Hans J. Wegner – Design with the Body First

Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007) is one of the greatest furniture design geniuses of the 20th century. In 2027, Trapholt will reopen with the most immersive, sensory presentation of Wegner’s work to date – an exhibition that lets you experience his designs with your whole body.

Hans J. Wegner – Design with the Body First takes you on a journey through Wegner’s development from cabinetmaker’s apprentice to one of the world’s most celebrated furniture designers. It offers a fresh perspective on his iconic furniture through the physical, hands-on creativity that drove his work.

The exhibition explores the importance of craftsmanship today and has been developed in collaboration with vocational colleges in the Regions of Southern Denmark and Central Denmark. Together with today’s young craftspeople, Trapholt will construct a scenographic setting in the form of a fully brick-built suburban house. The setting is inspired by Hans J. Wegner’s own house, designed in collaboration with architects Allan Jessen and Arne Karlsen in 1965.

Photo: Kenneth Stjernegaard

Experience design with your body first. Using a specially developed design scanner, you can select the Wegner chairs that appeal to you most.

Trapholt extends its sincere thanks for the invaluable support and financial contributions that have made Hans J. Wegner – Design with the Body First possible. The exhibition is supported by Aage og Johanne Louis-Hansens Fond, Augustinus Fonden, Ny Carlsbergfondet and William Demant Fonden.

The exhibition’s concept and idea have been developed in collaboration with the vocational colleges Skive College, EUC Syd and Hansenberg in Kolding.

Photo: Kenneth Stjernegaard

Hans J. Wegner portrait: Fredericia Furniture