Common Muse recently collaborated with Key Museum, located near İzmir, Turkey, to design a unique collection for their gift shop, inspired by the museum’s impressive automotive history exhibits. The museum showcases classic cars spanning from the 1890s through the 1960s, featuring iconic models such as the early 1903 De Dion-Bouton, the elegant 1929 Auburn 8-120, the legendary 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing with its distinctive doors, the classic 1966 Ford Mustang, and the stylish 1958 Chevrolet Corvette C1. A special highlight is the museum’s replica of the 1966 Batmobile, adding a cinematic flair to the lineup.

The museum wanted to expand its gift shop offerings with products that would capture the spirit of this rich automotive heritage while appealing to visitors of all ages. Our design team drew inspiration from the retro aesthetic of these iconic vehicles—blending vintage style with modern functionality. The collection reflects the sleek lines, bold shapes, and timeless elegance of the cars, incorporating graphic motifs and color palettes that evoke the dynamic spirit of the mid-20th century.

The resulting products include textiles, accessories, and home goods that connect visitors directly to the museum’s story of innovation and design evolution throughout the 20th century.

Throughout the design process, ongoing collaboration with the museum ensured the collection stayed true to their vision and enhanced the visitor experience.