Forever Young Exhibition
From June 18 to September 11, 2021, the Gallery of the Czech Center Berlin presented Forever Young, an exhibition showcasing iconic works of Czech functionalist design and furniture manufacturing. The exhibited pieces, originally created in the 1930s, remain strikingly modern and continue to align with contemporary design trends.
The exhibits featured designs by Bauhaus-inspired architects and designers, including Jindřich Halabala, Jan Vaněk, Karel Ort, and Ladislav Žák. These designers worked for five renowned Czechoslovak companies—Slezák, Vichr, UP Závody, Gottwald, and Mücke & Melder—brands recognized for their timeless design, high-quality materials, and expert craftsmanship. Their work continues to be highly regarded, not only by collectors but also by design enthusiasts.
“The aim of this project is to introduce the German audience to Czechoslovak functionalist design and its place within the broader European context—particularly its dialogue with the ideas of the German Bauhaus school," explains exhibition curator Olaf Pospíšil from the Prague Design Icons online gallery. "Czechoslovak functionalist architecture has gained increasing recognition in Germany, with architects and cultural enthusiasts visiting the Czech Republic to explore exceptional buildings by Bohuslav Fuchs and others. However, Czechoslovak functionalist furniture and design remain largely unknown in Germany, which is why we are presenting them here for the first time."
In addition to the furniture display, visitors had the opportunity to learn about the history of the manufacturers and the life stories of the designers. Digital replicas of original catalogs and posters were available on tablets, providing further insight into the Czechoslovak style—an aesthetic that emerged in the early 20th century in response to international modernism, influenced by the German Bauhaus and other avant-garde movements.
In addition to the furniture display, visitors had the opportunity to learn about the history of the manufacturers and the life stories of the designers. Digital replicas of original catalogs and posters were available on tablets, providing further insight into the Czechoslovak style—an aesthetic that emerged in the early 20th century in response to international modernism, influenced by the German Bauhaus and other avant-garde movements.
“The furniture on display has been used in Czech and Slovak households for nearly a century, and with minimal restoration, it continues to rival today's mass-produced alternatives,” says Šárka Krtková, leader of the exhibition project. “The materials used are exceptionally durable, ensuring longevity and sustainability. Although the designers of the time may not have consciously prioritized sustainability, their work naturally fostered long-lasting, high-quality living solutions. Their approach can serve as a valuable model and inspiration for contemporary designers in the Czech Republic and Germany.”
The exhibition was supported by the Czech-German Fund for the Future and the Czech Architecture Foundation and was organized in collaboration with the online galleries Prague Design Icons, Zeitlos Berlin, and the Czech Center Berlin.
Exhibition dates: June 18 - September 11, 2021
Tschechisches Zentrum Berlin / Czech Center Berlin
Wilhelmstraße 44 / Mohrenstraße
10117 Berlin