The Museum of Modern Art Recalls Glass Little Wanderer Snow Globes Due to Laceration Hazard; Sold Exclusively at MoMA Design Stores

What was recalled

If you recently visited the Museum of Modern Art in New York or shopped at one of its designated MoMA Design Stores, you might have come home with a charming piece of decor: the "Little Wanderer" snow globe. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for these specific glass snow globes due to safety concerns that affect their structural integrity. This is not a broad recall affecting every MoMA product, but a targeted notice regarding this particular item, which was sold exclusively through the museum’s retail channels.

The product in question is a decorative glass snow globe featuring a plastic artwork figurine known as "Little Wanderer" suspended inside. These globes are designed with a sturdy wood base and measure approximately 4.5 inches high by 3.3 inches wide, making them a compact yet noticeable addition to any shelf or table. Inside the clear glass enclosure, you will find one of three variations of the figurine: it may be yellow, blue, or red. While the aesthetic appeal of these collectibles is undeniable, the recall focuses on the material used for the globe itself. The CPSC has identified that the glass construction in these specific units is prone to cracking or fracturing under normal conditions, which transforms a harmless decorative object into a potential source of injury.

The scope of this recall is defined by where and when these items were purchased. Consumers should check their receipts or order confirmations to see if they bought the snow globe exclusively at MoMA Design Stores. The official recall announcement was made on February 1, 2024, which serves as the key date for determining eligibility and urgency. If you acquired this item through any other retailer, third-party reseller, or online marketplace not directly affiliated with the museum’s official design stores, it may not be part of this specific government notice. However, given the exclusive nature of the sale channel, most affected consumers will have purchased directly from MoMA.

It is important to note that while the CPSC has documented 39 reports of these snow globes cracking or fracturing, no injuries have been reported to date. This statistic provides a bit of context but does not diminish the seriousness of the hazard. The fact that nearly forty units have failed suggests a manufacturing defect rather than isolated user error. If you own one of these glass snow globes with the Little Wanderer figurine, regardless of whether it has cracked yet, it is considered part of this recall batch. The museum is actively contacting all known purchasers to inform them of the issue and to facilitate the remedy, but proactive verification by the owner is still the safest first step.

The hazard, explained

When you pick up a snow globe, you are holding a carefully balanced collision of two very different materials: rigid glass and a sealed environment filled with liquid and suspended particles. The "Little Wanderer" snow globes recalled by the Museum of Modern Art rely on this delicate balance to create their charm. However, the core issue here is not the art inside, but the fragility of the container itself. Glass, while beautiful and transparent, has a specific weakness: it is brittle. Unlike plastic, which might bend or dent under pressure, glass tends to hold its shape until the moment it suddenly gives way. This recall highlights that specific mechanical failure point.

The physical mechanism of injury begins with stress. Snow globes are subjected to everyday forces that we often ignore. A slight bump against a bookshelf, the vibration of a heavy truck passing by outside, or even the simple act of setting it down too firmly on a hard surface can introduce micro-fractures into the glass structure. Over time, or sometimes instantly under the right conditions of stress, these tiny imperfections can cause the globe to crack or fracture completely. When this happens, the structural integrity fails. The smooth, protective shell that keeps the water and snowflakes contained shatters into sharp, jagged shards.

This is where the laceration hazard becomes immediate and serious. A shattered glass globe releases these sharp fragments with force, often scattering them across the floor or nearby surfaces. If you are holding the globe when it breaks, your hands are directly in the path of these shards. Even if you are not holding it, the sudden release of pressure can send glass flying. The resulting injuries are typically lacerations—deep cuts that can sever skin, damage underlying tissues, and potentially require medical attention such as stitches or tetanus shots. Because the globe is filled with liquid, the water also acts as a lubricant, making the floor slippery and increasing the risk of secondary falls while you are dealing with the broken glass.

It is important to understand that this hazard is not theoretical. The firm has already received 39 reports of these snow globes cracking or fracturing. While no injuries have been reported yet, each report represents a moment where the glass failed and sharp edges were exposed. The danger lies in the unpredictability of when the fracture will occur. One day the globe may look perfect; the next, a minor impact could turn it into a collection of sharp hazards. This is why the risk is considered significant despite the lack of reported injuries so far—it is a matter of probability and severity rather than frequency.

