Art Design Fashion and the Museum of Applied Arts.
The innovative concept and stunning atmosphere of the Moravian Gallery in Brno have made it a top exhibition space in Europe. Visitors of all ages are drawn to explore every nook and cranny of the museum, from the ground floor to the rooftop. Please read more below. Full credits can be found at the end of the article.
History and Reconstruction of the Museum of Applied Arts
The Museum of Applied Arts was constructed in 1873 and has since been filled with various historical and period pieces showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the time. The building’s spacious interior highlights the contemporary artistic sensibility inspired by the Florentine Renaissance. During the 19th century, there was a significant increase in the number of museums dedicated to the applied arts, in response to the decline of artistic craftsmanship due to the rise of mechanical production brought about by the era of industrial production and technology.
In 1945, the building underwent its first complete reconstruction to repair damages caused during wartime and to add interior extensions and additions. However, these additions were later deemed insensitive. At the turn of the millennium (1999-2001), the Museum of Applied Arts underwent another reconstruction due to the growing collection size. Unfortunately, this caused the museum to become a mere repository of objects, and the building and technical equipment began to deteriorate. Inadequate repository space forced museum furniture into visitor areas. During further renovations, experts carefully installed modern technology while also cleaning the interior decorative spaces. Now, the original magnificence of the visually captivating interior is once again on display.
Unique exhibition space is back
The museum tour’s spacious ambiance is further heightened by newly constructed walkways, courtesy of Olgoj Chorchoj architectural-design studio, which seamlessly connects the floors. The walkways were ingeniously installed in an unused vertical space beneath the skylight, creating a design heaven that’s perfect for site-specific installations by renowned artists in the field.
There was a solution for managing the collection repository that housed a multitude of unexhibited objects. It involved dividing the space into a series of floor-to-ceiling display cases that could be viewed from a platform. This innovative design not only showcased the objects but also facilitated research activities that were previously carried out in warehouses and repositories.
On the ground floor, you can find pop art exhibitions, student events, and small-scale projects. There’s also a grand hall that leads to the different sections of the ART DESIGN FASHION exhibition. If you go up to the first floor, you can enjoy a view of the hall below. Both spaces are related to each other in terms of theme and design.
David Karásek’s respiring design offers a seamless and captivating transition from the museum’s interior to the terrace. The relaxation area is thoughtfully designed and can be configured in various ways depending on the needs. It can be transformed into a café, event room, or workshop space as required.
On the museum’s second floor, visitors can explore the latest exhibitions featuring prominent Czech artists. The variety of art on display is truly impressive, including several large-scale projects that enhance the museum’s reputation.
Living Exhibitions
The Museum of Applied Arts has evolved from a mere memory institution to a dynamic player in the market mechanism, with a strong focus on safeguarding collections and promoting public engagement.
Our current approach to collections involves curating works of artistic design that cater to the aesthetic preferences of a diverse range of visitors.
The museum is a living organism that showcases history, art, culture, and civilization. It places equal importance on accompanying programs such as concerts, screenings, and conferences, which are held in an attractive space. Additionally, visitors can explore the unique DESIGNLAB laboratory, where they can create or sew patches, clothes, and fashion accessories using the latest technology. For those interested in buying works by famous artists and companies, the museum also has a Designshop by Eva Eisler.
The Museum of Applied Arts has been meticulously curated by the Moravian Gallery in collaboration with renowned artists. From the furniture to the lighting and wallpaper, every aspect of the exhibit is crafted by Czech designers and companies, using locally sourced materials.
ART DESIGN FASHION
The ART DESIGN FASHION exhibition showcases some of the most intriguing works in the realms of art, fashion, and design from the past three decades. The newly renovated museum houses an exceptional collection of glass, ceramics, and porcelain, providing visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the evolution of mass-produced objects, as well as the innovative techniques and materials utilized by artists in their designs. This unique exhibition offers valuable insight into the fundamental principles that underpin the world of design.
Architecture / interior design:
Catwalks: Olgoj Chorchoj, www.olgojchorchoj.cz
Respirium: David Karásek
Black & Light Depot: Maxim Velčovský, Radek Wohlmuth, edit!, www.editarchitects.com
Café Robot, The Cloud: Marek Jan Štěpán, www.atelier-stepan.cz
Designshop: Eva Eisler
The architectural design of the expositions Cave, Prostor Pro, 2000+ Design, 2000+ Fashion: Tomáš Svoboda
Artwork:
The Demon of Growth: Krištof Kintera, www.kristofkintera.com
All images © by Moravian Gallery.
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