Light & Shape: Best of Belgian Design

Special exhibition
28 October 2014 – 25 January 2015

From 28 October 2014 until 25 January 2015, the Red Dot Design Museum Essen in Germany presents the special exhibition “Light & Shape: Best of Belgian Design”. From ultra-light luggage collection to unusual lamps: the exemplary selection of products from various living environments presents a cross-section of the current Belgian design standard.

When the town center of Essen is presented in its probably most beautiful light on the occasion of the 65th Light Weeks (65. Essener Lichtwochen), the Red Dot Design Museum Essen, located on the grounds of UNESCO world heritage Zollverein, will shine, too: Focusing on light and light-weight, shapely and innovative exhibits are on show, which document the potential of this year’s light weeks guest country Belgium including its creative minds and manufacturers. Belgian designs stand for top-class achievements at an international level combined with the highest degree of quality. All of the exhibits were awarded the renowned Red Dot in one of the world’s largest design competitions.

During their tour of the exhibition, visitors will meet among others the cylindrical pendant light “D2V2” by manufacturer Dark at night, which is reminiscent of an airplane engine or an oversized ventilator. The modular lounge concept “Elements” by Manutti fascinates as flexible outdoor furniture which has a clear design language that gives it a floating lightness. And the ultra-light luggage collection “Hartmann 7R” by Samsonite shows how a powerful, yet elegant appearance can be combined with a high degree of comfort and sturdy reliability for travelers. Touching and testing most of the exhibits is explicitly allowed, since outstanding design quality becomes apparent only in use.

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.