DANSK LYS – Lighting and Lamp Design from Denmark

Special exhibition
15 November 2016 – 15 January 2017 | 14:00 – 14:00 h

Design lovers and fans of lighting design can look forward to Danish lighting design: The exhibition “DANSK LYS – Lighting and Lamp Design from Denmark” is on show at at the Red Dot Design Museum Essen in Germany from 15 November 2016 until 15 January 2017. The Royal Danish Embassy in Berlin presents it on occasion of the Essener Lichtwochen, a festival of illumination in the city of Essen.

“Danish Design” is a phenomenon but what about “Danish lighting design”? Both is based on functionalism. Danish lighting design focuses on the interplay between light and man. This counts for the design of lamps as well as lighting for rooms and buildings. In short Danish lighting design takes into account that light plays a huge role in the quality of our lives. Danish lighting design stands for simplicity – true to the motto “Less is more”. The design is also characterised by a certain feeling for the colours of light, the use of screens and the moods of light. Modern functions of today are now added: The use of LED, robust materials, energy efficiency and new ways of light control.

The exhibition “DANSK LYS – Lighting and Lamp Design from Denmark” shows iconic lamps by Arne Jacobsen and Verner Panton as well as new and playful designs by Cecilie Manz, Nicholai Wiig Hansen and the Designduo Gamfratesi among several others. A key statement is that lighting design is much more than the design of lamps. The exhibition features therefore also prize-winning lighting concepts for indoor and outdoor locations: A theatre, a harbour area and a train station is among the cases on show. Last but not least a couple of cases illustrate how Danish lighting design integrates sustainability and energy efficiency - without compromising on aesthetics.

The exhibition is produced by the Royal Danish Embassy Berlin in cooperation with the Danish Centre for Lighting Design, State of Green and the Red Dot Design Museum and supported by the Danish Arts Foundation and the Danish Foreign Ministry.

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.