To spot the Museo del Objeto del Objeto, look for a striking, historic Art Nouveau mansion on the corner, with ornate stonework, arched windows and doors, and banners that say “MODO”-it’s especially eye-catching when illuminated at night.
Alright, you’re standing in front of one of Mexico City’s most curious treasures-the MODO! Now, let’s set the scene: imagine the year is 1906, horse-drawn carriages rumble down the cobblestone streets, and this newly built mansion in Colonia Roma stands fresh and elegant, its ornate Art Nouveau façade glistening just like it does now under the city’s lights. Fast forward more than a century, and this beloved corner is the beating heart of design, innovation, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of quirky obsession.
The Museo del Objeto del Objeto, or “Museum of the Object of the Object”-say that three times fast-opened its doors in 2010, but its story is rooted deep in the passions of one extraordinary collector, Bruno Newman. Picture this: Bruno, age thirteen, falls in love with collecting thanks to his uncle’s stamp collection. The adventure begins modestly, just five toiletry containers from a bustling local market. But turn up the dial-soon, his collection spills out from his house, takes over his office, and finally bursts into not one, not two, but three warehouses, each overflowing with stories from the shelves of everyday Mexico.
What makes MODO so special is that it celebrates the unsung heroes of daily life-over 30,000 objects that most people would call junk, but designers and dreamers recognize as treasures. Think about it: soda bottles from long-forgotten brands, cigarette packs designed before Instagram was even a spark in someone’s eye, music sheets, shaving kits, and packages of soap or shampoo that once promised the world in just a whiff. If you ever wondered where those wild 1980s sneakers, neon skateboards, or even old grocery bags ended up, voilà-they found new life here, waiting to tell the next visitor their tale.
The museum was lovingly set up by a whole crew obsessed as much with preserving culture as displaying it. Their guiding principle? If it communicates or is cleverly designed, it belongs here. Sometimes, that’s an old hairbrush; other times, it’s a groovy beer ad from the 1890s. Want to see advertising and graphic arts from 1810 right up to today? Step inside!
Now, let me tell you about the wild world of MODO’s collectors. In Mexico City, collecting is practically a sport. Some hoard postcards, others toy robots, hats, or even (no joke!) antique lamps. MODO brought together the cream of the crop-famous and curious-by inviting these collections to star in special, ever-changing exhibitions. One such treat was the “Collection of Collections,” which invited collectors from all walks of life to share their oddest finds. For those of you who ever stumbled across a box of old tennis shoes and thought “what if…?”, you’re in good company.
Speaking of love stories, don’t miss the love locks fence just outside. Inspired by cities like Paris and Florence, couples here attach little locks to the fences, sealing their names in metal and-if the legend is true-in memory. Whether you’re feeling romantic or just want to check if your lock from last year is still there, it’s worth a look.
Inside, MODO hums with creativity, as students and experts gather for workshops, lectures, and design battles. The building itself, once Bruno’s private residence, has transformed into a living, breathing center for inspiration. As you stand here, close your eyes for a moment and listen for the echoes of past collectors wandering among their finds, gently brushing dust from forgotten labels and dreaming of ways objects shape our lives.
With every rotation of its exhibitions, MODO invites new generations to fall in love with things we might otherwise toss away. So here’s a challenge-take a mental snapshot of the most ordinary object on you right now. Fifty years from today, it might just be the star of a museum showcase, sparking delight, nostalgia, and, of course, relentless curiosity.
And, before you head off, if you hear a distant jangle or faint laugh, it’s probably Bruno Newman still adding one last object to the endless story of MODO.
Alright, explorer, are you ready for the next adventure?
Yearning to grasp further insights on the organization, permanent collection or the temporary exhibits and events? Dive into the chat section below and ask away.
