The Alessi Museum is commemorating its 25th anniversary with a special exhibition that explores the known and lesser-known moments in the history of the prestigious design company. Located in Omegna, Italy, where Alessi was founded, the museum houses a collection of over 25,000 pieces, including prototypes and abandoned ideas.
To celebrate this occasion, a new installation showcasing the historical collection is on display at the main Alessi store in Milan until September 30th, 2023. Titled “25 Stories, the 25th Anniversary of the Alessi Museum,” the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through time with 25 stories from the museum’s collections.
The objective of the exhibition is to provide visitors with an understanding of the creativity and craftsmanship behind Alessi’s iconic pieces. It highlights the evolution of Alessi’s designs beyond kitchen accessories, revealing that from 1921 to 1981, the company also produced items for other areas of the home.
One notable exhibit is the “9090” coffee maker designed by Richard Sapper, which has been in production since 1979. Not only was this coffee maker one of the first winners of the Compasso d’Oro award for Alessi, but it was also the first Alessi object exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA).
The exhibition also showcases prototypes and successful failures, such as Philippe Starck’s “Hot Bertaa” teapot, which, despite being discontinued due to a functional problem, remains highly sought after by collectors and museums.
The Alessi Museum also displays unexpected pieces like the “Alessofono,” a saxophone created by Alessandro Mendini with the help of professionals. This saxophone project represents the pinnacle of Alessi’s applied art and is a testament to their dedication to applying art to small household objects.
Through the collection and exhibition of their work, Alessi continues the long tradition of applied art to everyday objects. Through this exhibition, they invite visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and design stories that have shaped the brand’s legacy.
Sources:
– Museo Alessi, alessi.com