Special Collections

In addition to the Lella and Massimo Vignelli archives, we have 1000s of artifacts by numerous additional designers and all the collections are available for research, education, and creative inspiration.

With over 200,000 artifacts, our Special Collections include examples of industrial and product design, graphics and publication design, corporate identity programs, architectural graphics, exhibitions, interiors, and furniture design. Our collections also feature unique materials related to the design process, such as sketches, prototypes, models, technical plans, photographs.

Spanning from the 1940s to today, many of these collections help define and promote Modernism, but some also challenge it and even redefine it.  The collections are currently being inventoried and what is featured here is a small selection of artifacts.

Want to know more about the archives? Please contact Jennifer Whitlock, Archivist, at jennifer.whitlock@rit.edu to discuss your interests or to schedule a research visit.

Visit the digital archives! You can search or browse individual artifacts, sort by color, view the artifacts on a timeline, and explore stories about the designs