Antonelli has curated numerous shows, lectured worldwide and has served on several international architecture and design juries. She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Milan, and has earned Honorary Doctorate degrees from the Royal College of Art and Kingston University, London, the ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, and Pratt Institute in New York. 

Antonelli's goal as Senior Curator of Architecture & Design at The Museum of Modern Art, as well as MoMA’s founding Director of Research & Development, is to promote design’s public understanding until its positive influence on the world is universally acknowledged. Her work investigates design’s impact on everyday experience and possible futures, combining design, architecture, art, science, and technology.