The Shakers
A World in the Making
What does it mean to want to build a better world? Established as a Christian community in the 18th-century United States, the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, commonly known as the Shakers, embraced social equality, pacifism, and communal property, viewing labor and the act of making as expressions of their faith.
In their quest to create »heaven on earth,« the Shakers made most of what they needed themselves, finding that their utilitarian wares had appeal as coveted goods. Their simple, functional objects and rigorous, faith-driven way of life have profoundly influenced generations of artists, architects, and designers to this day. The list of designers, architects, and artists inspired by the Shakers ranges from Kaare Klint to Wolfgang Tillmans and Jasper Morrison. The Shakers: A World in the Making examines the material culture of the Shakers alongside works by seven contemporary artists and designers made in response to the Believers’ work and worldview.
An exhibition organised by the Vitra Design Museum, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia, and the Wüstenrot Foundation
In collaboration with Shaker Museum, Chatham, NY
Space
600 – 1,000 m² / 6,000 – 10,000 sq ft
Curatorial Team
Vitra Design Museum: Mea Hoffmann, Irina Selzer
Milwaukee Art Museum: Shoshana Resnikoff, Chyna Bounds
ICA Philadelphia: Hallie Ringle, Zoë Ryan
Exhibition Design
Formafantasma
Graphic Design
A Practice For Everyday Life
Detailed information
Illustrated Concept
Exhibition Film
Exhibition Tour
07.06.2025 – 28.09.2025, Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, Germany
31.01.2026 – 09.08.2026, Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia, United States of America
25.09.2026 – 31.01.2027, Milwaukee Art Museum, United States of America
For further information please contact Cora.Harris@design-museum.de.
