Museum of Craft & Design

Photo courtesy of Matthew Millman.

Every now and then, it’s good to pull yourself away from the digital grind and jump into something that wakes up your creativity. That’s exactly what I did back in March when I found myself wandering through the Museum of Craft and Design, located in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood. This wasn’t just another museum visit—it felt more like stumbling into a secret clubhouse for art and design nerds.

The Museum features a sleek, industrial-style building with open, airy galleries that are perfect for showcasing its bold and contemporary exhibits. The high ceilings and exposed beams add a raw, artistic vibe that perfectly complements the cutting-edge displays.

Entrance to the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood, celebrating 20 years of creativity and innovation.

Part of the Indie Folk exhibition, featuring a vibrant collage of maps alongside a wall display of vinyl records, blending regional storytelling with music and design.

One of the exhibitions I saw was called Indie Folk: New Art and Sounds from the Pacific Northwest. It showcased a collection of works by artists from the Pacific Northwest, highlighting the region's rich craft traditions and cultural heritage. The exhibition featured paintings, intricate patchwork quilting, and other handcrafted pieces that reflect the area's artistic diversity. A curated playlist of indie folk music from Portland's Mississippi Records accompanied the exhibition, adding an auditory layer that enhanced the immersive experience. Have a listen here.

Abstract artwork from the Indie Folk exhibition, blending vibrant colors and layered textures to evoke a sense of storytelling and tradition.

Mr. Roboto, 2024, Museum of Craft and Design. Photographs by Henrik Kam.

Another exhibition that caught my attention was Mr. Roboto. This exhibit had a completely different vibe but was just as engaging. It explored robots and automation with a playful twist. From quirky robot sculptures to interactive displays, it radiated a fun, futuristic energy. The exhibit sparked thoughts about how design intersects with technology and how it can be used to tell stories or simply bring a smile to someone’s face.

Both the Mr. Roboto and Indie Folk exhibitions were designed by designer Taylor Wega in collaboration with local design agency Studio Hinrichs, whose thoughtful curation and creative approach elevated the experience.

Overall, the Museum of Craft and Design reminded me why I got into design in the first place. It’s not just about making things look good—it’s about creativity, problem-solving, and seeing the world a little differently. If you’re ever in San Francisco, I’d say it’s worth a visit. Who knows? You might leave with a new perspective—or at least a really cool notebook.

Intricate artwork featuring layered black, white, and orange Nike ‘swooshes’, creating a flower-like geometric design, displayed at the Museum of Craft and Design.