Ever wonder about the secret life of plastic. Here at the Kartell Museum, we are about to dive into the fascinating history of a company that transformed the way we live with design. The Kartell Museum is located in Noviglio. It is a short distance from Milan, nestled between the two Navigli canals. It is not just a display of furniture. The Kartell Museum narrates a crucial chapter in Italian design history.
Giulio Castelli, a chemical engineer, founded Kartell in 1949. He bravely pioneered the industrial use of plastic materials. The Kartell Museum was established in 1999. Claudio Luti, Kartell’s President, founded it to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. The Kartell Museum was designed by Ignazio Gardella and Anna Castelli Ferrieri. In 2000, it won the Guggenheim Award for best Italian corporate museum.
Inside the Kartell Museum, over 8,000 iconic objects await you. They showcase Kartell’s journey. Production began in 1949. Giulio Castelli aimed to unite function and aesthetics. Sketches, images, and documents are also on display. These items offer insight into Kartell’s historical archive. The Kartell Museum isn’t just about the past. It actively promotes design culture. It serves as a center for the dissemination of Italian style. This is achieved through publications, guided tours, and international exhibitions.
Kartell’s collaborations with esteemed architects and designers are highlighted here. Names like Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Philippe Starck, and Patricia Urquiola are synonymous with Kartell. Their work has made Kartell a globally recognized brand. Kartell is known for its unique design aesthetic. Initially, Kartell produced car accessories. Later, it expanded to household objects. The Pirelli patented ski rack was Kartell’s first product in the early 1950s. It is the first object visitors see upon entering the Kartell Museum.
In 1972, Kartell’s success reached new heights. It participated in an exhibition at the MoMA in New York. The exhibition featured Italian furniture. In 2000, the Pompidou Centre in Paris hosted “La Donation Kartell, un environnement plastique”. This exhibition showcased Kartell’s historical production.
An interesting fact is that Philippe Starck’s collaboration significantly boosted Kartell’s development. Starck contributed to the evolution of design in general. In 2007, the Kartell Museum expanded. Three new rooms were added to display production from 2000 onwards. The Kartell Museum is housed in Kartell’s factory. It is located in Noviglio near Milan. The building itself is an architectural landmark. Anna Castelli Ferrieri and Ignazio Gardella designed it. The Kartell Museum aims to deepen the connection between materials and everyday objects. It wants to promote the cultural value of industrial products. Kartell views industrial design as designing, producing, and using products within a cultural system.
The Kartell Museum is accessible by appointment. You can choose a self-guided visit or a guided tour. Admission is free. The Kartell Museum offers a unique experience. It is a journey through Italian design history. It highlights Kartell’s innovative use of plastic. It is a testament to the power of design. As you leave the Kartell Museum, consider the impact of Kartell. The Kartell Museum preserves and promotes Kartell’s heritage. It ensures that the legacy of innovative design endures.