Furthermore, the design of these specific globes contributes to the risk profile. They measure 4.5 inches high by 3.3 inches wide, with a wood base. This shape creates a center of gravity that can be unstable if not placed on a perfectly level surface. The plastic figurine inside, while lightweight, adds internal volume that pressurizes the liquid slightly during temperature changes or physical handling. When the glass yields to this internal or external pressure, it does so catastrophically rather than gradually. There is no warning sign like a slow leak; there is only the sudden break.

Understanding this mechanism helps explain why simply "being careful" is not enough of a safety strategy. Glass fatigue is often invisible to the naked eye. A globe can appear intact while having internal stresses that make it prone to sudden failure. The laceration hazard is therefore not just about dropping the globe, but about any routine interaction with it—dusting, moving it for decoration, or even the natural settling of its base over time. The sharp edges created by such fractures are the primary danger, posing a direct threat to skin and eyes, which is why immediate cessation of use is the only reliable way to mitigate this specific physical risk.

Who is most at risk

When we talk about safety recalls involving glass objects like the Museum of Modern Art’s "Little Wanderer" snow globes, it is important to understand that while the physical hazard—a sharp piece of broken glass—can affect anyone, certain groups are more vulnerable to severe injury. The primary users of these decorative items are typically adults who purchase them for home decor, office spaces, or as gifts. However, the risk profile shifts significantly when we consider who might be interacting with these items in a domestic setting. Children are often the most at-risk demographic for several practical reasons. First, their curiosity leads them to handle objects that adults might leave alone. A snow globe is visually engaging; the swirling snow and colorful figurine invite touch and movement. If a child picks up the globe, shakes it, or drops it, the likelihood of the glass fracturing increases dramatically. Furthermore, children are smaller and closer to the ground. If the base breaks or the glass shatters while they are holding it, the resulting lacerations can be more serious because their skin is thinner and their bones are still developing. They may also lack the immediate impulse control to drop a heavy, sharp object quickly upon feeling discomfort.

Elderly individuals or those with mobility challenges also face heightened risks, though for different reasons. The recalled snow globes measure 4.5 inches high by 3.3 inches wide and sit on a wood base. While this size may seem modest, the combination of glass and wood can create a heavy, top-heavy object if not handled with care. For someone with reduced grip strength or steady hands, accidentally dropping the globe is a real possibility. Once the glass cracks or fractures, the sharp edges pose a significant laceration hazard that can be particularly dangerous for older adults whose skin heals more slowly and who may have underlying health conditions that complicate wound care. Additionally, if the broken glass falls to the floor, it creates a secondary hazard for anyone walking through the room, including caregivers or family members who might step on shards while trying to assist the elderly person.

It is also worth noting that pets can inadvertently become victims of these hazards. Dogs and cats are naturally drawn to moving objects, such as swirling snow inside a globe. If they paw at it or knock it off a shelf, the resulting breakage can leave sharp glass fragments in areas where animals roam. Pets cannot communicate pain clearly, and a small cut from glass can quickly become infected if not noticed early. Therefore, while the product is marketed to art lovers and collectors, the circle of potential exposure includes everyone who shares a living space with the owner. The CPSC’s decision to issue this recall underscores that safety is not just about the product itself, but about the environment in which it exists. By recognizing that children, the elderly, and even pets are part of the risk equation, we can better appreciate why immediate disposal is the recommended remedy rather than attempting to repair or store the item for later use.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action or contact MoMA, it is essential to confirm that your snow globe matches the specific items included in this recall. Because the Museum of Modern Art sells a wide variety of home decor and art-related products, it is easy to assume all their glass globes are part of this issue. However, this recall is very specific. You need to look for the exact combination of brand, model name, material, and dimensions described below. If your item differs in any significant way—such as having a different base material or a different figurine—it is likely not part of this particular safety notice.

