On view through September 28, 2025, The Shakers: Builders of Worlds at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany spotlights the timeless design philosophy of a religious community that helped shape modern aesthetics. Known for their austere furniture, functional architecture, and deeply communal values, the Shakers saw design as an expression of faith, centered on equality, labor, and simplicity. The exhibition spans the full creative output of the Shaker movement, from furniture and tools to textiles and buildings, pairing historic artifacts with contemporary works that reflect the ongoing relevance of their minimalist vision.
Founded in 18th-century England and later established in over 20 American settlements, the Shakers developed a design language defined by clarity, standardization, and utility. Often flattened into the catchall term “Shaker style,” their output was far more than a look. It was a way of life.
Designed by Milan-based studio Formafantasma, the show features more than 150 original pieces, primarily from the Shaker Museum in Chatham, New York. After its run in Weil am Rhein, the exhibition will travel to major U.S. institutions, including the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia.