Museum Prinsenhof Delft presents Pioneering Ceramics, an exhibition exploring the timeless nature of ceramics. Bringing together masterpieces from the museum’s collection and works by 23 contemporary artists, the exhibition highlights how makers—past and present—push the boundaries of ceramics. With over 50,000 visitors, the exhibition was a major success. Our studio was responsible for the exhibition design and a publication, creating a cohesive experience that bridges centuries of craftsmanship and innovation.

At the heart of the exhibition is a catwalk, an elevated platform where historical and contemporary ceramics meet. Constructed from stacked crates referencing boshi (white boxes historically used to fire pottery), the catwalk symbolizes the material journey of ceramics while allowing visitors to engage with the works at eye level.

The exhibition is divided into four thematic sections, subtly distinguished by the colors pink, blue, green, and purple. This color system navigates while maintaining visual cohesion. Wall texts provide overarching context, while table texts delve deeper into the dialogue between past and present. Silhouettes of objects appear on labels and as enlarged glossy wall graphics, offering a playful nod to the glazing process and transforming into sculptural visual elements.

The design emphasizes both craftsmanship and contemporary engagement. The stacked crate structure serves as both functional display and a conceptual link to ceramic production. Enlarged silhouettes blur the line between form and function, reinforcing the tactile and visual qualities of ceramics.

Sustainability was a key consideration. Reusable materials and modular display elements minimized waste and extended the lifecycle of components: crates were returned to the owner, and all wood and steel was reused. This aligns with the museum’s commitment to responsible exhibition-making.

By uniting exhibition design, graphics, and publication in one visual language, Pioneering Ceramics positions ceramics as a dynamic medium that continues to shape and reflect contemporary culture.