Quiz and Studynotes Grace Snelling’s article “What Deserves to Be in a Design Museum?”
📝 Study Notes
Topic: What Deserves to Be in a Design Museum? Author: Grace Snelling Source: Cooper Hewitt Exhibition – Acquired! Shaping the National Design Collection
1. Purpose of the Exhibition
The Cooper Hewitt Design Museum explores what qualifies an object for inclusion in a design museum.
The exhibition Acquired! showcases over 150 objects added to the museum’s permanent collection since 2017.
2. Key Objects Featured
COVID-19 3D-Printed Model (2020): Represents contemporary design responding to global crises.
Lotus-Shaped Egyptian Cup (ca. 1100 BCE): The oldest item in the museum, showing historical craftsmanship.
These two objects highlight how design spans centuries yet shares cultural and functional significance.
3. Expanding the Definition of Design
Maria Nicanor, museum director, advocates for a broad view of design:
Includes aesthetics, functionality, and systems.
Design is not limited to luxury or decorative items.
Infrastructure (e.g., highways) and everyday tools are also considered design.
4. Historical vs. Contemporary Perspectives
Historical Focus: Decorative arts—textiles, wall coverings, prints, and product design.
Contemporary Shift: Emphasis on accessibility, relevance, and cultural impact.
5. Criteria for Inclusion in a Design Museum
Cultural significance
Functional innovation
Representation of a historical moment
Contribution to systems or societal change
Aesthetic value
6. Democratizing Design
The museum aims to reflect design made for and by everyone, not just elite creators.
Everyday objects now qualify as museum-worthy due to their role in shaping lived experiences.
7. Implications for Designers and Curators
Curators must balance historical reverence with contemporary relevance.
Designers are encouraged to think beyond form and function—to social impact and systems thinking.
✅ 15-Question Quiz
Topic: What Deserves to Be in a Design Museum? – Grace Snelling
1. What is the name of the Cooper Hewitt exhibition discussed in the article? A. Designed Futures B. Acquired! C. Timeless Design D. Design Matters Answer: B
2. Which object represents the oldest item in the museum’s collection? A. Roman vase B. Lotus-shaped Egyptian cup C. Medieval tapestry D. Greek amphora Answer: B
3. What year was the COVID-19 model added to the collection? A. 2019 B. 2020 C. 2021 D. 2022 Answer: B
4. Who is the director of the Cooper Hewitt Museum? A. Grace Snelling B. Paola Antonelli C. Maria Nicanor D. Liz Farrelly Answer: C
5. What does Maria Nicanor say design should include? A. Only decorative arts B. Aesthetics and functionality C. Systems and infrastructure D. Both B and C Answer: D
6. How many objects were featured in the Acquired! exhibition? A. 50 B. 100 C. Over 150 D. 200 Answer: C
7. What does the juxtaposition of the COVID model and Egyptian cup symbolize? A. Technological progress B. Design’s timeless relevance C. Medical innovation D. Artistic contrast Answer: B
8. What was the museum’s original focus? A. Industrial design B. Decorative arts C. Architecture D. Fashion Answer: B
9. What kind of design does Nicanor include in her definition? A. Only elite design B. Everyday and systemic design C. Minimalist design D. Futuristic design Answer: B
10. Why is the COVID-19 model considered design-worthy? A. It’s made of gold B. It’s decorative C. It represents a global moment D. It’s ancient Answer: C
11. What shift does the exhibition reflect in curatorial thinking? A. From accessibility to exclusivity B. From systems to decoration C. From decoration to relevance D. From history to fiction Answer: C
12. What does the museum aim to democratize? A. Art B. Design C. History D. Technology Answer: B
13. What kind of infrastructure does Nicanor mention as design? A. Railways B. Airports C. Highways D. Bridges Answer: C
14. What is Grace Snelling’s role in the article? A. Curator B. Designer C. Journalist D. Museum director Answer: C
15. What is the central question posed by the exhibition? A. Who designs the future? B. What is good design? C. What deserves to be in a design museum? D. How do museums preserve culture? Answer: C
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