Open through January 3, 2021

In the midst of the Great Depression, Chicago emerged as a vibrant center of streamlined design. The aerodynamic style expressed optimism and a desire for speed, power, and efficiency that suited life in the 20th century. Showcased at the 1933–34 world’s fair, this aesthetic and its enormous popularity prompted many local companies to hire new talent to design stylish yet affordable goods for middle-class consumers. Some of Chicago’s quintessential streamlined products, including Radio Flyer wagons, Sunbeam appliances, and Farmall tractors, became national best-sellers and remain icons of modern American design.

Featuring nearly 300 objects, photographs, and printed materials dating from the 1930s to 1950s, Modern by Design: Chicago Streamlines America celebrates Chicago’s role in shaping one of the most popular and enduring styles in our history.

Special discounted group rates are available. 

Call 312-799-2162 or email grouptours@chicagohistory.org for more information. 

This collection is now accessible to the public through the Museum’s Research Center, which holds the Museum’s archives, manuscripts, prints and photographs and more. 

A curated collection of Chicago's modern design photography is available online at Chicago History Museum Images.

Art Deco Chicago: Designing Modern America is the companion volume to the Modern by Design: Chicago Streamlines America exhibition, which explores and celebrates Chicago’s pivotal role in the development of modern American design.

From everyday icons like the Sunbeam toaster and Schwinn bicycle to familiar beacons of the city skyline like the Board of Trade and Palmolive Buildings, Chicago was a national and international leader in the design that came to be known as Art Deco. This gorgeous book includes:

• 5 essays by distinguished scholars offering new interpretations of twentieth-century modernism and the Art Deco Era
  
• 101 iconic Art Deco designs with insightful commentary from scholars, curators, and collectors
  
• 300 images including vintage illustrations and historic and commissioned photographs
  

This project also received support from the A. Montgomery Ward Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee.  Established in part by the Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust and the Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust, the Exhibition Innovation Fund has provided additional funding for Modern by Design.