A Craftman’s Eldorado
Before machines took control of the manufacture of goods, making things with your own hands was quite the norm. Their marriage witnessed this craftsmanship of the American Arts and Crafts Movement between the 1890s and the 1930s.
The Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement (we’ll call it MAACM for short) is currently the only museum in the world dedicated to the preservation of this historically significant movement. Its mission is not only to preserve a diverse range of hand crafted items, but also to teach the importance of hand craftsmanship and honest design to younger generations.
The philanthropist and collector Rudy Cicciarello, who spared no expense or effort in the construction of his project, is significantly behind the museum. In total, it is said to have been more than $90 million that was spent on the construction of the museum, which architecturally plays in a league like the neighboring Salvador Dalí Museum.
About The Arts And Craft Movement
People should be surrounded by beautiful and well-made things. That was the vision of William Morris, who was largely responsible for the emergence of the Arts and Crafts movement. His rediscovery of traditional manufacturing processes, which he taught in lectures and essays, helped spread the movement.
While there was no single manifesto, let alone rules a clear set of rules to be adhered to, its proponents held onto a series of core philosophical beliefs:
- The inherent beauty of the material
- The importance of nature as inspiration
- The value of simplicity, utility and beauty
Inside, the heart of every passionate hobbyist should immediately open up and sparkle in their eyes. The exhibitions are adorned with lovingly made furniture, textiles, impressive metalwork, pottery and much more.
Among other things, a table by the Japanese-American artist George Nakashima is impressive. As one of the few works that were not lost forever in a tragic fire accident, here is a beautiful table crafted from a single slice of Californian redwood.
Wherever you look, you will find pottery, hand-painted tiles, textiles and metalwork exuding a certain simplicity that seems to have been lost in today’s over engineered world.
If you feel a little hungry during your visit, your food will also be provided. On the ground floor you will find the Arts Café, which provides you with excellent deli sandwiches, salads and baked goods. Here, too, the aesthetics of the main exhibition can be continued, which is reflected in all sorts of small details, from tiles to tableware.
Reserve Tickets to the MAACM
Our recommendation: Download the official MAACM audio app, which will provide you with extensive information about the permanent and temporary exhibits during your visit. The free app is available for iOS on the App Store, as well as on the Google Play Store for Android users.
