Story of Czech Design. From cubism to XXI century.

During the Design Week 2018 in Milan, the Gallery of the Czech Center in Milan, a masterpiece of Czechoslovak architecture of the 70s, becomes a place for comparison between the past and the future of Czech and Czechoslovak design, in a common thread that spans architecture , art and design. The exhibition offers a reflection on the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Czechoslovakia through the lens of design: an opportunity to scrutinize the life of the country and its social environment from a different perspective.

The exhibition, curated by Iva Knobloch (Prague Museum of Applied Arts)and Qubus, unfolds among iconic objects of the past confronted with contemporary design projects. Among the works on show, great design classics such as the Thonet chair n. 14, designed by Michael Thonet in 1860, the works of architect Pavel Janák, including the famous "Crystal" container, from his first Cubist production, the Favorit bicycle designed in the 50s, or the famous set of glasses with carafe by Adolf Matura, who in 1960 won the gold medal at the Milan Triennale. The objects of the Cubist period have an exclusive place: in addition to the works by Pavel Janák, it is also possible to see the renowned chair by Vlastislav Hofman, once again produced by the Czech Modernist society; the same company has recently also renewed the production of other known items, such as Ladislav Sutnar's toys from the 1930s. The selection of historical icons is accompanied by objects designed by great designers and contemporary architects such as Jan Kaplický, Olgoj Chorchoj and Maxim Velčovský.

The exhibition is done in collaboration with the Museum of Applied Arts in Prague and Qubus.

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