Hella Jongerius: Whispering Things
Dutch designer and artist Hella Jongerius has been one of the defining figures in contemporary design for decades. With the exhibition ‘Hella Jongerius: Whispering Things’, the Vitra Design Museum is dedicating its first major retrospective to her from 14 March to 6 September 2026. The exhibition offers a comprehensive insight into more than three decades of her work – from early experimental pieces to iconic products and more recent sculptural ceramics.
On display are furniture, textiles, ceramics, sketches, prototypes and films, including numerous projects for companies such as Maharam, KLM, Camper, IKEA and Vitra, as well as for institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In total, the exhibition comprises more than 400 objects, many of which come from the designer's extensive archive, which has been in the care of the Vitra Design Museum since 2024.
Three Decades of Design Research
The exhibition traces Jongerius' development from her early work with the Dutch collective Droog Design in the 1990s to her most recent artistic projects. It illustrates how she has developed her unique position at the intersection of craftsmanship and industrial production over the years. Her works are characterised by a particular sensitivity to materials, colours and manufacturing processes, often combining experimental techniques with a collage-like aesthetic.
Insight Into Four Fields of Work
The exhibition is divided into four sections that reveal different facets of Hella Jongerius' practice. “Dirty Hands” is dedicated to her early experiments and the importance of haptics and craftsmanship. ‘Business Class’ provides insight into her collaboration with international companies and various design processes. ‘Feeling Eye’ focuses on her exploration of colour, material and textile design, while ‘Cosmic Mind’ brings together works that move between art and design and address relationships between humans, animals and objects.
Accompanying the exhibition is a catalogue designed by Dutch graphic designer Joost Grootens, with contributions by Alice Rawsthorne, Paola Antonelli, Louise Schouwenberg and Christel Vester, as well as a comprehensive catalogue raisonné.
After its premiere at the Vitra Design Museum, the exhibition will be on display at the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg from 16 October 2026.
