National Museum Opens Italian Design Exhibition in Muscat

Muscat:  The National Museum today inaugurated the exhibition “From One to a Million: Stories of Italian Design”, which will run until 1 November 2026, under the patronage of Her Highness Sayyida Mayyan bint Shihab Al Said, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Omani Design Society.

The exhibition, the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman, presents the history of modern Italian industrial design through a collection of iconic pieces that reflect the evolution of creativity, innovation, and manufacturing in Italy.

The exhibition highlights the relationship between artistic expression and industrial production, and their influence on daily life. It features a selection of works that received the prestigious “Compasso d’Oro” (Golden Compass Award), one of Italy’s oldest and most respected design awards established in 1954 by architect and designer Gio Ponti.

The exhibition presents a contemporary interpretation of major milestones in Italian design from the post-World War II era to the present day, combining documentary material, artistic installations, and visual storytelling.

Among the featured works are Gio Ponti’s “Super Leggera” chair, Gaetano Pesce’s “UP” seating series, Bruno Munari’s “Abitacolo” structure, Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper’s “Doney 14” television, Marcello Nizzoli’s “Lettera 22” typewriter, and the “Mirella” sewing machine.

The exhibition also includes illustrations by Italian graphic designer Steven Guarnaccia, who reinterpreted the featured pieces through contemporary artistic perspectives that highlight their cultural and symbolic dimensions.

His Excellency Jamal bin Hassan Al Mousawi, Secretary General of the National Museum, stated that the exhibition reflects the museum’s commitment to presenting leading international experiences in industrial design and strengthening cultural exchange.

He noted that the exhibition contributes to shaping an Omani vision in industrial design that combines authenticity with modern innovation, inspired by Oman’s rich artistic and craft heritage.

Dr. Andrea Cancellato, Director of the Museum of the Association for Industrial Design in Italy, said that the exhibition explores the diversity of Italian design, ranging from mass-produced practical products to exclusive luxury creations such as Ferrari automobiles.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, the Omani Design Society (Design Oman) and the Museum of the Association for Industrial Design signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in design education, mentorship programmes, workshops, and participation in international exhibitions and design events.

The memorandum was signed on behalf of the Omani side by Her Highness Sayyida Mayyan bint Shihab Al Said, and on behalf of the Italian side by Dr. Andrea Cancellato.