Where objects speak and materials tell stories: Hella Jongerius’ retrospective at Vitra

From March 14th to September 6th, 2026, the Vitra Design Museum will host Hella Jongerius: Whispering Things, the first major retrospective of the Dutch designer. Considered one of the most influential designers of the past decades, Hella Jongerius has redefined contemporary design through a research-driven and poetic approach that bridges craft, industry, and imagination.

Explore Hella Jongerius’ designs across decades

The exhibition traces the full scope of Hella Jongerius’s designs, from her early experimental works with Droog Design in the 1990s to her iconic furniture, textiles, ceramics, and lighting projects. Visitors will encounter celebrated pieces such as the Pushed Washtub (1996), Polder Sofa (2005), and a monumental installation of three hundred Coloured Vases (2010), alongside recent experimental works like Woven Movie (2017) and Angry Animals (2021–present).

The retrospective also highlights Jongerius’ collaborations with Maharam, KLM, Camper, IKEA, and Vitra, revealing the creative dialogues that have shaped her multidisciplinary practice.

One of the most influential designers who shaped our reality

Hella Jongerius is recognized as one of the most influential designers of the 21st century, inspiring a generation of critically minded creatives. Her studio, JongeriusLab, exemplifies a methodical yet intuitive approach: layering ideas, drawing connections, experimenting with materials, and emphasizing the imperfect beauty of the handmade. The exhibition showcases how Jongerius transforms her extensive archive—prototypes, sketches, and experiments—into a source of ongoing innovation.

Experience the designer’s approach to craft and materiality

Whispering Things invites visitors to explore the delicate balance in Jongerius’ work between craft and industry, research and intuition. Through furniture, ceramics, textiles, and films, the exhibition illustrates how her designs prioritize relationships between people, objects, and materials, challenging traditional notions of product design.

Developed in collaboration with Hella Jongerius and curated by Glenn Adamson, the exhibition reflects her belief that design is less about problem-solving and more about connection, curiosity, and the serendipity of human interaction.