Founders Gallery of American Design, North Building

Art of the Airwaves: Portable Radios

June 14, 2025 – September 27, 2025

Curated by Mary Platt

Step back into the golden age of broadcast with this vibrant showcase of sleek, stylish and sometimes surprising portable radio designs from the 1940s through the 1960s. Featuring compact masterpieces that span the transition from tubes to transistors, this exhibition celebrates the ingenuity of American designers during the height of radio’s popularity. Drawn from museum founder Mark Hilbert’s acclaimed collection of American plastic shelf radios, these portable gems offer a nostalgic look at the intersection of technology, design and everyday life.

Around 1940, RCA made a significant breakthrough by introducing miniature tubes into radios. These tubes allowed the radios to be smaller and operate with lower voltages, which could be supplied by A and B batteries. Interestingly, some of these radios were designed to operate on both battery and 110 volt A/C, making them quite versatile. The new portables with miniature tubes were not only more compact and lightweight, but they also featured intriguing designs and vibrant colors, adding a touch of style to their functionality.

Fast-forward to the late 1950s, when the development of the transistor brought another wave of innovation. Transistors further reduced the need for two large batteries, requiring only one battery with lower voltage. This advancement significantly reduced the size and weight of the radios, making them even more portable and convenient for everyday use.

By the 1960s, portable radios, particularly transistor radios, became incredibly popular due to their affordability, portability and lightweight design. These radios were typically AM/FM and often featured colorful and stylish, plastic or metal cases. Brands like Emerson, Zenith and Sony were well-known for their portable radios during this era. These little transistor radios became a cultural icon of the swinging ’60s, appearing in teen movies, on campuses and on beach blankets everywhere.

It’s amazing to see how technology has evolved, making portable radios more accessible and user-friendly over the decades!