Science fiction and design have always shared a fascinating symbiotic relationship, each feeding into the other to shape our visions of the future and materialise what doesn't exist yet. This dynamic interplay takes centre stage in the Vitra Design Museum’s latest exhibition, open to the public until May 2026, Science Fiction Design: From Space Age to Metaverse. Argentinian artist and designer Andrés Reisinger transforms the museum space into a futuristic realm, showcasing over a hundred objects from the museum’s collection blended with other audiovisual mediums like film and literature to create a universe where the impact of this genre is completely understood. From the very influential Space Age to today’s digital metaverse, the exhibition reveals how storytelling has continually driven design innovation and vice versa.
From the organic, space-inspired shapes of the 1960s and 1970s to the sleek, minimalistic forms of modern design, the influence of science fiction is undeniable. Iconic pieces like Olivier Mourgue’s Djinn Chairs in 2001: A Space Odyssey and Marc Newson’s Orgone Chair in Prometheus illustrate the genre’s cinematic love affair with bold, futuristic aesthetics. This exhibition takes the codes and concepts of the mid-century ideas of the future and leaps forward into contemporary realms where designs no longer adhere to physical limitations, embracing the boundless possibilities of the virtual metaverse.
At the heart of this modern evolution is Andrés Reisinger himself, whose digital creations blur the line between art, design, and technology. His works, such as the Hortensia Chair—first conceptualised as an NFT before becoming a physical object—embody a new era of creative experimentation. These digital-first designs speak to the ethos of a generation captivated by the interplay of nostalgia and innovation, where earlier sci-fi influences find fresh expression in surreal, immersive dreamscapes that, at the same time, seem plausible.
Science Fiction Design: From Space Age to Metaverse is more than a celebration of futuristic aesthetics; it’s a reflection on how science fiction shapes not only what we dream but how we build. As space exploration surges forward and virtual worlds expand, the exhibition poses a question: what’s next for the future of design? Whether through the tactile forms of the Space Age or the pixel-perfect visions of the metaverse, this show is a reminder that science fiction continues to inspire the creators who dare to imagine—and design—the unknown.
