Walker Art Center to Launch Design Triennial in 2026
In autumn 2026, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis will introduce a new Design Triennial that will explore the impact of design on daily life through various objects and systems. Joseph Grima, the British architect and Space Caviar founder, will serve as the inaugural curator, collaborating with Asli Altay, the Walker's Director of Design, Communications, and Content. This triennial will emphasize the transition from mass production to artisanal craftsmanship, featuring exclusive pieces such as furniture and textiles. Established in 1879 by timber magnate Thomas Barlow Walker, the museum boasts a collection of 16,000 works and spans 6,000 square meters. Design has always been integral to the institution, with previous projects like Idea Houses and the Everyday Art Gallery.
Key facts
- Walker Art Center announces Design Triennial starting autumn 2026.
- Joseph Grima named first curator; Asli Altay is artistic director.
- Grima is founder of Space Caviar and co-founder of Alcova.
- Altay was creative director at Apple and founded Future Anecdotes.
- Triennial will focus on artisanal, limited-edition design works.
- Walker Art Center founded in 1879 by Thomas Barlow Walker.
- Museum collection includes 16,000 works and Spoonbridge and Cherry.
- Idea House 3 launched in fall 2023 as a design retail platform.
Entities
Artists
- Joseph Grima
- Asli Altay
- Claes Oldenburg
- Coosje van Bruggen
- Thomas Barlow Walker
- Daniel Defenbacher
Institutions
- Walker Art Center
- Space Caviar
- Alcova
- Domus
- Storefront for Art and Architecture
- Chicago Architecture Biennial
- Istanbul Design Biennial
- Venice Architecture Biennale
- Triennale di Milano
- Design Academy Eindhoven
- Apple
- Future Anecdotes
- Van Abbemuseum
- Artribune
Locations
- Minneapolis
- Minnesota
- United States
- New York
- Milan
- Italy
- Istanbul
- Turkey
- Eindhoven
- Netherlands
- Venice
- Chicago
- Hennepin Avenue
- Lowry Hill