From 18 to 26 October, Eindhoven will host the 25 edition of Dutch Design Week. This week, Dutch Design Daily presents a number of highlights, today the exhibition Bridging Minds at the Van Abbemuseum.
The design exhibition Bridging Minds invites visitors to discover the connecting power of design. Design builds bridges between different worlds, fields of work and desires. It connects questions and solutions. Guest curator Miriam van der Lubbe, strategic designer and Creative Head at Dutch Design Week, brings together some 100 works by designers and artists from the Van Abbemuseum’s collection and beyond. From Hella Jongerius, Maarten Baas, Niels Hoebers, Jalila Essaïdi and Formafantasma to Femke Hoppenbrouwer, Marcos Kueh, Simon Dogger and Bas Timmer.
Positive and optimistic
Design makes our daily lives better, but also contributes to tackling major social issues. Climate change, social inequality and emerging technologies: designers work on the challenges of our time with optimism and positive input. Van der Lubbe: ‘In choosing the works, I took action perspective as my starting point; designs and artworks that not only reflect but really contribute to something. This makes Bridging Minds an exhibition that shows how design actively helps shape the future.’ Besides the forward momentum of design, the Van Abbemuseum’s region also plays a role in the selection process: ‘Eindhoven is the design capital of the Netherlands. A geographical focal point where technology, design and knowledge come together.’
Ten rooms, ten themes
Bridging Minds spreads across the ten rooms of the Old Building of the Van Abbemuseum. Each room shows with a different theme what design means for users and society. For instance, there is a space about feeling safe. With a small gesture or powerful signal: designers such as Jalila Essaïdi and Bas Timmer reflect on what it takes to be able to protect yourself and each other. The next room focuses on the relationship between humans and technology. From simple mechanisms to advanced AI, makers such as László Moholy-Nagy and Ricky van Broekhoven create inspiring experiences with technology. In another space, work by Alissa+Nienke and Dan Graham, among others, pays attention to care and well-being. Think smart tools, unusual materials or soothing forms. The other seven rooms deal with connection, inclusion, empowerment, innovation, nature, raw materials and freedom.
Deelnemende ontwerpers en kunstenaars
A+N Studio, Alberto Gruarin – Stichting Next Nature Network, Amina Zemouli, Anne Ligtenberg, Atelier NL, Bas Timmer / Sheltersuit Foundation, Béla Bezold, Ben van Kemenade, Bruno Doedens, Christien Meindertsma, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Cindy van den Bremen, Daan Sonnemans & Anabel Poh, Dan Graham, Daphna Laurens, Dave Hakkens, Dick Raaijmakers (Kid Baltan), Dina Lebbar, Dirk van der Kooij, Donald Judd, Éric van Hove, Eibert Draisma, Eros Risiglione, Femke Hoppenbrouwer, Frits Lensvelt, Guerilla Girls, Guiseppe Penone, Hella Jongerius, Hikaru Imamura, Ian Wilson, Jalila Essaïda, Jan Dibbets, Jane Stjeward (Tailors and Wearers), Job, Joris & Marieke, John Körmeling, Joris Laarman Lab, Jitze Orij, Jurgen Bey, Klarenbeek & Dros, Kuang-Yi Ku, Lara van der Poel, Lonny van Ryswyck, Luud Schimmelpennink, László Moholy-Nagy, M. C. Escher, Maarten Baas, Manon van Hoeckel i.s.m. Stichting Severinus & Kleinkijkacademie, Marcos Kueh, Marina Abramović & Ulay, Marlene Dumas, Marte Mei, MVRDV / Winy Maas, Nacho Carbonell, Niels Hoebers, Noa Jansma, Ontwerpteam van DAF 600 o.l.v. Joan van der Brugghen, Panamarenko, patricia kaersenhout, Pauline van Dongen, Piet Hein Eek, Piet Mondriaan, Project KOVR – Marcha Schagen & Leon Baauw, Ruud Scheerens & Wladimir Manshanden, Rutger Muller – Nikolai Gillissen – Ricky van Broekhoven, Sander Verdiesen & APOPO, Simon Dogger, Social label Lab x Brigit Vermeulen (Warenhuisvermeulen), Sondi, Steeven Macal, Studio Formafantasma, Studio i, Studio Ro Smit, Terre des Hommes & Lemz, The Niteshop, Thomas Mair, Thomas Schütte, Those Vegan Cowboys, Tony Cragg, Trees Merx, Van Eijk & Van der Lubbe, Victor Sonna, Yamuna Forzani, Zoönomisch Instituut – Klaas Kuitenbrouwer, Wietske Nutma.
Exhibtion ‘Bridging Minds‘
Dutch Design Week 2025
Van Abbemuseum
18 October, 2025 – 18 January, 2026
ddw.nl/bridging-minds
Photography: Dutch Design Daily
