The MoMA Design Store is more than just a retail destination—it’s an extension of the Museum of Modern Art’s mission to bring good design into daily life. Each item is carefully curated by MoMA’s design experts, ensuring that every product blends functionality with artistic value. With stores in New York City, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hong Kong, along with a robust online presence, the MoMA Design Store makes museum-quality design accessible worldwide.
A Brief History: From Postcards to Curated Masterpieces
When the Museum of Modern Art opened in 1929, visitors could only purchase simple postcards and exhibition reproductions. As MoMA became the first museum to establish a department dedicated to architecture and design, its retail offerings evolved. What began as a small corner in the museum lobby grew into a curated design store, showcasing pieces that reflect MoMA’s commitment to innovation and creativity.
Today, the MoMA Design Store stands as a global hub for modern design, blending the artistic heritage of the museum with the needs of contemporary life.
The Shopping Experience: A Gallery-Like Atmosphere
The SoHo Flagship Store
Located at 81 Spring Street, the SoHo MoMA Design Store is a 6,600-square-foot space with soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls, and dramatic lighting. Its design reflects the industrial character of the neighborhood while creating a serene shopping environment. This location will undergo a major renovation in 2025, restoring its historic charm and introducing new immersive displays.
Midtown and Museum Locations
MoMA also operates stores inside and across from the museum on 53rd Street. These locations are smaller yet equally curated, offering design books, tech accessories, home décor, and exclusive collaborations that align with the museum’s exhibitions.
Global Outposts
Beyond New York City, international MoMA Design Stores in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hong Kong bring the same museum-approved design ethos to customers across the world.
What Makes MoMA Design Store Unique?
Every product sold here undergoes a rigorous selection process guided by eight essential principles of good design:
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Functionality – Does the product serve a clear purpose?
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Material Quality – Are the materials durable and thoughtfully chosen?
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Innovation – Does it bring something new or inventive to everyday life?
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Craftsmanship – Is it made with care and attention to detail?
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Aesthetic Appeal – Does it align with MoMA’s design sensibilities?
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Cultural Relevance – Does it reflect contemporary culture or artistic movements?
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Relationship to MoMA’s Collection – Is it connected to an exhibition or iconic work?
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Sustainability – Does it encourage conscious consumer choices?
These guidelines ensure that every item is more than a product—it’s a piece of art designed to enhance modern living.
A Curated Selection: From Iconic to Contemporary
The MoMA Design Store features a diverse range of products, catering to design enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone who appreciates creativity in everyday objects.
Modern Furniture & Lighting
Discover iconic designs like the Eames LCW chair, modular shelving, sculptural lamps, and innovative seating solutions. Limited-edition pieces from world-renowned designers like Zaha Hadid and Inga Sempé add a touch of avant-garde style to any interior.
Home & Kitchen Essentials
MoMA’s kitchen and dining collections combine practicality with artistry. You’ll find bold tableware collaborations like Yinka Ilori’s colorful “Oorun Didun” line, unique serving dishes inspired by centuries-old techniques, and stylish cookware that doubles as a conversation starter.
Art Objects & Lifestyle Accessories
From Kusama pumpkin sculptures to playful lamps shaped like overripe bananas, the store celebrates whimsical yet sophisticated art pieces. Designer clocks, mirrors, jewelry, and even tech gadgets bring the MoMA aesthetic into daily routines.
Books & Stationery
For book lovers, the flagship store’s two-story wall houses over 2,000 art and design books. You’ll also find MoMA’s famous holiday cards, featuring exclusive designs from artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Murakami.
Exclusive Collaborations
The MoMA Design Store regularly launches limited-edition collections with iconic brands and artists, including:
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MoMA × Vans sneakers featuring Faith Ringgold’s artwork
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MoMA × Champion apparel series inspired by archival designs
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Eames Office pop-up collections with classic Hang-It-All racks and refurbished cameras
More Than a Store: A Cultural Experience
Curated by Experts
Every item in the MoMA Design Store is approved by museum curators, ensuring it aligns with the museum’s design philosophy. When you shop here, you’re not just buying a product—you’re bringing home a museum-certified piece of design history.
Education Through Design
The store also acts as an educational platform, hosting design talks, creative workshops, and interactive exhibitions. It promotes design literacy and helps people understand how everyday objects can be both functional and artistic.
Supporting MoMA’s Mission
Every purchase directly supports MoMA’s exhibitions, educational programs, and research initiatives, making it a meaningful way to shop for yourself or loved ones.
Online Shopping & Global Access
The MoMA Design Store’s e-commerce platform makes it easy to access its curated collection worldwide. The online store offers:
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Worldwide shipping with reliable service
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Exclusive online-only product launches
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Member perks, including 10% discounts and free shipping on orders over $35
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Virtual tools to help visualize products in your space
Whether you’re in New York or across the globe, you can experience the same curated selection online.
What’s New at MoMA Design Store
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SoHo Renovation (2025): The flagship store will close for a major redesign to create a more dynamic shopping experience.
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Yinka Ilori Collection: Bright and playful tableware inspired by British-Nigerian heritage.
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Champion Capsule Collection: Nostalgic sportswear with a modern MoMA twist.
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Holiday Cards Archive: A new series of 3D pop-up cards continues MoMA’s long-standing holiday tradition.
SEO-Friendly Takeaway
The MoMA Design Store is the ultimate destination for museum-quality design, offering iconic furniture, artistic décor, exclusive collaborations, and timeless gifts. Whether you’re visiting the flagship SoHo store before its 2025 renovation, shopping online, or exploring international locations, you’ll find products that combine creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural relevance.
By shopping at MoMA Design Store, you not only elevate your everyday life with exceptional design but also support the museum’s mission to make art accessible to all.
Final Thoughts
The MoMA Design Store is not just a retail outlet—it’s an experience that blurs the line between art and life. Each piece you bring home reflects the thoughtful curation of MoMA’s design experts, making it more than just an object, but a story of innovation, culture, and beauty.
Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a traveler looking for unique gifts, or someone who appreciates functional art, the MoMA Design Store is your gateway to living with good design.
