The Shakers: A World in the Making

The ‘Shaker Style’ has likely been one of the most resonant design influences across the United States, and internationally. Despite the remote and generally reclusive nature of the community, the elegant, functional and now timeless design of the Shakers was impactful. The exhibition at the Vitra Design Museum, “The Shakers: A World in the Making”, explores this premise ­– how a rural, 18th century religious group inspired generations of artists, architects and designers around the world. The exhibition was designed by Formafantasma and organized by the Vitra Design Museum, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia, and the Wüstenrot Foundation in collaboration with Shaker Museum. It brings together more than 150 original objects, many of which are on loan from the Shaker Museum in Chatham, New York. The exhibition also brings together new research and commissions by seven contemporary artists and designers in connection with Shaker history.

Founded in England in the late 18th century, the Shakers emigrated to America in 1774 in search of religious freedom. Throughout the 19th century, the Shaker community put down roots from Kentucky to Maine, with the most well-known or populous communities in rural Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. The Shaker’s had a strong work ethic, with men and women contributing equally in that regard. Designing and building furniture, domestic objects and architecture, they developed a singular, simplified style that was intended for serial production. While they had an intuitive sense of design, form and function, the ‘Shaker Style’ evolved mostly from their religious practice of worship, which involved labour as a means to express and practice their beliefs.

As Mea Hoffmann, co-curator of the exhibition writes: ““The Shakers: A World in the Making” looks at the Shaker legacy, both in terms of the group’s design and worldview, from a contemporary perspective, inviting artists and designers to explore what the Shaker world might have to offer us today. The different expertise of each institution involved in the exhibition has resulted in an enriching collaboration that bridges not only an ocean but also connects contemporary artists and designers in a dynamic dialogue that reflects on the enduring relevance of the Shakers.”

The exhibition is organised under four thematic sections, all of which are named after quotes from members of the Shaker community. The first, “The Place is Just Right,” offers an introduction to the Shaker world view and social structures and features historic and contemporary photography of Shaker architecture along with a series of objects including a staircase and a four-metre long bench. While the Shakers were reclusive in many ways, the exhibition points out that they were not afraid of new technologies and outside innovations. A radio and power tools are included in the exhibition and reflect this curiosity and intellect. Music and dance were an important part of the Shaker community – the name ‘Shaker’ stems from a dance they did and here, choreographer Reggie Wilson considers the legacy of Shaker dance and its overlap with African-American dance practices and traditions.

“When We Find a Good Thing, We Stick To It” looks closely at how the religious beliefs informed the ‘Shaker style’. Clothing and furniture reflect the structured systems of the community and this mix between standardisation and individuality. “Every Force Evolves a Form” is the third section of the exhibition and examines the dialect between the insular society and their openness to change, innovation and commerce. Pieces such as brooms, benches and stools became a common object in households across America – connecting with contemporary society for generations – the timelessness of these Shaker objects becomes clear. Here, Christien Meindertsma, who has long admired Shaker crafts, has reinterpreted their basketry traditions as a contemporary prototype for a biodegradable coffin woven from Dutch willow. The final section, “I Don’t Want to be Remembered as a Chair,” considers the legacy of the Shaker movement and its contemporary relevance. On view here are a selection of ‘gift drawings’ made between 1830-1850 that were created through divine visions experienced by Shaker Sisters.

The seven contemporary artists and designers included in the show are: Reggie Wilson, Kameelah Janan Rasheed, Christien Meindertsma, Finnegan Shannon, David Hartt, Chris Halstrøm and Amie Cunat. Throughout the exhibition there will be a series of events and workshops at the Vitra Design Museum. There has also been a comprehensive exhibition catalogue featuring essays and interviews from scholars, academics and artists.

“The Shakers: A World in the Making” is on view at the Vitra Design Museum through September 28th, 2025. It will travel to the Milwaukee Museum of Art (25 September 2026 – 31 January 2027), the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia (31 January – 9 August 2026) and in further international museum venues.

Vitra Design Museum

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