November 17, 2022 – April 2, 2023
Whether or not we notice it, design is inescapable. Design surrounds us and shapes our world both discreetly and obviously, both for better and for worse. Recognizing and understanding the influence of design decisions is critical in how we each shape our communities, recognize our agency, and engage with the world.
Free & Open Chicago features Chicago locations where the impact of design and designers is unmistakable. Each featured location is free and open to the public, just like the Design Museum of Chicago. Each has a unique influence on its community, visitors, and history.
We bet you may have been to some, but there are also some you haven’t, maybe even some of which you’ve never heard! We encourage you to “visit” each in the gallery, but also to visit in person and fully experience each. Join us in celebrating 10 years of the Design Museum while exploring the design details of 10 remarkable Chicago locations.
This exhibit features a new Little Free Library inside an old converted bank vault. This public bookcase aims to increase access to design and art books for readers of all ages and backgrounds. Please contribute by taking or donating books.
Exhibition Photography
Contributors include: alt space, Nick Adam, Amid Alavi, David Alvarado, Alyssa Arnesen, Lauren Boegen, Bridget Bilbo (GingerrBridge), Avery Branen, Busy Beaver Button Museum, Chicago Bridgehouses, Sage Coffey, CzrPrz, Elloo (Elloo), Erin Gorman, Garfield Park Community Plaza, Global Garden Refugee Training Farm, Kevin Harrell, Adrianne Hawthorne (Ponnopozz), Jeremy Hlinak, Matthew Hoffman (You Are Beautiful), Rod Hunting, Josh Epstein (TotesFerosh), Cheryl Kao, Won Kim, Kate Lynn Lewis, Cecile Margulies, National Museum of Mexican Art, Pilsen Arts & Community House, Preservation Futures, Cheryl Kao, Ashley King, Kelly Knaga, Kevin Reader, Emma Russom, Shawn Smith (Shawnimals), Span, Tender House Project, Unyimeabasi Udoh, Helen Wargo, Tanner Woodford, and Jo Zhou.