At first glance, chocolate feels simple—sweet, smooth, and universally loved. But MODA’s latest exhibition, Bittersweet: The Design of Chocolate, invites visitors to take a closer look at what’s behind the wrapper. Hosted in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, this powerful exhibit blends design, ethics, and history to show that chocolate’s journey from bean to bar is far more complex than it seems.

Walking into the space, you’re surrounded by bold visuals and rich textures. Displays walk you through the origins of cacao, the labor behind its production, and the global systems that connect us to this everyday luxury. What hits hardest is the human side—how communities around the world grow and harvest cacao, often under exploitative conditions. MODA doesn’t shy away from that reality. Instead, it challenges visitors to think critically about where their chocolate comes from and what role design plays in both masking and revealing these truths.

One of the most striking parts of the exhibit focuses on packaging. While chocolate bars on the shelves look inviting, their design often hides the darker stories behind their creation. Through curated visuals and interactive pieces, MODA reminds us that design isn’t just about how something looks—it’s about how it makes us think, act, and feel.

Bittersweet is a wake-up call disguised as eye candy. It’s thoughtful, emotional, and beautifully presented—exactly what we’ve come to expect from Atlanta’s own Museum of Design.

If you're looking for something meaningful to experience this summer, MODA’s Bittersweet exhibition is worth every moment. It’ll make you look at chocolate—and the world around you—differently.