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MoMA's Century of the Child exhibition examines design for youth from 1900-2000

exhibition · 2026-04-22

From July 29 to November 5, 2012, New York's Museum of Modern Art showcased 'The Century of the Child: Growing by Design 1900-2000.' This extensive seven-room exhibition explored the dual themes of children's involvement and exploitation in design throughout the twentieth century. Among the featured works was Jens S. Jensen's 1973 print 'Boy on Wall, Hammarkullen,' alongside various toys and furniture that echoed artistic movements such as Arts & Crafts and Pop Art. Significant contributions included Friedl Dicker-Brandeis's projects with children at Terezín, Andrzej Wolski's 2011 film 'Toys,' and Lotte Reiniger's animated film 'The Adventures of Prince Achmed' from 1923-25. The exhibition provoked discussions on the ethics of designing for children without addressing the consequences of such designs.

Key facts

  • Exhibition ran July 29 to November 5, 2012
  • Held at Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd Street, New York City
  • Featured Jens S. Jensen's 1973 photograph 'Boy on Wall, Hammarkullen'
  • Included works spanning Arts & Crafts to digital art movements
  • Showcased Lotte Reiniger's 1923-25 animated film 'The Adventures of Prince Achmed'
  • Presented Paul Rand's 1996 poster supporting orphaned children
  • Included footage of Friedl Dicker-Brandeis working with children at Terezín
  • Featured Andrzej Wolski's 2011 film 'Toys' about Warsaw children post-WWII

Entities

Artists

  • Jens S. Jensen
  • Friedl Dicker-Brandeis
  • Andrzej Wolski
  • Lotte Reiniger
  • Paul Rand
  • Breughel
  • Velázquez
  • Ernst Gombrich

Institutions

  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Bauhaus
  • Terezín concentration camp

Locations

  • New York City
  • United States
  • Prague
  • Czech Republic
  • Warsaw
  • Poland
  • Berlin
  • Germany
  • Sweden

Sources