Museum of African Design

History

The Museum of African Design is the first museum on the African continent dedicated to design. A cultural hub, rather than a collecting institution, “MOAD” devotes itself to exploring the ever-changing African continent and diaspora.

The MOAD property (a former automotive “panel-beater”) was purchased by Propertuity Pty., the developers of the Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg, in 2011. The space has hosted numerous gallery exhibitions and events. In June of 2013 renovation began on the site to accommodate more parking and building upgrades. The Museum of African Design officially opened at the end of October 2013.

Mission

The Museum of African Design is dedicated to being the foremost museum of African design in the world. The Museum of African Design manifests its commitment to this vision by documenting the dynamic world of African design; by presenting exhibitions and educational programs; by collaborating with partner institutions around the world; and by supporting unparalleled scholarship on African design.

To achieve these goals, The Museum of African Design recognizes:

• That African design is not limited to a race or a geography.
• That African design is not limited to an aesthetic or a singular history.
• That African design is global.
• That design and art, and their intermediary genres and manifestations are not meant to be clearly defined or limited. Design can encompass any form of expression, and the arguments around its boundaries are part of an open-ended discussion that can be explored in museum exhibitions and discourse.
• This commitment to African design is Pan-African in nature.
• That Design Thinking is essential to the world, and especially to Africa’s future.

In sum, The Museum of African Design seeks to exist as a space for conversation, research, and response to the issues of African design – past, present, and future – in an environment that is accessible to everyone.