The Design Museum is known for its changing exhibitions of national and international design-related material, including architecture, costume, graphic design, textiles, new media, and popular culture that reflect the multifaceted and global aspects of design. Dedicated to furthering our understanding of design and the contributions design makes to shaping our experiences, environment and culture, the museum also serves as a laboratory for experimental design installation, interpretation and practice.

The Design Collection supports and enhances the teaching and research goals of the Design Program and its curriculum. With over 40 years of collecting and preserving design-related objects, the collection currently has over 5,000 items ranging from the 16th-Century to the present. The collection is comprised of textiles and fashion, basketry, porcelain and glass, furniture and architectural drawings.