Starting this summer, the Stedelijk presents an extensive selection of design from its world-class collection. The show features over 300 objects that over the past 125 years—were landmarks of design innovation and excellence. Visitors are invited to explore design history, from a Thonet bench, one of the oldest pieces in the collection, to acclaimed designs by the Wiener Werkstätte, the Amsterdam School, Scandinavian design, the advent of plastics in the ‘60s, the colourful Italian Memphis designs of the ‘80s, and the successful school of Dutch design, which emerged in the ‘90s.

The Stedelijk invited artist-designer Bas van Beek to advise on the interior and add a contemporary twist. He responded with a number of special interventions, playing with ‘quotes’ from design classics. Bas van Beek blended references to historical designs by Dagobert Peche (Wiener Werkstätte), K.P.C. de Bazel (Nieuwe Kunst), Lambertus Zwiers (Amsterdam School) and Nathalie du Pasquier (Memphis) into new wallcoverings and animations that evoke a unique mood in every gallery.

ABOUT THE DESIGN COLLECTION OF THE STEDELIJK MUSEUM AMSTERDAM

The Stedelijk Museum has been exhibiting furniture and other designs for the interior for almost 125 years. The Stedelijk has an internationally renowned collection of modern design of over 50,000 items, comprising applied art and industrial and graphic design. The Stedelijk first hosted design exhibitions in 1895, shortly after its inception, and began actively collecting design in 1934. Particular highlights of the collection include the Amsterdam School, Scandinavian design, Italian postmodern Memphis design, Dutch design and furniture produced through the early use of new techniques such as 3D printing. The museum is also home to an extensive collection of Rietveld furniture that features many unique pieces.