Ideal Living
We should have lived like this! In the 20th century, Swiss designers and producers had a clear idea of perfect furnishing. Initially, abstract form was a theme. Flexible tubular steel furniture was developed in the 1930s, while the unity of elegant form and function was propagated mid-century. Around 1968, everyday culture and Pop Art conquered the living room. A decade later, the postmodern diversity of styles was celebrated until the minimalist tradition was rediscovered at the end of the century. Seven sample rooms, furnished with gems of the museum collection, present the most important trends in modern Swiss furniture design and encourage visitors to travel through time and experience changing lifestyles.

Use the new eGuide to explore the design- and graphic highlights at our main site on Ausstellungsstrasse! The fully virtual eGuide offers background information and stories – in images and texts, videos and sound – on more than 200 collectibles present in the exhibitions Collection Highlights, Ideal Living, Poster Stories and the Swiss Design Lounge. Also available are suggestions for thematic tours on various topics for children as well as for adults.
You can use the eGuide free of charge on your own smartphone or borrow one of our devices during your visit at the site Ausstellungsstrasse.
100 Years of Swiss Design offers a new perspective on Switzerland's achievements in furniture and product design.