First, check the branding and product name. The recalled items are explicitly labeled as "Little Wanderer" Snow Globes sold under the Museum of MoMA brand. Look for the distinctive plastic artwork figurine inside the glass sphere. According to the recall facts, these figurines come in three specific colors: yellow, blue, or red. If your snow globe contains a figurine of a different color, such as green, white, or black, it is not included in this recall.

Next, examine the physical construction and size of the globe. The recalled units are made of glass, which is the primary component posing the laceration hazard if cracked. They measure exactly 4.5 inches high by 3.3 inches wide. Crucially, these specific globes sit on a wood base. If your snow globe has a metal, plastic, or ceramic base, it is not one of the recalled items. The combination of the glass sphere, the "Little Wanderer" figurine in yellow, blue, or red, and the wooden base is the key identifier.

Finally, consider where and when you purchased the item. These snow globes were sold exclusively at MoMA Design Stores. If you bought your globe from a third-party retailer, an online marketplace like Amazon or eBay (unless it was an authorized MoMA Design Store listing), or a general department store, it is not part of this recall. The CPSC report specifies that the sales channel was limited to MoMA’s own retail locations. If you are unsure about your purchase history or cannot find the original packaging, you can verify the product details by visiting www.store.moma.org and clicking on the Help Center at the bottom of the page, or by contacting the MoMA Design Store directly at 800-793-3167. When in doubt, it is always safer to treat any glass snow globe with caution, but only the specific "Little Wanderer" models with wood bases are subject to this immediate recall order.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the recalled Museum of Modern Art "Little Wanderer" snow globes, your primary and most direct option is to request a full refund. It is important to understand that this specific recall does not offer a repair service or a replacement unit. Because the hazard involves the glass casing cracking or fracturing, which creates a sharp laceration risk, attempting to fix the globe would not eliminate the danger. Similarly, sending you another globe with the same design and materials would simply transfer the potential safety issue to you. Therefore, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and MoMA have determined that discarding the item and receiving your money back is the only safe and appropriate remedy.

The Museum of Modern Art has stated that they are actively contacting all known purchasers to facilitate this process. If you bought the snow globe recently, you may already be hearing from them. However, if you have not been contacted, or if you purchased the item some time ago and simply want to ensure your safety, you should take the initiative to reach out. The remedy is straightforward: you stop using the product immediately, dispose of it safely to prevent anyone else from getting hurt, and then contact MoMA to get your funds returned.

To process your refund, you have several convenient ways to get in touch with the MoMA Design Store. You can call their dedicated customer service line at 800-793-3167. When you call, please note that representatives are available from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. This window allows ample time during the workday to speak with someone who can assist you without needing to wait for an extended period.

If you prefer written communication or want to keep a record of your request, emailing them is an excellent option. You can send an email to order_services@moma.org. To ensure your request is processed quickly and correctly, it is crucial that you use the specific subject line "RECALL" in your email. This helps their team categorize your message immediately so it does not get lost in general customer inquiries.

For those who prefer managing their accounts online, MoMA provides a digital help center for this recall. You can visit https://storehelpcenter.moma.org/hc/en-us/articles/22508238195853-Recall directly. Alternatively, you can go to www.store.moma.org and scroll to the bottom of the homepage to click on the "Help Center." From there, look for the recall information to guide you through the steps. Whether you call, email, or visit online, the goal is the same: to get your money back while ensuring this hazardous product is removed from your home.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to throw away a beautiful piece of decor like the Museum of Modern Art’s "Little Wanderer" snow globe. These items are not just mass-produced trinkets; they are curated design objects that hold aesthetic value and sentimental weight. When you see a crack forming in the glass, your first instinct is likely to patch it up, seal it with tape, or simply hope that the damage won’t worsen. You might think that because no injuries have been reported yet, the risk is negligible. However, ignoring this defect introduces a significant and unnecessary danger into your home environment that outweighs the comfort of keeping the item.

The core issue here is the structural integrity of glass under stress. Glass snow globes are subjected to constant pressure from the liquid inside and the weight of the plastic figurine. When the glass begins to crack or fracture, that structural weakness spreads with every minor vibration, temperature change, or accidental bump. A hairline fracture can remain stable for a while, giving you a false sense of security. But glass does not heal; it only degrades. The moment that compromised area gives way completely, the globe will shatter. This is not a gradual leak like a water bottle; it is a sudden, catastrophic failure.

