What MODA is
The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) is a museum in Atlanta’s Midtown Arts District dedicated exclusively to the study and celebration of design. Its mission is to empower people to design a better world. MODA envisions design as a creative force that can inspire change, transform lives, and make the world a better place, and its exhibitions and programs are intended to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds (Museum of Design Atlanta).
MODA is an official affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. The affiliation gives the museum access to resources and opportunities to collaborate on exhibitions and programs (Explore Georgia).
The museum’s exhibitions and programs focus on contemporary interests and issues. Its staff and board are guided by two questions: “What is the museum of the 21st century?” and “Can a design museum change the world?” MODA aims to be radically friendly and to empower visitors to think like designers as they face current and future challenges (Museum of Design Atlanta).
History
MODA was established in 1989 as the Atlanta International Museum of Art & Design, in the Peachtree Center district of Downtown Atlanta. It initially covered a broader range of art and design. In 2003, after receiving a series of local grants, it rebranded as a design museum (Wikipedia).
In 2011, the museum moved to its current location at the corner of 16th Street and Peachtree Street, near other Atlanta arts organizations, including the High Museum of Art. Its building was restored by the architectural firm Perkins+Will and is LEED Platinum-certified. The street-level space was reported as 9,000 square feet (Museum of Design Atlanta).
The building was originally a parking garage. Its exhibition space covers 6,500 square feet across two main galleries. The front desk area can also serve as a reception space, while the back gallery has a vaulted ceiling and windows extending two stories. The facility includes a built-in A/V system, ceiling-mounted digital projectors, motion-detector-activated track lighting, and banks of security cameras (Wikipedia).
What to see and do
Exhibitions
Al Dente - The Design of Pasta was scheduled to run from April 12 to September 1, 2024. It explores the evolution of pasta shapes, the effects of mechanical and technical advances on pasta design, and pasta advertising from the late 19th century to the present. It features pasta shapes designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Philippe Starck, and the story of Dan Pashman’s creation of Cascatelli, which took three years of research and development (MODA).
Please Be Seated - A Century of Chair Design was listed as running until March 24, 2024. It examines the history and cultural significance of chairs over the past 150 years, with seating designs from furniture designers and brands around the world. One section surveys iconic chairs from the 19th to 21st centuries; another focuses on “power” chairs designed by Atlanta’s local design community. The exhibition also includes the Chair Simulator video game by MSCHF (STIRpad).
Characters - Type in Action was scheduled for Fall 2024 in collaboration with Civilization. Featuring typefaces from the Vocal Type catalog, the exhibition explores how typography intersects with historical and contemporary struggles for equality and justice. Its typefaces are associated with figures including Martin Luther King Jr., Eva Perón, and Harriet Tubman, and illustrate typography as both a tool of oppression and liberation (MODA).
Programs and events
MODA’s K-12 educational programs use hands-on activities, workshops, and interactive exhibitions to introduce students to design and encourage creativity and critical thinking (Midtown Alliance). Youth summer camps cover areas such as architecture, industrial design, and graphic design. Participants work on projects, learn from professional designers, and develop their skills (MODA).
Adult programs include Wine & Design, which combines a glass of wine with a guided tour of current exhibitions (MODA). The museum also hosts lectures and panel discussions with experts in design, covering trends, challenges, and innovations and providing a forum for networking and exchanging ideas (MODA).
Sunday Funday takes place on the second Sunday of each month and offers activities for all ages. Other community events include guided walking tours of East Atlanta’s murals and members-only tours of exhibitions at institutions such as the Atlanta History Center and MOCA GA (Museum of Design Atlanta). A special event listed is LEGO Jam - Sustainable City (Atlanta Science Festival).
Practical visiting information
Hours and admission
The visiting information lists MODA as open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and closed on Mondays. A separate visitor-tips listing gives hours as Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Check the museum’s website for changes or special holiday schedules (Museum of Design Atlanta).
One admission listing gives adult general admission as $10, seniors and students as $8, and children under 6 as free. Group discounts are available, and members receive free admission. Tickets can be purchased online through the Museum of Design Atlanta official website.
The FAQ lists general admission as $10; seniors, students, teachers, and military personnel as $8; and youth ages 0–11 and MODA members as free.
Location, transport, and parking
MODA is at 1315 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30309. The Arts Center MARTA Station is nearby, and the museum offers a 20% discount for visitors who use public transportation (Atlanta Science Festival).
Public parking lots are available in the Midtown Arts District, along with metered parking on Peachtree Street NE. The closest parking deck is the Lanier parking deck at 1337 Peachtree Street NE (Atlanta Science Festival).
Accessibility
The museum is wheelchair accessible, with galleries and restrooms on one floor. Seating is available throughout the galleries, and stools can be provided during guided tours for visitors with mobility concerns. Guided tours for visitors with sight, hearing, or physical disabilities are available upon request. Sensory-friendly quiet hours can also be arranged (Museum of Design Atlanta).
Visitor policies
Visitors may not touch exhibits except for designated interactive elements. Photography and videography are allowed, but flash is prohibited. Strollers, shopping bags, backpacks, and other large bags should be checked at the front desk before entering the exhibition (Museum of Design Atlanta).
Food and drink are not permitted in the galleries. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Only service animals are permitted inside; other pets should remain outside (Museum of Design Atlanta).
Membership, support, and shopping
MODA’s membership options include benefits such as free admission, discounts on events and merchandise, and access to members-only events. The museum accepts donations and offers volunteer opportunities; contributions help support exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach (Museum of Design Atlanta).
The DESIGN SHOP at the museum entrance carries a rotating selection of design-related books, stationery, accessories, and MODA merchandise. Members receive a 10–15% discount on purchases (Museum of Design Atlanta).
Tips
Check the museum’s website for the latest hours, admission prices, discounts, promotions, and holiday schedules. Visitors using public transportation may receive a 20% discount (Museum of Design Atlanta; Atlanta Science Festival).
Nearby places
The High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park, and the Fox Theatre are within walking distance of MODA. The museum is also near several MARTA stations.
Dining options within walking distance include:
- Politan Row at Colony Square, a food hall with a range of culinary options (Politan Row).
- Sweetgreen, which serves salads and bowls (Sweetgreen).
- Momonoki, a Japanese restaurant known for ramen and sushi (Momonoki).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the Museum of Design Atlanta’s visiting hours?
A: MODA is open Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Check the official website for changes.
Q: How much are tickets to the Museum of Design Atlanta?
A: General admission is $10; seniors, students, teachers, and military personnel pay $8; youth ages 0–11 and MODA members enter for free.
Q: Is the Museum of Design Atlanta accessible for individuals with disabilities?
A: Yes. MODA is wheelchair accessible and offers guided tours for individuals with sight, hearing, or physical disabilities upon request. Sensory-friendly quiet hours can also be arranged.
