Design on Draft: Breweries and Beyond
@ Design Museum of Chicago
72 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
On view through Monday, April 13th
Beer is one of humanity’s oldest design projects, crafted through centuries of experimentation, collaboration, and creativity. From hand-lettered labels and distinctive glassware to tap handles, architecture, and branding systems, design has shaped how we see, share, and experience beer. Design on Draft uncovers how visual and material design define not only the look of a brew, but also its story, identity, and place in culture.
The exhibition features more than 1,000 cans from over 300 breweries across Illinois, highlighting the extraordinary breadth of design talent within the state’s vibrant craft-brewing community. Visitors will discover how typography, color, and illustration transform aluminum into storytelling, each a piece of design history in itself.
Interactive and immersive elements bring the design process to life. In the “Design Your Own Label” section, visitors can experiment with layout, color, and typography to create a custom beer label and explore the creative choices that connect visual design to taste and identity.
In partnership with Stern Pinball, Design on Draft features a selection of free-play pinball machines, celebrating Chicago’s historic role in both beer and arcade design. The lively sound and light of these games invite visitors to experience the playful energy that unites two of the city’s most iconic creative industries.
The best part? It’s free and open to the public!
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Tags: Chicago, Design Museum of Chicago, Design on Draft: Breweries and Beyond, Loop
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