MUSCAT, MAY 23
The National Museum of Oman has launched a major international exhibition titled 'One to a Million: Italian Design Stories', opening under the auspices of HH Sayyidah Mayan bint Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Chairwoman of the Oman Design Association (Design Oman).
Developed in partnership with the ADI Design Museum in Milan and curated by Maria Cristina Didero, the exhibition presents a wide-ranging exploration of modern Italian industrial design. Running until November 1, it marks the first exhibition of its kind in Oman, offering visitors an in-depth look at how design shapes everyday life through the interplay of creativity and industry.
At the heart of the exhibition are landmark works recognised by the Compasso d’Oro Award, Italy’s most prestigious design honour, founded in 1954 by architect Gio Ponti. These objects chart the evolution of Italian design from the post Second World War period to the present day, reflecting shifting approaches to form, function and innovation.
Rather than following a conventional timeline, the exhibition is structured as a conceptual journey. It positions design as a dynamic process shaped by experimentation, combining archival material, critical interpretation and visual storytelling to reveal the cultural impact of everyday objects.
Featured works include Gio Ponti’s 'Superleggera' chair, Gaetano Pesce’s 'UP' seating system, Bruno Munari’s 'Abitacolo' structure, the 'Doney 14' television designed by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper, alongside Marcello Nizzoli’s 'Lettera 22' typewriter and 'Mirella' sewing machine. Each piece is accompanied by interpretive texts that inspired illustrator Steven Guarnaccia, whose visual responses reinterpret the objects, highlighting their narrative and emotional dimensions beyond utility.
Jamal bin Hassan al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum of Oman, described the exhibition as a significant cultural milestone. He said it captures the evolution of design as a blend of creativity, innovation, craftsmanship and industrial development, while also reshaping how people relate to everyday objects.
He added that the initiative aligns with the museum’s wider vision of engaging with global design discourse while encouraging an Omani design identity grounded in heritage. He noted that Oman’s artisanal traditions continue to serve as a vital source of inspiration for contemporary creative practices.
Italian Ambassador to Oman, Pierluigi D’Elia, said the exhibition reflects the strength of cultural ties between the two countries, highlighting ongoing cooperation aimed at promoting dialogue, creativity and mutual understanding.
Dr Andrea Cancellato, Director of the ADI Design Museum, emphasised the dual nature of Italian design, shaped both by mass-produced functional objects and highly exclusive, performance-driven creations. He pointed to contrasts such as the everyday Tratto Pen and the aspirational Ferrari as defining elements of this design culture.
Curator Maria Cristina Didero noted that the exhibition explores themes of intuition, discipline and experimentation, presenting design as a human-centred practice shaped by both success and failure.
Alongside the exhibition, the museum also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Museum of Oman and the ADI Design Museum. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration through training programmes, workshops for emerging designers and participation in international design platforms.
Signed by HH Sayyidah Mayan bint Shihab bin Tarik al Said and Dr Andrea Cancellato, the agreement underscores a growing cultural partnership between Oman and Italy, with design serving as a shared platform for exchange and innovation.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
