Where to learn about Interior Design in 2023?

We get a lot of questions about learning more about design, what would be a good course to follow etc… We cannot really recommend training on home design but we can tell you where we have learned a lot over the years: museums.  The benefit of museums is that you can see actual objects or art, you can read about design movements, in different countries and regions, how each movement has influenced another movement etc… So we thought we would tell you what we thought the most important museums were to learn about home design and interior design.  Pack your suitcases, there is a lot of traveling to be done! 

Design museums showcase the history and evolution of design, from industrial design to graphic design, and from architecture to fashion. Here are 20 of the top design museums in the world:

What would Nauradika say the top 20 design museums in the world are:

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, USA is one of the most renowned design museums in the world.

• The collection: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, USA has an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by some of the most famous artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, such as Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and many more.
• The architecture: The museum's building was designed by the famous architect Yoshio Taniguchi, it was opened in November 2004 and it's considered a masterpiece of modern architecture.
• The special exhibitions: MoMA frequently hosts special exhibitions that showcase the work of individual artists or groups of artists, as well as specific themes or movements in modern and contemporary art.
• The film collection: MoMA has one of the most extensive collections of film in the world, with over 22,000 films and 4 million film stills, dating from the late 19th century to the present day.
• The design collection: MoMA has an extensive collection of design objects and graphics, including everything from furniture and household objects to packaging and graphic design.
• The education and programming: MoMA offers a wide range of educational programs and lectures, including tours, workshops, and classes for visitors of all ages.
• The Location: MoMA is located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA, and it's surrounded by other famous museums, galleries, restaurants, and shops, making it a great destination for a day out in the city.

Overall, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, USA is a must-visit destination for art and design lovers, offering a wealth of masterpieces and an extraordinary range of exhibitions and educational programs.

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, England is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design, with a collection spanning over 5,000 years.

• The Collection: The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, England is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design, with a collection spanning over 5,000 years. This collection includes ceramics, glass, textiles, costumes, silver, ironwork, jewelry, furniture, medieval objects, sculpture, prints, and photographs.
• The Architecture: The V&A is one of the most famous examples of Victorian architecture in London, and its main building is considered a masterpiece of the Gothic Revival style.
• The Special Exhibitions: The V&A frequently hosts special exhibitions that showcase the work of individual artists or groups of artists, as well as specific themes or movements in decorative arts and design.
• The Fashion Collection: The V&A has one of the most extensive collections of fashion and textiles in the world, including everything from historical garments to contemporary fashion.
• The Digital Media Collection: The V&A has a collection of digital media, including video games and digital installations, which allows visitors to engage with the museum in new and innovative ways.
• The Education and Programming: The V&A offers a wide range of educational programs, lectures, and workshops for visitors of all ages, which allows visitors to deepen their understanding of the collection.
• The Location: The V&A is located in the heart of London and it's surrounded by other famous museums, galleries, restaurants and shops, making it a great destination for a day out in the city.

Overall, The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, England is a must-visit destination for art and design lovers, offering an unparalleled collection of decorative arts and design and an extraordinary range of exhibitions and educational programs.

The Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, France is a must-see for design lovers, with its extensive collection of modern and contemporary design.

• The Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, France has a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by some of the most famous artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Here are some of the masterpieces of the permanent collection that you should see:
• "Nu descendant un escalier n° 2" by Marcel Duchamp, this painting is considered a masterpiece of cubism and one of Duchamp's most famous works.
• "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" by Pablo Picasso, this painting is considered a masterpiece of the avant-garde and it is one of the most important works of the 20th century.
• "La grande ville" by Georges Braque, this painting is considered one of the finest examples of Braque's mature style, and it is a masterpiece of cubism.
• "La chaise" by Salvador Dali, this sculpture is considered one of Dali's most famous works and it's a masterpiece of surrealism.
• "La voix" by Joan Miró, this painting is considered one of the finest examples of Miró's mature style, and it is a masterpiece of abstract art.
• "Les nymphéas" by Claude Monet, this series of paintings is considered one of the most famous works of Impressionism and it's a masterpiece of nature representation.
• "La Danse" by Matisse, this painting is considered one of the most famous works of Fauvism and it's a masterpiece of color and movement representation.

These are just a few examples of the many masterpieces that can be found in the permanent collection of the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, France, and there are many more to discover and enjoy.

The Design Museum in London, England is dedicated to showcasing the best in contemporary design, including fashion, graphics, and product design.

