Smart Materials and Solutions for better Product Design

Special exhibition
19 November 2015 – 10 January 2016 | 15:00 – 15:00 h

In an age of increasing visualisation and digitalisation, the sensory experience of one’s own environment is of particular significance. The materials in the products that surround us in our daily lives are therefore our link to reality – they make it tangible. For this reason, the Red Dot Design Museum Essen in Germany presents the exhibition “Smart Materials and Solutions for better Product Design” from 19 November 2015 until 10 January 2016. It shows intelligent materials, new products and surprising detail solutions which are both sensible and sensory.

Ever new developments in materials allow designers and manufacturers to explore new design and production application areas. As such, materials act as the driving force for product innovation, technological progress and economic success. In the form of well thought-out products, they play a role in improving our quality of life.

From nanotech materials and organoid surfaces to components for the furniture industry, the “Smart Materials for better Design” exhibition showcases around 80 innovations and invites visitors to discover materials which open up new possibilities for designing future living and housing spaces. All the exhibits have received a prize in the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2015 in the “Materials and surfaces” category or in the “interzum award: intelligent material & design 2015”. Some have even won awards at both competitions.

The exhibition addresses both a professional audience and design fans. “Smart Materials and Solutions for better Product Design” offers a comprehensive source of inspiration especially for designers and manufacturers, and invites visitors to discover materials.

Admission: 9 € (Reduced: 4 €)
Children under 12: Free admission

20 June 2023 – 31 May 2024

Special exhibition

Milestones in Contemporary Design 2023–2024

The exhibition on the first floor presents the best products of 2023 - the current milestones in international product design.

20 June 2023 – 31 May 2024

Special exhibition

Design on Stage 2023–2024

Award-winning products from all over the world are guests at the Red Dot Design Museum until the end of May 2024.

22 February 2024 – 2 June 2024

Special exhibition

Colours of Our Time – Identity and Difference in Design

The special exhibition on the theme of "Colour in Design" can be seen from 22 February to 2 June 2024.

12 April 2024 – 26 May 2024

Special exhibition

"World’s Best Communication Design 2023 and Highlights from NRW"

The Red Dot Design Museum in Essen is showing award-winning communication design from around the world in the exhibition "World’s Best Communication Design 2023 and Highlights from NRW".

26 May 2024 | 14:00 – 15:00 h

Public tour

Public guided tours: "Colours of Our Time"

The Red Dot Design Museum offers a half-hour public tour at 2 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. each Sunday. Participation is free of charge (however, the normal museum admission fee must be paid).

Please note: The tour will be conducted in German!

30 May 2024 | 13:00 – 15:00 h

Public tour

Family Day at Zollverein: Free public guided tours at the Red Dot Design Museum

Family Day at Zollverein: The Red Dot Design Museum is offering public tours every half hour between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission to the museum is on a "Pay What You Want" basis. Participation in the tours is free of charge.

Please note: The tours will be conducted in German

10 June 2024 – 24 June 2024

Permanent exhibition

Museum closed

The Red Dot Design Museum will be closed as of 10 until 24 June 2024 for the public. During this period, we are preparing two new special exhibitions for our visitors: "Milestones in Contemporary Design 2024" and "Design on Stage 2024". Starting Tuesday, 25 June 2024, the exhibitions will be open for the public.