Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

In 2014, MODA hosted Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of the Ebony Fashion Fair, an exhibition showing how fashion drives social change. Created by Mrs. Eunice Johnson, the Ebony Fashion Fair wasn't just a show—it was a movement that expressed the idea that everyone is beautiful and deserves to see themselves reflected in high fashion. The Fair was a coast-to-coast extravaganza, breaking barriers wherever it went. Mrs. Johnson was the first Black collector of haute couture, traveling to Paris to buy at the fashion fairs and convincing designers like Dior and Valentino to sell to her. She brought these garments back to tour the U.S., presenting them to Black audiences and breaking barriers wherever she went. The Fair featured daring, one-of-a-kind fashion, inspiring pride and aspiration. It also raised $55 million for charity, supporting causes like the United Negro College Fund and sickle cell research. For many, it was a rite of passage and a powerful celebration of Black beauty and resilience. MODA's Inspiring Beauty reminded us that design can inspire change and transform lives. Help MODA keep bringing exhibitions that change the world: https://lnkd.in/eyuZRbxn This exhibition was originally developed for the Chicago History Museum by Joy Bivins. #MODA #InspiringBeauty #EbonyFashionFair #FashionForChange #DesignForGood #MODAtl #MODAinspires #DesignMuseum

Congratulations to Tré Seals, co-curator of MODA’s current exhibition, CHARACTERS: Type in Action, for making it to Creative Boom’s Hotlist 2025. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ebzdYBX6

“Words are power.” This simple idea inspired Tré Seals to explore the world of type design through a new lens, examining what power the designers behind letters hold. Dive deeper into Tré's insights by listening to his interview on WABE: City Lights with Lois Reitzes, and discover his powerful work at the heart of CHARACTERS: Type in Action, now open at MODA. Come experience the exhibit at MODA and see the transformative power of type for yourself. Listen more here: https://lnkd.in/d2zqZeFY

Play isn’t just fun—it’s essential. It sparks creativity, builds emotional resilience, and helps people of all ages connect and thrive. Even so, our cities are not always designed to provide playful experiences — though they could be! At MODA, we believe in designing for joy and connection. That’s why our 2018 exhibit, Designing Playful Cities, explored how urban spaces can become places of wonder and play, proving that play belongs in our daily lives and in our cities. The exhibition featured incredible urban play spaces like: A reinstallation of Delirious Frites with its delightful pink and orange pool noodles, modeled after an installation in Quebec City by Les Astronautes, Tumbling Bay Adventure Playground in London, which gives youth to explore and experiment, by LUC Be-Mine Playspace in Belgium, with its towering slide by Carve.nl and OMGEVING Spun Chairs by Heatherwick studio , designed to enhance any urban space Atlanta's own Noguchi Playground in Piedmont Park These projects transformed ordinary places into vibrant, playful experiences—reminding us that joy can and should be part of our urban landscape. With your support, we can keep designing exhibitions and programs that inspire playful, creative, and connected communities. MODA’s exhibitions and programs inspire a better world. Donate today to keep the inspiration flowing. https://lnkd.in/eyuZRbxn

Design is more than aesthetics—it’s a tool for transformation. At MODA, we show how design can shape a brighter future, igniting ideas and inspiring action. We imagine a world where creativity knows no limits, where ideas grow into movements, and where each person has the opportunity to make a difference. We're thrilled to launch our end-of-year campaign, Design Gives Power to the People, and we invite you to be part of this movement. In the weeks ahead, we’ll highlight how MODA uses the power of design to inspire change, transform lives, and tackle the challenges of the 21st century. We’ll revisit some of your favorite MODA moments and uncover a few things you may have missed. Let's begin with our current exhibition, CHARACTERS: Type in Action, which explores the powerful use of typography in social justice movements. CHARACTERS showcases type's essential role in conveying messages of freedom and equality, exploring its historical importance and ongoing relevance today. We brought CHARACTERS: Type in Action to MODA to illustrate how typography can drive social justice and amplify marginalized voices. CHARACTERS displays type's pivotal role in conveying messages of freedom and equality, tracing its historical importance and its enduring impact. By showcasing work by designers like Tré Seals, MODA aims to show how design is shaping narratives that change our world. Using the link below, you can make a monthly or one-time contribution that supports MODA’s exhibitions and programs. Together, let’s build a world where creativity fuels positive change and inspires every individual to make a lasting impact. https://lnkd.in/eyuZRbxn

