Designing Motherhood

Things That Make and Break Our Births

On view through December 30, 2023

This exhibition explores the arc of human reproduction through the lens of art and design. The exhibition examines the evolution of rights and societal norms connected to contraception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences over the last 150 years, highlighting that birth—and the culture that surrounds it—impacts every living person. While being born is a universal human experience, the designs that shape it are not. Designing Motherhood invites you to consider why and how we have developed designs to facilitate reproductive health.

Featuring over 200 objects, this exhibition brings together a unique collection of contemporary artists and designers whose work helps us ponder the political, economic, and social implications of how we all relate to reproduction, juxtaposing photography with product design, maternal and newborn health innovations, maternity fashion, and much more.

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  • Women gathered together at the Discovery Center in conversation
  • Women gathered together at the Discovery Center in conversation
  • Women gathered together at the Discovery Center in conversation
  • A visitor points at a Yona Prototype Speculum through a case. The photo only features the woman's hand and the speculum.
  • Women gathered together at the Discovery Center in conversation
    Guests explore exhibits at the grand opening of “Designing Motherhood: Things That Make and Break Our Births” at the Bill and Melinda Gates Discovery Center in Seattle, Washington, on February 15, 2023.
  • Women gathered together at the Discovery Center in conversation
  • Women gathered together at the Discovery Center in conversation
  • A visitor points at a Yona Prototype Speculum through a case. The photo only features the woman's hand and the speculum.
    Up close view of items on display in the “Designing Motherhood” exhibition.

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