Christian Dell – From the Silver Can to the Gold Lane

With the special exhibition“Christian Dell – From the Silver Can to the Gold Lane”, the sam – Stadtmuseum am Markt honours one of the defining designers of the 20th century as part of the World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026. Running from 17 June to 15 November 2026, the exhibition presents a comprehensive overview of Dell’s artistic and creative work. Exhibits range from early silver objects and experimental plastic designs to his internationally renowned lighting designs.

Christian Dell is regarded as one of the key figures in German design history. After training as a silversmith in Hanau, he became workshop master at the State Bauhaus in Weimar before later heading the metal workshop at the Frankfurt School of Arts and Crafts. There, he influenced a generation of designers while also playing a significant role in the New Frankfurt movement, evolving from the creation of handcrafted one-off pieces to the development of high-quality serial products.

Dell became particularly well known for his Kaiser Idell lighting series, which remains an icon of modern design to this day. His work combines exceptional craftsmanship with functional clarity and a strong interest in innovative materials.
 

The exhibition explores the full breadth of Dell’s creative practice through a carefully curated selection of works and key milestones. Alongside silver objects, visitors can discover photographs and documents from the Bauhaus period. The exhibition also offers insights into Dell’s workshops, places of education, and the stages of his life in Wiesbaden, while showcasing rarely exhibited designs and everyday objects.

It tells a story of workshops and art schools, industrial mass production and creative experimentation, while demonstrating the close relationship between design history, social change and technological innovation. Particular attention is given to Dell’s connection with Wiesbaden and to the question of why his work is internationally recognised while the man himself has largely remained in the background.
Sabine Philipp, Director of the sam – Stadtmuseum am Markt, explains:

“Christian Dell never regarded design as an end in itself. His work demonstrates how good design can improve everyday life and be made accessible to many people – an idea that remains just as relevant today and is also reflected in the guiding principle of the World Design Capital 2026: ‘Design for Democracy. Atmospheres for a Better Life.’”