You Can’t Miss Nike's Form Follows Motion Exhibition

Germany’s Vitra Design Museum is holding a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition dubbed ‘Nike: Form Follows Motion’, which is the first of its kind. Kicking off on September 21, this showcase is set to look back at history, from its humble beginnings to becoming a global footwear and apparel powerhouse. There will be a heavy focus on the brand’s history of design from the 1960s until now. Game-changing products like their signature tech and will be on show, alongside the creative process behind the Swoosh logo and research on materials and sustainable practices.

The exhibition will be curated by Glenn Adamson, an American curator, author and historian who said: ‘In addition to our interest in the evolution of iconic products, we will look at the larger social and historical context surrounding Nike. Over the past 50 years, sport has had a tremendous impact on our perception of the human body, beyond the track and the court — for example, on conceptions of gender roles. Our exhibition will show how the company has both instigated and responded to these changing dynamics, from its initial emphasis on performance and optimization to greater diversity and inclusion. By looking at Nike’s design strategies, we gain insights into that bigger cultural picture.’

Most of the products, artefacts and paraphernalia is sourced from Team Swoosh’s legendary Department of Nike Archives, which by itself has over 200,000 rare pieces from the brand’s storied past. The exhibition at the Vitra Design Museum will be separated into four parts: Track, Air, Sensation, and the final room built to pay homage to the many Nike collaborators including athletes.

The Nike: Form Follows Motion Exhibition will be held at Vitra Design Museum between September 21, 2024 and May 4, 2025. Find out more right here.