The Shakers - Mea Hoffmann - June 2025

Pull up an exquisitely-made wooden chair and get a preview of a new exhibit at the Vitra Design Museum: «The Shakers: A World in the Making». The show highlights the work of The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, an American religious community more commonly known as The Shakers. In the U.S., the group is renowned for its unadorned, solidly made wooden furniture. The display at Vitra explores the origins of these designs, the religious attitudes that inspired them, and the world of the Shakers.

Commonly confused with the Amish or other Mennonites, the Shakers did not seek to separate from society or scorn technology. They participated in markets – selling not only furniture, but seeds and medicines. They also adopted new inventions. One item in the museum is a radio built by and for Shakers.

The show also incorporates new works by contemporary artists exploring the themes of Shaker beliefs and work. The English Show spoke with Vitra Design Museum curator Mea Hoffmann, who worked with curators from three museums in the U.S. to put together the show.