2569 Third St./22nd St., Dogpatch. Tu-Sat 11-6, Sun 12-5, closed M. $8, seniors $6, under 13 free; free Tu. Free tour, Sun at 1.
Located within the historic American Industrial Center building, which was originally home to the American Can Company, the Museum of Craft and Design moved a few years ago from its downtown location to the rustic Dogpatch neighborhood, with its galleries, shops, and restaurants. The museum’s self-stated mission is “to be an environment for experiencing innovative contemporary work in craft and design that engages the community while stimulating the creative potential in peoples’ lives.” Though small, the gift shop is exceptional, and you can visit it without paying admission to the museum.
The current gallery show—Hands Off: New Dutch Design at the Confluence of Technology & Craft—runs through September 13, 2015. It features the the work of almost 20 Netherlands’ designers who follow the theme with innovative production materials and the reinterpretation of old techniques. My favorites among them are “Sleeping Gold” (Grietje Schepers, 2014)--a moving, almost breathing, blob of gold lame fabric that I found reminiscent of ocean waves; and “Wanna Swap Your Ring?” (Ted Noten, 2010), which from a distance represents the outline of a handgun but up close turned me into a pack rat by inviting me to take one of 750 hot-pink miss piggy rings from within the exhibit and leave behind something of mine (I left a pen; wait until you see what other people left!).
Located within the historic American Industrial Center building, which was originally home to the American Can Company, the Museum of Craft and Design moved a few years ago from its downtown location to the rustic Dogpatch neighborhood, with its galleries, shops, and restaurants. The museum’s self-stated mission is “to be an environment for experiencing innovative contemporary work in craft and design that engages the community while stimulating the creative potential in peoples’ lives.” Though small, the gift shop is exceptional, and you can visit it without paying admission to the museum.
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| exterior entrance to the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco |
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| interior entrance to the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco |
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| gift shop at the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco |
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| galleries at the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco |
The current gallery show—Hands Off: New Dutch Design at the Confluence of Technology & Craft—runs through September 13, 2015. It features the the work of almost 20 Netherlands’ designers who follow the theme with innovative production materials and the reinterpretation of old techniques. My favorites among them are “Sleeping Gold” (Grietje Schepers, 2014)--a moving, almost breathing, blob of gold lame fabric that I found reminiscent of ocean waves; and “Wanna Swap Your Ring?” (Ted Noten, 2010), which from a distance represents the outline of a handgun but up close turned me into a pack rat by inviting me to take one of 750 hot-pink miss piggy rings from within the exhibit and leave behind something of mine (I left a pen; wait until you see what other people left!).
“Sleeping Gold” (Grietje Schepers, 2014) is a moving, almost breathing, blob of gold lame fabric.
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| “Wanna Swap Your Ring?” exhibit by Ted Noten at the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco |
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| close-up of “Wanna Swap Your Ring?” exhibit by Ted Noten at the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco |
More things to do in San Francisco
Way more things to do in San Francisco.
More ideas for exploring Northern California.
images and video ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
I love repurposed buildings with interesting histories...would love to visit this museum next time we're in northern California! Hadn't heard of the Museum of Craft and Design.
ReplyDeleteI love the Dogpatch! I think the museum was closed. Thank you for the tour!
ReplyDeleteThe museum is closed on Monday, if that is what you mean, but it is open other days.
DeleteWhat some fantastic and innovative designs. I admire originality - awesome stuff :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like an interesting exhibit. I love the interactive piece of the gun and leaving a piece of your own behind. That could become quite a different image over time, A well curated museum shop can have the best finds!
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