The Danish architect and designer Verner Panton (1926-1998) is one of the most important designers of the 20th century. His work ranges from furniture, textiles and lighting to sculptures, buildings and interiors that radically redefined the design possibilities of color and light. Panton would have been 100 years old in 2026. The exhibition planned for this occasion in the Vitra Design Museum's Schaudepot will present Panton's work in a chronological, thematic structure. Key objects such as the Panton Chair (ca. 1956-1967) or the Visiona exhibition (1970) will have their own dedicated chapters. The context of Panton's work will also be examined, which was characterized by the possibilities of new plastics and manufacturing processes as well as the social upheavals of the post-war period and the space enthusiasm of the so-called Space Age.
The core of the exhibition consists of Verner Panton's archives, most of which the designer donated to the Vitra Design Museum in 1989. These holdings include approximately 680 pieces of furniture, prototypes and models, more than 200 light fixtures and around 40,000 sheets of plans, drawings, correspondence and company documents. The museum's collection also includes around 300 fabric samples designed by Verner Panton for the Mira-X company.
With its exceptional pieces, some of which have never been exhibited before, its contemporary design and the renewed and growing social interest in holistic and avant-garde design ideas, the exhibition appeals to a wide audience.
Research for the exhibition and preparation of the content are supported by cooperation with Verner Panton AG in Basel.
With its exceptional pieces, some of which have never been exhibited before, its contemporary design and the renewed and growing social interest in holistic and avant-garde design ideas, the exhibition appeals to a wide audience.
Research for the exhibition and preparation of the content are supported by cooperation with Verner Panton AG in Basel.
