Collecting Modern: Design at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Since 1876

Since its inception in 1876 the Philadelphia Museum of Art has consistently acquired important examples of contemporary design and decorative arts. Curator Kathryn Bloom Hiesinger reveals how historically conservative Philadelphia gradually embraced modernism, amassing a large and impressive collection of furniture, textiles, and household items. Among the holdings of the museum seen here—in more than 300 color photographs—are luminous vases by Louis Comfort Tiffany, organic, appealing chairs by Charles and Ray Eames, a dada-esque fish lamp by Frank O. Gehry, a chess set by Max Ernst, and a stylized toilet by Gio Ponti.