The collection encompasses several thousand 2D and 3D items, documenting Polan’s trajectory from his formative years in Franklin and Ann Arbor to his career as an influential New York illustrator. It includes original sketches, preparatory materials, zines, and a complete archive of his commercial product designs for brands like UNIQLO and Warby Parker. Notably, the acquisition preserves personal artifacts from his final apartment, offering a holistic view of the creative process behind his most famous work, including the ambitious public project Every Person in New York and his Taco Bell Drawing Club.

Patricia Mooradian, president and CEO of The Henry Ford, stated that the artist’s values of curiosity and authenticity align with the museum’s mission. For Polan, who passed away from cancer at age 37, the institution was a lifelong touchstone; he frequently visited as a child and later featured its iconic artifacts, such as the Wienermobile, in his New York Times column. The museum is currently digitizing the collection for online access and plans to debut a major retrospective exhibition in the spring of 2028.