Ever wondered where the heart of African design beats the loudest? Here, in front of the Museum Of African Design, or MOAD, that heart pulses with creativity.
MOAD stands as the first museum on the African continent dedicated to design. It is not just a museum. It is a cultural hub. MOAD explores the ever-changing African continent and its diaspora.
Imagine this space back in 2011. It was just a former automotive panel-beater. Propertuity Pty., the Maboneng Precinct developers, bought it. They transformed it into what you see today. Before becoming MOAD, the space hosted gallery exhibitions and events. The Museum Of African Design officially opened in late October 2013.
Stepping inside, you will find that MOAD is divided over two and a half floors. It is a multifaceted venue. Fashion shows, performance pieces, and cultural events occur here. The vibe is very New York. Think white-painted brick walls, exposed piping, and concrete floors.
MOAD’s mission is clear. It wants to be the foremost museum of African design in the world. It documents African design’s dynamic world. MOAD presents exhibitions and educational programs. It collaborates with global partner institutions. The museum supports unparalleled scholarship on African design.
MOAD also recognizes its role as a space for conversation. It encourages research and responses to African design issues. This includes past, present, and future designs. The museum provides an accessible environment for everyone.
One unique aspect is the Maker Library. Here, talented locals host workshops. These range from crafts to web design. Also, do not miss the bar/café on the lower ground floor. It serves great drinks.
MOAD’s location is perfect. It is in the Maboneng Precinct, one of Johannesburg’s most exciting inner-city overhauls. The museum’s modern exhibitions fit effortlessly into this innovative neighborhood.
Remember “Native Nostalgia?” It was MOAD’s first Pan-African exhibition. It showcased art from Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, Benin, and South Africa. Artists explored nostalgia within modern narratives. They used photography, architecture, and historical reenactments.
Aaron Kohn, the museum’s director, spoke about MOAD’s inception. He wanted to create a space where artists and museums would collaborate within the continent. MOAD Beta is like a maker-space. It teaches design, engineering, and innovation.
MOAD also focuses on community outreach. It aims to connect different nationalities represented in Johannesburg. The Trinity Session’s Senegalese Tea Ceremony is part of this effort. MOAD Learn develops curricula around exhibitions, school tours, and art classes.
David Adjaye once said that it’s fitting for a design museum to be in an old factory. It is where things are made. The rugged space allows MOAD to do pretty much anything it dreams up inside. So, as you leave the Museum Of African Design, remember you have seen more than just a collection. You experienced a vision for African design’s future.