The Danish Architecture Center (DAC) is set to host a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the work of renowned designer Nanna Ditzel, known as “The Grand Dame of Danish Design.” The exhibition, titled “Nanna Ditzel: Breaking Free,” runs from January 24 to May 11, 2025.
Ditzel’s pioneering work in furniture design has had a lasting impact on the field. Born in 1923, she experimented with unconventional materials, such as foam rubber, polyester, and fiberglass, transforming traditional materials like wicker, laminated wood, and silver into innovative furniture and jewelry pieces.
The exhibition will showcase many of Ditzel’s iconic creations, including the Hanging Egg Chair, Hallingdal Fabric, and the Trinidad Chair. According to DAC, Ditzel’s work embodies the principles of Danish Modern, a design movement that emerged in the post-war period, characterized by the fusion of functionality and aesthetics.
Ditzel’s design philosophy centered on freedom and movement, challenging traditional furniture design and reimagining how the body interacts with space. Her work was heavily influenced by her collaboration with her husband, Jørgen Ditzel, with whom she founded a design studio in the 1950s.
The exhibition will be held at DAC’s Stairway Gallery in Copenhagen’s BLOX building, designed by OMA in 2018. Visitors can explore Ditzel’s groundbreaking designs and gain insight into her life and impact. The exhibition will be open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, with extended hours until 9 PM from Monday to Thursday.
Image Courtesy: architonic.com