The consequence of ignoring this hazard is exposure to sharp, jagged shards of broken glass. Unlike tempered glass, which breaks into small, dull cubes, typical decorative snow globes use standard glass that fractures into long, thin, razor-sharp pieces. If you are handling the globe, dusting it, or if a child or pet accidentally knocks it over while it is already weakened, the result can be severe lacerations. These injuries often target the hands and fingers, which are the primary points of contact during cleanup or inspection. A deep cut from a snow globe shard requires medical attention, potentially leading to stitches, infection risk, and significant pain that could have been entirely avoided by discarding the item earlier.

Furthermore, consider who else might be in your home. While the CPSC has not yet recorded any injuries for this specific recall, the company has received 39 reports of the globes cracking or fracturing. This data indicates a pattern of failure that is becoming more frequent. By keeping the globe, you are gambling with the safety of family members who may not be as careful as you are. A toddler exploring the floor or an elderly person navigating the room could step on or brush against the shards if the globe breaks. The "laminated" safety layers found in some products do not apply here; this is pure, brittle glass. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is free from hidden sharp hazards is worth far more than the cost of the snow globe.

Finally, there is the emotional toll of living with a defective item. Every time you glance at it, you are reminded of its fragility and the potential danger it poses. This creates a low-level anxiety that detracts from the joy the decor was meant to bring. By following through with the recall, you remove this source of stress entirely. You do not need to carry the burden of preventing an accident that the manufacturer has already identified as likely. The risk is real, the mechanism of injury is clear, and the remedy is free. Choosing to ignore it leaves you vulnerable to a preventable physical harm for the sake of keeping a broken object.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a defect in a particular line of decorative glass snow globes, the underlying principle applies to many household items that combine fragile materials with everyday use. Glass decor, whether it is a snow globe, a vase, or a lampshade, poses a unique challenge because its beauty often comes at the cost of structural resilience. To keep your home safe without sacrificing style, start by understanding where these items live in your daily routine. High-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and living room centers are natural collision zones for children playing, pets running, or even adults carrying trays of food. When placing glass objects in these spaces, ask yourself: if this were to fall, what would it hit? If the answer is a hard floor, a sharp corner, or a busy walkway, consider moving it to a lower shelf, a display cabinet with glass doors, or a quieter room where the risk of accidental impact is significantly reduced.

Another critical aspect of preventing laceration hazards is how you handle and clean these items. Many people assume that because a glass object is stationary, it does not require careful handling during maintenance. However, dusting or rearranging decorations is when most breakages occur. Always pick up glass decor with two hands, ensuring your grip is dry and secure. Avoid placing heavy books or other objects on top of or directly against glass displays, as the pressure can create micro-fractures that are invisible to the naked eye but weaken the structure over time. If you notice any existing chips, scratches, or cracks in your glass items, treat them with the same urgency as a recalled product. A small defect can expand rapidly under temperature changes or minor bumps, turning a harmless decorative piece into a sharp hazard.

Finally, proactive awareness is your best defense against unexpected dangers. The consumer product landscape is vast, and manufacturers occasionally discover defects after items have been sold to homes across the country. Make it a habit to periodically check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or sign up for their email alerts. This simple step ensures you are informed about recalls affecting your specific brands and types of products before an incident occurs. Additionally, consider the broader context of your home’s safety ecosystem. For instance, if you have young children or active pets, installing safety latches on display cabinets or using museum putty to secure heavy items can provide an extra layer of protection. By combining mindful placement, careful handling, and regular safety checks, you create a home environment where beauty and safety coexist harmoniously.

• Assess Placement: Avoid placing fragile glass decor in high-traffic zones or near stairs where falls are more likely to result in impact.
• Handle with Care: Always use two hands when moving decorations, and inspect them regularly for hidden stress lines or chips.
• Stay Informed: Subscribe to CPSC recall alerts to ensure you know about safety issues affecting your products before they become dangerous.