Guided Tour in English: GLANZSTÜCKE

This project is the result of a vibrant exchange between Van Cleef & Arpels and the MAK, brought together by a shared passion and appreciation for exceptional design and peerless craftsmanship.Through this collaboration, the MAK’s famous collection objects—from medieval textiles to the Wiener Werkstätte’s ingenious designs—engage in a dialogue with the Van Cleef & Arpels patrimonial Collection, which comprises more than 3,000 high jewelry and jewelry creations, timepieces as well as precious objects. What primarily unites the approximately 500 selected objects—more than 300 from the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection and another 200+ from the MAK Collection—is their exceptional craftsmanship, visionary design, and the materials utilized. The pairings also reveal surprising parallels in form, color, and motifs, which often stem from similar sources of inspiration.

The exhibition scenography, designed by Parisian architecture studio Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane, takes the form of a labyrinth, sending visitors on a journey of discovery through six thematic areas. In “Wanderlust,” the visitor explores distant lands and cultures. The stroll continues, revealing the aesthetic appeal of architectural forms. In the chapter “Rhythmic Design,” diverse patterns and dynamic structures are emphasized. The fourth halt is dedicated to the stage and illustrates classic Viennese themes such as opera, dance, and music. At the heart of the wander, the fifth section highlights transformability and trompe l’œil. The promenade concludes with a display of how artists and jewelers celebrate the beauty of an ephemeral nature and the cosmic universe.