The exhibition »The Shakers: A World in the Making« is exploring the American Shaker community
and their unique design culture. Established in the eighteenth century, the Shakers were a free church
community that embraced social equality, communal property, and pacifism, viewing labour and
design as crucial expressions of their faith. The Shakers’ radically simple, functional objects have had
a profound influence on modern design, inspiring generations of artists, architects, and designers up
to the present day. Designed by Milan-based studio Formafantasma, the exhibition will showcase a
wide range of Shaker furniture, architecture, tools, and commercial goods, drawn primarly from
Shaker Museum, Chatham (USA). Works by contemporary artists and designers enter into dialogue
with the historic exhibits, reflecting on the Shakers’ enduring relevance. Displayed throughout the
show, these specially commissioned works will create moments of interaction and tension, inviting
visitors to engage with one of the most compelling community experiments of the past centuries.
and their unique design culture. Established in the eighteenth century, the Shakers were a free church
community that embraced social equality, communal property, and pacifism, viewing labour and
design as crucial expressions of their faith. The Shakers’ radically simple, functional objects have had
a profound influence on modern design, inspiring generations of artists, architects, and designers up
to the present day. Designed by Milan-based studio Formafantasma, the exhibition will showcase a
wide range of Shaker furniture, architecture, tools, and commercial goods, drawn primarly from
Shaker Museum, Chatham (USA). Works by contemporary artists and designers enter into dialogue
with the historic exhibits, reflecting on the Shakers’ enduring relevance. Displayed throughout the
show, these specially commissioned works will create moments of interaction and tension, inviting
visitors to engage with one of the most compelling community experiments of the past centuries.
