Free + Open Exhibition Opening

Whether or not we notice it, design is inescapable. Design surrounds us and shapes our world both discreetly and obviously, both for better and for worse. Recognizing and understanding the influence of design decisions is critical in how we each shape our communities, recognize our agency, and engage with the world. Free & Open Chicago features Chicago locations where the impact of design and designers is unmistakable. Each featured location is free and open to the public, just like the Design Museum of Chicago. Each has a unique influence on its community, visitors, and history. We bet you may have been to some, but there are also some you haven’t, maybe even some of which you’ve never heard! We encourage you to “visit” each in the gallery, but also to visit in person and fully experience each. Join us in celebrating 10 years of the Design Museum while exploring the design details of 10 remarkable Chicago locations. The exhibition also features a series of 35 posters designed by local designers and artists all dedicated to Lake Michigan, our most Free+Open public resource. Not to mention, we've opened up a Little Free Library in our restored bank vault. We encourage folks to bring by their old design, art and creative books. Or take one home with you! Celebrate with the Design Museum, participating organizations, and artists! _____ There's more! We'll also be celebrating the opening of a pop-up exhibition featuring the works of Thomas Kong: The Design Museum of Chicago and 062 is pleased to present Thank you for Shopping with Us, a solo exhibition by Thomas Kong in our Atrium Gallery. Artist’s artist, Thomas Kong (b.1950, Hwanghae Province, North Korea) immigrated to the US in 1977. His studio and his convenience store are located in the Rogers Park neighborhood in Chicago. Kim’s Corner Food, is where he creates collage using surplus and packaging material from his bodega. Thank you for Shopping with Us is a solo exhibition by Thomas Kong and will present 80 black plastic bags and collages, using immediate and seemingly disposable materials, created in 2022. More Info below.