Access to Tools: Publications from the Whole Earth Catalog, 1968–1974

Apr 18–Dec 10, 2011

MoMA

“The World Game.” In Whole Earth Catalog (March 1970).
  • Education Center, Mezzanine Mezzanine

In 1968, Stewart Brand founded an alternative information service and distribution system within a single publication, called the Whole Earth Catalog. Influenced by the work of Buckminster Fuller, the catalog developed into an extensive reference tool for designing the environment, living spaces, and new media practices. In sections titled “Understanding Whole Systems,” “Shelter and Land Use,” “Communications,” “Community,” and “Nomadics,” the catalog publicized a compendium of useful resources, with a primary focus on books. Drawing from the holdings of the MoMA Library, this exhibition surveys many of these publications and gives a history of the catalog itself.

Organized by David Senior, Bibliographer, MoMA Library.

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