In a world where design is both a response to immediate needs and a force for societal transformation, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York is inaugurating a dazzling exhibition entitled Pirouette: Turning Points in Design.
Presented from January 26 to October 18, 2025, this exhibition offers a captivating reflection on the power of design to change behaviors, and the means of shaping new paradigms to illuminate pathways towards a more sustainable future.
In Paris, Galerie Joseph has established itself as a major player in the design sector, notably as a partner of Paris Design Week.
With its gallery and showroom spaces located in the heart of the Marais, Galerie Joseph offers a perfect setting for avant-garde design exhibitions.
Its spaces are specially designed to host projects that redefine design in all its forms and are part of a sustainability approach.
A dive into the history of design
Curated by Paola Antonelli , Senior Curator of the Department of Architecture and Design at MoMA, this exhibition brings together more than 100 visionary objects from the museum's collection.
From the Sony Walkman to Post-it notes, each room showcases a major innovation that has redefined our daily lives.
More experimental objects, such as the "You Can't Lay Down Your Memory" chest of drawers by Tejo Remy or the Candy Cube by Sabine Marcelis, demonstrate the audacity of designers who push the boundaries of materials, forms and functions.
Antonelli perfectly summarizes the philosophy of the exhibition: "Every object has a story. Some objects, moreover, mark history or change it." These iconic and innovative pieces explore how design can correct negative behaviors or create new societal goals, particularly in terms of sustainability and social justice.
Design and social evolution
The Pirouette exhibition highlights objects that embody a cultural and technological evolution, such as the Telfar shopping bag, nicknamed the "Bushwick Birkin," which redefines the rules of exclusivity and luxury.
Similarly, the Accessible Icon (2009) and Gabriel Fontana's Multiform game (2019) highlight values of inclusion and community. These objects are not only evidence of a paradigm shift, but also tools for active transformation.
Visitors will also discover indelible icons such as Milton Glaser's "I ♥ NY" logo, a universal symbol of urban renewal, and the work of climatologist Ed Hawkins, with his Global Temperature Spiral visualization , which illustrates the evolution of global temperature anomalies. These objects prove that design can be a true catalyst for change.
A sensory and educational experience
In this exhibition, MoMA adopts a playful and educational approach. Visitors can interact with certain objects, such as vintage View-Master stereoscopes, or explore innovative concepts through interactive installations. This sensory dimension reminds us that design is not limited to aesthetics, but also encompasses how we interact with the world.
Among the exhibited pieces are objects that revolutionized their fields, such as the Apple Macintosh 128K computer (1983) and the Sony Walkman portable audio player (1979). These innovations, which have become ubiquitous, illustrate how design can redefine our habits and enrich our experiences.
Exploring the impact of design
The exhibition also explores case studies of long-term research, such as Christien Meindertsma 's work on linen, which demonstrates the impact of sustainable design. Innovative projects like Don Pettit 's astronaut coffee mug reveal how extreme constraints lead to creative solutions.
The collection of objects on display highlights the role of designers as forces for innovation and reflection. These creations, which oscillate between the everyday and the extraordinary, illustrate how design can transcend conventional boundaries to shape a better future.
An open reflection on the future
Beyond the objects on display, Pirouette invites a broader reflection on the role of design in contemporary society. How can designers continue to offer creative solutions in the face of current crises?
The exhibition encourages visitors to imagine a future where design plays a central role in a more equitable and sustainable world.
An inspiration for spaces like the Joseph Gallery
Through its staging and emblematic objects, Pirouette also resonates with the values carried by spaces like those of the Galerie Joseph in Paris.
As a partner of Paris Design Week, Galerie Joseph offers modular showrooms and art galleries that showcase innovation and experimentation.
The spaces of Galerie Joseph become ideal platforms for presenting innovative projects, reflecting the visionary spirit that animates the Pirouette exhibition at MoMA.
To discover this unique exhibition, visit MoMA until October 18, 2025, and if you are passing through Paris, explore the possibilities offered by the spaces of the Galerie Joseph.
To learn more about: Pirouette at MoMA
To learn more about Paris Design Week
To learn more about Galerie Joseph 's galleries and showrooms
