Serious Play: Design in Midcentury America, an exhibition currently on view at the Denver Art Museum (DAM), delves into some of the more joyful aspects of 20th Century design. 

Highlighting works by Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, Henry P. Glass, Herbert Bayer, Eva Zeisel, and Alexander Girard, among others, the colorful and whimsical exhibition seeks to position play as a primary "catalyst for creativity and innovation," according to a press release. 

The exhibition, co-organized with the Milwaukee Art Museum, is co-curated by Christoph Heinrich, director of DAM, Darrin Alfred, curator of architecture and design at DAM, and Monica Obniski, curator of 20th and 21st Century design at the Milwaukee Art Museum. 

Presenting over 200 design objects, including drawings, models, textiles, ceramics, playground equipment, and furniture, the exhibition argues that during the Mid-Century era, material innovations, advances in manufacturing, and a societal focus on leisure activities for a growing middle class came together to situate creative exploration at the heart of American life. 

The exhibition includes a multi-colored swing-line toy chest designed by Henry P. Glass in 1952, a "Kaleidoscreen" installation created by Herbert Bayer in 1957, a number of textiles and furniture pieces designed by Alexander Girard, and several furniture and toy pieces designed by Charles and Ray Eames, among many other works. 

In a press release announcing the exhibition, DAM's Heinrich said, “Whether visitors appreciate the exhibition as away to gain a deeper understanding of design innovation or as inspiration to bring some playfulness into their lives, we are excited to highlight this remarkable collection of works.”

Marcelle Polednik, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, added, "Modern design is highly approachable for our visitors, especially today when people are surrounded by more thoughtfully designed experiences than ever before."

The exhibition is on view through August 25, 2019.