Believing in the importance of object-centered learning, sisters Harriet and Vetta Goldstein brought examples of good design into their classrooms. These multidisciplinary objects, coupled with generous donations from other faculty and alumni, comprise the core collection of the museum.
Premier Designer Fashion Collection
A notable gift in 1978 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul chapter of The Fashion Group International formed the foundation of our premier designer fashion collection—now containing the work of internationally prominent designers such as Charles Frederick Worth, Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Issey Miyake, Norman Norrell, and Isaac Mizrahi.
World Dress Collection
In 2004, the International Institute of Minnesota donated to the GMD 659 pieces of clothing from around the world. Thanks to this generous gift, the museum’s collection of world dress now numbers nearly 1,000 items and includes main garments and accessories from Europe (Serbia, Croatia, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Latvia, Scotland, Portugal, Turkey), the Americas (Guatemala, Mexico, Peru), Asia (Korea, China, Japan), and the Middle East (Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt).
Donate to the Collection
The Goldstein Museum of Design is dedicated to building and preserving a collection in support of the College of Design’s teaching and research community and for use in public exhibitions and programs. We extend our sincere thanks to all collection object donors that make the work we do possible.
Collections Research Projects
Jack Lenor Larsen Oral History Project
Winner of the 2019 Interior Design Educators Council Media Award, the Jack Lenor Larsen Oral History Project was conducted by Professor Stephanie Zollinger. A noted scholar of Jack Lenor Larsen, Dr. Zollinger interviewed many of Larsen’s former designers, employees, and colleagues to help preserve his legacy. These interviews were audiotaped and transcribed and are now an important source of information available for scholars and admirers of Jack Lenor Larsen.
Emigre magazine
In 2001 the Goldstein added a full set of Emigre magazines to its collection, which provided a significant anchor for its graphic design collection. This acquisition, guided by Professor Steven McCarthy, was made possible by the Anne Brey Fund. In 2011, GMD awarded its annual Joss Internship to MFA graduate student Jessica Barness, who devised a project that meticulously mined the contents of Emigre to create an online index for the publication.
