Design exhibition: Bridging Minds

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.

100 pieces of art and design

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.

'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.' - Miriam van der Lubbe

Ten rooms, ten themes

Bridging Minds spreads across ten rooms, each showing with a different theme what design means for users and society. For instance, there is a space about feeling safe where makers 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. In another space, objects pay 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.

Dutch Design Week 2025

Bridging Minds can also be visited during Dutch Design Week from 18 to 26 October this year. Van der Lubbe: 'Eindhoven is the design capital of the Netherlands. A geographical focal point where technology, design and knowledge come together.'