MOMA’s perspective

They hadn’t come to Paris since January 2020. Two years, during which the team of five buyers from MoMA Design Store had to settle for virtual connections with their most important supply source. “Maison&Objet is at the very center of our business”, confides Emmanuel Plat, Merchandising and Retail Director for this famous New York museum. “Paris is one of the most important cultural capitals in the world, with real savoir-faire that creates its cachet. When we travel, we visit the museums and meet with artists, designers and many suppliers. We’ve calculated that we walk an average of 12 km per day! We can’t wait to discover what has changed, in the city, but also for people.” 

“Maison&Objet is at the very center of our business”

The museum’s shop is a benchmark, due to the quality of its selection. It includes furniture, lighting, tableware, office supplies, technology, watches, fashion accessories and jewelry, in addition to products specifically devoted to artists. For a designer, being selected for inclusion in their boutique is a prestigious reference. So, how does one enchant the buyers from MoMA? “We have specific selection criteria in mind”, explains Emmanuel Plat. “We love innovations, both in materials and technologies, that reflect the times. We also look for objects that solve everyday problems, like recharging your phone or carrying your devices. A MoMA object can also be educational; it is obviously very well designed. We’re always asking ourselves, ‘Why MoMA?’. There always has to be a connection to the museum.” In 1932, MoMA was the first museum to open an Architecture&design section, alongside traditional Painting and Sculpture departments. In the selection of the MoMA Design Store, you’ll find the most iconic creations from the different movements that have stood, and will stand, the test of time. While the Standard chair by Jean Prouvé stands alongside the Eames Lounge chair in their shop, everyday objects also have their place, such as the very common butter knife or the Duralex glass. Will you be the next one on their list? 

Photo © Heidi Bohnenkamp