Typography has long been a powerful force, with a unique history as a tool of resistance, empowerment, and storytelling. A practice best highlighted by contemporary designer Tré Seals, typography is used to elevate voices that have shaped history. Each typeface of his goes beyond brilliant design, becoming a narrative of the people and moments it represents. At MODA, we’re excited to share CHARACTERS: Type in Action, a groundbreaking exhibition featuring the typefaces of Tré Seals. Created by Vocal Type in collaboration with Civilization, it explores how typography has influenced pivotal movements for justice. Join us for an exclusive evening on Thursday, September 19 as we celebrate the opening of this powerful exhibition. First, an inspiring panel discussion where you'll hear from Tré Seals, exhibition writer Kaleena Sales, and Michael Ellsworth & Raya Leary of Civilization. Moderated by David Tann of Tantrum Agency, they’ll dive into the creative process behind CHARACTERS. Afterward, we'll have a reception and an exclusive preview of the exhibition. 🕕 Panel begins at 6 PM at Promenade Central, followed by the reception at MODA. 📍 1200 Peachtree Street NE, a short walk from MODA 🔗 Tickets are limited! Secure your spot now at https://lnkd.in/eCqv9GjF

Do you love MODA, Italy, and making a difference? Then we’re inviting you to join us this Saturday, June 22, for MODAperitivo: a party where we'll kick off summer while celebrating all things Italian! Enjoy an Aperol spritz from Hills Liquor or a Negroni by Tip Top Proper Cocktails, some delicious light bites, and music by DJ Ms. Eclectic as you explore our most appetizing exhibition yet: Al Dente: The Design of Pasta. Don your summer linen, slip into your sandals, and welcome the new season while savoring the design of pasta with MODA's Board of Directors! You'll enjoy drinks, snacks, a shot at winning door prizes from Bella Cucina Artful Food, and so much summer fun. Grab your tickets to support MODA at the link below – we can't wait to see you there! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dYdyq4CN We are also grateful for the support of Grant Park Market and Candler Park Market

Exciting News! ✨🏛️🪑 MODA and The Architects Foundation are proud to announce the launch of a collaborative exhibition in Washington, DC, just in time for the @aianational’s Annual Conference on Architecture and Design! Explore the reimagined Octagon House—built between 1799 and 1801—which once served as the White House for James Madison. This innovative exhibit blends the timeless elegance of traditional design with contemporary comfort and style, creating a sophisticated home for The Architects Foundation. Discover how modern furnishings by Heller and sustainable solutions by Interface breathe new life into this architectural gem. This novel collaboration between MODA, The Octagon Museum, Architects Foundation, Heller, and Interface is now open to the public. Visit now through the end of the year to experience this stunning exhibition!   #DesignForLiving #HistoricHomes #MODA #TheOctagonMuseum #HellerFurniture #Interface #Architecture #InteriorDesign #JamesMadison #Exhibition #NowOpen

Beginning tomorrow, May 2, A Mano is donating to MODA on your behalf when you dine in or order take-out every Thursday in May. A Mano believes in the importance of supporting the community. They take the meaning of the word "restaurant" (which means to restore) seriously and strive to give back to the surrounding neighborhood as much as possible. With your support (of design and good food), we can continue to bring more design exhibitions, programs, and workshops to Atlanta! Make a reservation for any and all Thursdays in May:  https://lnkd.in/gAkXkFNk

If your child is passionate about drawing, building, or creating, unlock their creative potential at one of MODA's Summer Design Camps! During week-long camps from June 3rd to July 26th, campers ages 6 to 18 will use their creativity to re-imagine the built environment while learning about sustainable design, public art, smart cities, and more. Through hands-on activities and engaging discussions, participants will explore these questions and develop practical design thinking skills. Want your child to create solutions like a designer? Visit our website to learn more and secure your child's spot today: https://lnkd.in/eiQ-fyth We are also grateful to the Georgia Tech College of Design and the OxBlue Foundation for their generous support.