• The Design Museum in London, England is known for its extensive collection of contemporary design, including product design, graphic design, fashion design, and architecture. The museum's permanent collection features the work of some of the most renowned designers and design firms of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Charles Eames, Dieter Rams, and Apple Inc.
• The Design Museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year, which focus on specific designers, movements, or themes in design. These exhibitions often include interactive and immersive elements, allowing visitors to engage with the design process and understand the impact of design on everyday life.
• In addition to its collection and exhibitions, the Design Museum also offers a wide range of educational programming and resources, including lectures, workshops, and tours. The museum is also famous for its architecture, it was opened in 2016 and it's located in Kensington, London, in a former 1960's modernist building that was converted into a museum. The building was designed by the architect John Pawson, and it's considered a masterpiece of contemporary architecture.

Overall, The Design Museum in London, England is known for its extensive collection of contemporary design, its special exhibitions, educational programming and its iconic building. It's considered a premier institution for design in the world.

The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City, USA is the Smithsonian's national design museum, with a collection that spans centuries of design history.

The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City, USA is one of the Smithsonian's national design museums, and it has a collection that spans centuries of design history. Here are some of the things you should see when visiting the museum:

• The Permanent Collection: The museum's permanent collection includes a wide range of design objects and graphics, including everything from furniture and household objects to packaging and graphic design. The collection includes works by famous designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Isamu Noguchi.
• The Digital Collection: The museum has a digital collection which allows visitors to interact and engage with the museum's collection in new and innovative ways. The collection includes interactive exhibits and touch-screen tables that allow visitors to explore the museum's collection in a digital format.
• The Special Exhibitions: The museum hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year, which focus on specific designers, movements, or themes in design. These exhibitions often include interactive and immersive elements, allowing visitors to engage with the design process and understand the impact of design on everyday life.
• The Garden: The museum's garden features a variety of plants and landscaping design, it's a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful garden after visiting the museum.
• The Education and Programming: The Cooper Hewitt offers a wide range of educational programs and resources, including lectures, workshops, and tours. These programs are designed to deepen visitors' understanding of the collection and the design process.
• The Location: The Cooper Hewitt is located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City, USA, and it's surrounded by other famous museums, galleries, restaurants, and shops, making it a great destination for a day out in the city.

Overall, The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City, USA is a must-see destination for design lovers, offering an unparalleled collection of design objects and graphics, special exhibitions, interactive digital collection, and a variety of educational programs.

The Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna, Austria is one of the oldest design museums in the world, with a collection that spans from the Middle Ages to the present day.

The Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna, Austria is one of the oldest design museums in the world, with a collection that spans from the Middle Ages to the present day. Here are some reasons why you should visit the MAK and the important pieces you can see there:

• The Collection: The MAK has an extensive collection of applied arts, including ceramics, glass, metalwork, furniture, textiles, and graphic design. The collection features works by some of the most renowned designers and artists of the past and present, including Wiener Werkstätte, Otto Wagner, and Josef Hoffmann.
• The Architecture: The MAK is housed in an impressive historic building, which was built in 1864 and it's considered a masterpiece of Historicism.
• The Special exhibitions: The MAK frequently hosts special exhibitions that showcase the work of individual designers, artists or groups, as well as specific themes or movements in applied arts.
• The Education and Programming: The MAK offers a wide range of educational programs, lectures and workshops that are designed to deepen visitors' understanding of the collection and the applied arts.
• The Location: The MAK is located in the heart of Vienna, Austria, and it's surrounded by other famous museums, galleries, restaurants, and shops, making it a great destination for a day out in the city.
• The Important Pieces: Some of the most important pieces that you can see in the MAK's collection include "The Silver Room" which features a collection of silverware from the Renaissance to the present, "The Wiener Werkstätte Room" which features a collection of decorative and functional objects from the famous Wiener Werkstätte movement, "The Otto Wagner Room" which features furniture, ceramics, and metalwork by the famous architect and designer Otto Wagner, and "The Jugendstil Room" which features a collection of objects and graphic design from the Art Nouveau movement.

Overall, The Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna, Austria is a must-see destination for design and applied art lovers, offering an unparalleled collection of applied arts and an extraordinary range of exhibitions and educational programs. The museum's location and architecture, along with the impressive collection, make it a great place to visit.

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City, USA is a leading institution for contemporary craft and design.

