Gallarate becomes a meeting point for the historical excellence and innovative drive of new generations, focusing on the interplay between art and design rather than just the object itself. Two exhibits guide visitors through this journey of understanding. The first, “Arte e Design. Design è Arte“, pays tribute to the rich tradition of Italian design from the 1950s to 2000.
Curated by Emma Zanella, Vittoria Broggini, and Alessandro Castiglioni, this exhibition draws inspiration from a project by Philippe Daverio, which offered a deep dive into the MA*GA collections and key figures in Italian design. It retraces the dialogue between visual arts and design in the post-war period, celebrating an era of relentless innovation and experimentation.
Through five thematic sections, the exhibition explores how design has responded to various cultural, economic, and sociological issues. From iconic objects like Gio Ponti chairs and Bruno Munari lamps to reflections on the relationship between objects and space during the economic boom, and the radical creativity of the 1980s, the exhibition provides an in-depth look at the evolution of expressive design languages.
Scimmietta Zizì, design Bruno Munari
Atanasio Soldati, Ambiguità
In parallel, “HYPERDESIGN” explores contemporary design and its developments from 2000 onwards, focusing on crucial themes of today such as sustainability, security, and inclusivity. Curated by Chiara Alessi, this exhibit is described as a “work in progress” showcasing the transition of design into new practices and technologies.
“The new millennium began with a euphoria for widely accessible production tools, and design’s adventure into uncharted territories, breaking traditional boundaries of expertise, materials, and types,” says Alessi. “We aim to tell the story of this hyperdesign, characterized by multiple, possible presents—with a focus not only on what and how, but also on for whom.”
Among the showcased designers are figures like Odo Fioravanti, known for using recycled materials, and Formafantasma, who innovate with natural polymers and biodegradable materials. New millennium design also explores the potential of open-source technologies with projects like Arduino, which embodies the new frontier of collaborative design.
The exhibition environment, curated by Parasite 2.0, is designed to go beyond the traditional museum format, becoming an interactive and dynamic space that engages visitors in the creative process. The works and projects are displayed within an installation featuring architectural elements like metal tubes and floating floors, emphasizing the concept of ever-evolving design.
Parasite2.0 Under Construction
In addition to the exhibitions, the museum offers a rich program of talks and conferences to explore historical and contemporary design themes. These events invite the public to reflect on the connections between the past, present, and future of design through the lens of Italian tradition, which continues to influence the international landscape.
