Material Matters: How Synthetics Shaped a New Era

Plastics, synthetic rubbers and manufactured textiles changed how modern goods were designed, produced and used. Material Matters: How Synthetics Shaped a New Era examines that transformation at The Wolfsonian–FIU in Miami Beach, on view August 28, 2026 through February 21, 2027. Drawing on the museum’s collection, the installation traces how materials developed to supplement or replace natural resources reshaped manufacturing and everyday life. It considers the rapid changes these innovations brought to industries and consumers over the past century. The installation is located in Knight Lab 3.