Utopias and reality

Applied Arts and Design of the 20th Century

Finn Juhl chair and drawings

The point of departure for the permanent exhibition comprises several of the dominant ideas and thoughts – utopias – which have been significant for mankind and society in the 20th century and are recognisable in design. This is the approach of the exhibition as regards such aspects as the early 20th century avant-garde design dream of a new and better world; functionalism’s FDB furniture seen as a social tool, and the 1990s globalisation and visions of ecology and recycling.

Nimbus motor bike

Represented in one large room is the story of speed and slowness and the aesthetics of what is made by hand and by machine in design throughout the entire 20th century.
Other rooms are dedicated to great Danish designers such as Kaare Klint, Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen and Verner Panton.

Early Functionalism

The exhibition’s many classics of Danish design are displayed in an international perspective by juxtaposition with design icons from other countries. The changing design tendencies are elucidated in context with developments in architecture and interior decoration.

Lamps by Verner Panton

Last updated 21.09.2009