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City, USA is a leading institution for contemporary craft and design, showcasing the work of some of the most talented and innovative artists and designers working today. Here are the top 5 pieces you should see at MAD:

• "The Dinner Party" by Judy Chicago, this installation is considered one of the most important works of feminist art and it's a masterpiece of ceramics and installation art.
• "The Fine Arts Furniture" by Wendell Castle, This collection of furniture is considered one of the most important works of contemporary furniture design and it's a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design.
• "The Museum's Collection of Studio Jewelry" is considered one of the most important collections of contemporary studio jewelry in the world and it's a masterpiece of craftsmanship, design and creativity.
• "The Museum's Collection of Studio Glass" is considered one of the most important collections of contemporary studio glass in the world and it's a masterpiece of craftsmanship, design and creativity.
• "The Museum's Collection of Ceramics" is considered one of the most important collections of contemporary ceramics in the world and it's a masterpiece of craftsmanship, design, and creativity.

These are just a few examples of the many masterpieces that can be found at The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City, USA. The museum has a wide range of exhibitions and collections that showcase contemporary craft and design, and it's a great place to discover and appreciate the work of talented and innovative artists and designers.

The Design Museum Denmark in Copenhagen, Denmark is a premier institution for design in Scandinavia, with a focus on Danish design.

The Design Museum Denmark in Copenhagen is famous for its collection of Danish design from the 19th century to the present day. The museum has a wide range of exhibits that showcase the work of famous Danish designers such as Hans J. Wegner and Arne Jacobsen. Some key pieces to see at the museum include the "Y Chair" and the "Wishbone Chair" designed by Hans J. Wegner, and the "Egg Chair" and "Swan Chair" designed by Arne Jacobsen. The museum also features temporary exhibits showcasing the work of contemporary designers and design-related topics.

The Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (MDAD) in Riga, Latvia is a premier institution for design in the Baltic region.

The Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (MDAD) in Riga, Latvia is a great place to visit for those interested in the history and development of decorative arts and design in Latvia. The museum's collection includes a wide range of objects, from traditional folk art to contemporary design, and spans a wide range of mediums including ceramics, textiles, furniture, and metalwork. The museum's collection is considered one of the most extensive and representative of the decorative arts in Latvia. Additionally, the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design hosts regular temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of Latvian and international artists, designers and craftsmen. The exhibitions often provide a unique perspective on the role of decorative arts and design in Latvian culture. Additionally, the museum also offers guided tours, workshops and other educational programs that provide an in-depth look at the history and significance of decorative arts in Latvia.

The Design Museum Holon in Israel is a leading institution for design in the Middle East, with a focus on Israeli design.

There are several reasons why one might want to visit the Design Museum Holon in Israel:

• The museum's collection includes a wide range of objects, from traditional to contemporary design, and spans a wide range of mediums including furniture, industrial design, fashion, and graphic design.
• The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of local and international designers, which provides a unique perspective on the role of design in the Middle East.
• The Design Museum Holon is a leading institution for design education in the Middle East, and offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.
• The museum is located in Holon, a city that is considered a hub for design and innovation in Israel and the region.
• The Design Museum Holon is designed by the famous architect, Ron Arad, the building itself is a masterpiece of design and architecture.
• The museum is a cultural center that brings together different aspects of design and art, making it a unique and interesting place to visit.
• The museum has a focus on accessibility, it is an inclusive space that welcomes visitors of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
• The museum shop offers a unique opportunity to purchase design related items and souvenirs.
• The museum hosts a variety of events and activities, such as lectures, film screenings and workshops, that are open to the public and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about design and culture.

The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) in Georgia, USA is a leading institution for design in the Southeast.

The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) is a reputable institution that focuses on design and its impact on everyday life. It is a great place to visit if you are interested in design and its various forms, including architecture, industrial design, graphic design, and product design. Some reasons why one might consider visiting the MODA are:

• The museum's collection includes a wide range of objects, from traditional to contemporary design, and spans a wide range of mediums including furniture, industrial design, fashion, and graphic design.
• The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of local and international designers, which provides a unique perspective on the role of design in the US and the world.
• The museum is a leader in design education, it offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.
• The museum is located in Atlanta, a city that has a vibrant cultural scene and is known for its museums, art galleries and other cultural institutions.
• The museum is an inclusive space that welcomes visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
• The museum hosts a variety of events and activities, such as lectures, film screenings, and workshops, that are open to the public and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about design and culture.
• The museum shop offers a unique opportunity to purchase design-related items and souvenirs.
• The museum is designed to be an accessible space, it is designed to be welcoming and easy to navigate.

