer Endowment Fund, the Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Exhibition Fund, and an anonymous donor.

Curators

Kathryn B. Hiesinger, The J. Mahlon Buck, Jr. Family Senior Curator of European Decorative Arts after 1700, Philadelphia Museum of Art; Michelle Millar Fisher, The Louis C. Madeira Assistant Curator of European Decorative Arts, Philadelphia Museum of Art; Emmet Byrne, Design Director and Associate Curator of Design, Walker Art Center; Maite Borjabad, Neville Bryan Assistant Curator of Architecture and Design, the Art Institute of Chicago; and Zoë Ryan, John H. Bryan Chair and Curator of Architecture and Design, the Art Institute of Chicago; with guest curators Andrew Blauvelt, Director, Cranbrook Art Museum, and Curator-at-Large, Museum of Arts and Design; Orkan Telhan, Associate Professor of Fine Arts (Emerging Design Practices), University of Pennsylvania School of Design; and Colin Fanning, Independent Scholar, Bard Graduate Center

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