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Simplicity as a design principle

Special exhibition
26 November 2019 – 8 March 2020 | 18:22 – 18:22 h

In the exhibition "Simplicity" everything revolves around the principle of simplicity in design. Using historical and contemporary design objects, the exhibition makes it clear that simplicity has many different facets - in addition to an aesthetic one, for example, also an economic, a functional and an emotional component. Simplicity in design does not only mean a minimalist appearance, but in many cases also an actual simplification of the products, i.e. a reduction in their complexity and thus an improvement in the user experience. And so the exhibition makes it comprehensible what Leonardo Da Vinci meant when he once said: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

Simplicity is a timeless principle


Simplicity in product design only gained relevance with the beginning of industrialisation at the end of the 18th century. With the introduction of mechanical manufacturing, more and more products had to be designed in such a way that they could be produced efficiently within the framework of industrial mass production. Simplicity was simply a means to an end and became the key principle of modernism.

To this day, the design principle of simplicity has lost none of its relevance and topicality. Because the more complex the products with all the underlying technology are, the more important a reduced design is so that they remain controllable. Simplicity is therefore also an approach to mastering the complex challenges of the future.

 

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

Fridays: Pay what you want

» Download exhibition brochure


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.

25 June 2024 – 1 June 2025

Special exhibition

Milestones in Contemporary Design 2024–2025

The exhibition on the first floor presents the best products of 2024 the current milestones in international product design.

25 June 2024 – 1 June 2025

Special exhibition

Design on Stage 2024–2025

Award-winning products from all over the world are guests at the Red Dot Design Museum until the end of May 2025.