Brussels 2022

Design and Transformation. Stories of Czech Design 1990-2020

Installation of exhibits from the exhibition, which was prepared on the occasion of the Czech Republic’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union by the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (UMPRUM) in cooperation with the Moravian Gallery in Brno, the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic and other government institutions. The exhibition took place at the Design Museum Brussels (September 7, 2022–January 8, 2023).

The Design and Transformation exhibition showed that the term Czech design does not only include Czech cubism, studio glass or Škoda cars. There are many more remarkable products and works associated with the Czech Republic. It followed the relationship between the transformation of society and design production. Above all, the exhibition focused on the rich stories of companies that document centuries-old Czech cultural and craft traditions. It did not just look back – it also followed the strategies with which today’s designers approach technological, ecological and ethical challenges.

The exhibition presented 14 selected companies (Amanita Design, BOMMA, Botas/PÁR, Český porcelán, Egoé, Lasvit, LINET, mmcité, Strážnický modrotisk, Prusa Research, Škoda Auto, Textile Mountain, TON, Unique Client). These are not only companies with a long history, but also new ones that are coming to the forefront of modern design.