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. Bridging minds will be on display at the Van Abbemuseum from 4 October 2025 to 18 January 2026. The exhibition can also be visited during Dutch Design Week from 18 to 26 October this year.

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)

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.

Design policy Van Abbemuseum

In 2022, the Van Abbemuseum acquired fifty design objects from the pioneering private collection of design icon Lidewij Edelkoort. This acquisition marked a turning point for the museum's collection and exhibition policy. Bridging minds is a further exploration of the relationship between the Van Abbemuseum and the world of design. It is also a follow-up step in the development of the design collection and a strengthening of the connection between the museum and design capital Eindhoven. Van der Lubbe: 'That the Van Abbemuseum, as an art institution, sees it as its task to further develop this design policy is very special. By definition, design is socio-social, which fits perfectly with the Van Abbemuseum's mission.'