Overall, the Museum of Design Atlanta is a great place to visit for those interested in design and its impact on everyday life. It's a place where you can learn, be inspired and enjoy the design culture.

The Museum of Design Zurich (MDZ) in Switzerland is a premier institution for design in Europe, with a focus on Swiss design.

• The Museum of Design Zurich (MDZ) is a reputable institution that is focused on design and its impact on everyday life. It is considered one of the leading museums of design in Switzerland and it is considered a good place to visit for those interested in design and its various forms, including architecture, industrial design, graphic design, and product design. Some reasons why one might consider visiting the MDZ are:
• The museum's collection includes a wide range of objects, from traditional to contemporary design, and spans a wide range of mediums including furniture, industrial design, fashion, and graphic design.
• The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of local and international designers, which provides a unique perspective on the role of design in Switzerland and the world.
• The museum is a leader in design education, it offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.
• The museum is located in Zurich, a city that has a rich cultural scene, and is known for its museums, art galleries and other cultural institutions.
• The museum is designed to be an accessible space, it is designed to be welcoming and easy to navigate.
• The museum has a strong focus on sustainability, it is an environmentally friendly building, and the exhibitions often deal with the theme of sustainability.
• The museum shop offers a unique opportunity to purchase design-related items and souvenirs.
• The museum hosts a variety of events and activities, such as lectures, film screenings, and workshops, that are open to the public and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about design and culture.

Overall, the Museum of Design Zurich is a reputable institution that is considered a great place to visit for those interested in design and its impact on everyday life. It's a place where you can learn, be inspired and enjoy the design culture.

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo, Japan is a leading institution for design and technology in Asia.

• The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo, Japan is a great place to visit for those interested in science and technology. Here are 5 reasons why one might want to visit the Miraikan:
• The museum's collection includes a wide range of interactive exhibits that showcase the latest advancements in science and technology, including robotics, artificial intelligence, and space exploration.
• The museum's permanent exhibits include the "Geo-Cosmos" a large, spherical display that projects images of Earth and the universe, as well as the "Robot Revolution" exhibit, which features a variety of robots, including those used in space exploration and entertainment.
• The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the cutting-edge research and development in science and technology, providing a unique perspective on the latest breakthroughs and future possibilities.
• The museum offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages, making it a great place to learn about science and technology in an interactive and fun way.
• The museum has a focus on promoting science literacy and encouraging public engagement with science and technology, making it a great destination for families and people of all ages who are interested in learning about the latest scientific developments.
• The museum has a special focus on space science and technology. You can find exhibits about space exploration, the space industry, and the future of space development.
• The museum has a special section dedicated to showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in the field of sustainable energy and the environment, which is called "Future Energy and Environment"
• The museum has a special section called "Science Communication Corner" where visitors can participate in interactive activities, watch videos and experience the latest technologies related to science communication.

The Red Dot Design Museum in Singapore is a premier institution for design in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Asian design.

The Red Dot Design Museum in Singapore is a premier institution for design that is famous for its collection of design-related artifacts and its focus on promoting design education and awareness. Some reasons why it is famous are:

• The museum's collection includes a wide range of objects, from traditional to contemporary design, and spans a wide range of mediums including furniture, industrial design, fashion, and graphic design.
• The museum is host to the Red Dot Design Awards, one of the most prestigious design awards in the world, which recognizes outstanding design achievements in various categories such as product design, communication design, and design concept.
• The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of local and international designers, which provides a unique perspective on the role of design in the world.
• The museum is a leader in design education, it offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.
• The museum is located in Singapore, a city that has a vibrant cultural scene, and is known for its museums, art galleries, and other cultural institutions.

The Museum of Design and Applied Arts (Mudac) in Lausanne, Switzerland is a leading institution for design in Europe, with a focus on Swiss design.

• The Mudac houses a large collection of contemporary design and applied arts from around the world, including furniture, textiles, ceramics, and graphic design.
• The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing the work of established and emerging designers and artists.
• The Mudac is located in the historic city of Lausanne, Switzerland, which offers many other cultural and recreational attractions.
• The museum's architecture and design is a work of art itself, which is worth visiting.
• The museum offers educational activities and workshops for visitors of all ages, making it a great destination for families and students.

These are just a few of the many design museums around the world that are worth visiting. Each of these museums has a unique collection and perspective on design, and they are all worth a visit for anyone interested in the history and evolution of design.

Learn more about interior design by reading our “Enhancing Your Living Space: The Importance of Interior Design” article.