ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Enzo Mari Retrospective Opens at Design Museum London

exhibition · 2026-04-26

The Design Museum in London presents the inaugural significant retrospective of Italian designer Enzo Mari in the UK, curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Francesca Giacomelli, which will be open until September 8, 2024. This exhibition, first created by Triennale Milano in 2020, showcases Mari's extensive sixty-year career, highlighting early partnerships with Bruno Munari, renowned puzzles for Danese, and classic designs for global brands. Archive materials are arranged on tables crafted using Mari's unique self-design technique. Additionally, the exhibition features artistic tributes, including oversized initials by Barbara Stauffacher Solomon and a neon zoo by Nanda Vigo. A complimentary display titled 'Grazie Enzo,' curated by Esme Hawes, showcases works from 13 designers, including Andu Masebo and Martino Gamper.

Key facts

  • First major UK retrospective of Enzo Mari at Design Museum London
  • Curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist with Francesca Giacomelli
  • Originally produced by Triennale Milano in 2020
  • Exhibition runs until September 8, 2024
  • Chronological survey of Mari's 60-year career
  • Includes tributes by Barbara Stauffacher Solomon and Nanda Vigo
  • Free display 'Grazie Enzo' features 13 London-based designers
  • Martino Gamper created two 1:5 scale coffins for Mari and Lea Vergine

Entities

Artists

  • Enzo Mari
  • Hans Ulrich Obrist
  • Francesca Giacomelli
  • Tim Marlow
  • John Pawson
  • Bruno Munari
  • Barbara Stauffacher Solomon
  • Nanda Vigo
  • Esme Hawes
  • Andu Masebo
  • Studio Mama
  • Jasper Morrison
  • Martino Gamper
  • Lea Vergine

Institutions

  • Design Museum London
  • Triennale Milano
  • C-mine Genk
  • Danese
  • Sound Advice
  • APFEL

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Genk
  • Belgium
  • Kensington High Street
  • Hackney
  • East London

Sources