(above image source)

If you’ve ever sent an e-mail, you know the “@” or “at” symbol. Design and aesthetics probably don’t cross your mind  when you’re typing out somebody’s e-mail address, but for the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, apparently is does.  Paola Antonelli, senior curator of architecture and design at MoMA, claimed in a NY Times article the @ symbol is a prime example of “elegance and economy” in design. So much, in fact, that the museum has added the symbol to its architecture and design collection; writes NYT’s Alice Rawsthorn:

“Ms. Antonelli likens it to the museum’s acquisition of “The Kiss,” a performance art piece by Tino Sehgal, in which a couple embrace for several hours. Just like the @, each performance can take a different form with new protagonists — though there is a difference.”

MoMA decided to add the generic symbol rather than a specific version to the collection, which is a big difference from most acquisitions. The museum feels that the @ is an incredibly important piece of typography in both its form and function, and will feature several versions of the symbol.

Read more about the history of the @ symbol here.