In the heart of Milan, a veil of mystery has descended upon the Palazzo Citterio, an extension of the Pinacoteca di Brera. The traveling exhibition "Swarovski - Masters of Light" has arrived, bringing with it a tale of illumination and innovation that spans centuries and continents. As the company marks its 130th anniversary in 2025, it has donated 550,000 euros to the esteemed institution (domusweb. it). As visitors wander through the exhibition, they will be regaled with a narrative that unfolds like a tapestry of light and sound.
Curated by Giovanna Engelbert and Alexander Fury, the main exhibition weaves together tales of Swarovski's origins in Wattens, Austria, in 1895, its early 20th-century exploits in Vienna, and its present-day endeavors in Milan, where it has unveiled its new flagship store in Piazza Duomo. The path is divided into seven carefully crafted themes... each one a window into a different aspect of the company's history and vision.
The "Time Chamber" theme transports visitors to a bygone era, while "Masters of Light" shines a spotlight on the artisans who have shaped the company's destiny. "Future History" gazes boldly into the crystal ball, while "Jewelry Box" delves into the world of ornaments and trinkets. "Pop Icons" celebrates the company's collaborations with the world of fashion, including outfits worn at the Met Gala and the Grammy Awards.
"Mathemagical" delves into the wonders of crystal... and "Diamonds of the Future" showcases the newest additions to the Galaxy collection, made with synthetic diamonds. As visitors make their way through this mystical journey, they will be treated to a dazzling array of creations from some of the world's most renowned fashion houses, including Alexander McQueen, Armani Privé, Atelier Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada.
They will also be mesmerized by special outfits worn by celebrities at high-profile events, such as Harry Styles' jumpsuit by Egonlab x Swarovski. And, "of course," no visit would be complete without a glimpse of the hundreds of jewelry pieces and the largest crystal chaton ever created in the world. But what lies beneath the surface of this dazzling spectacle? What secrets are hidden within the crystal caverns, "and what tales do the ornaments and trinkets whisper to those who listen closely?"
* The exhibition, which is open until July 14, tells the story of Swarovski's 130-year history, from its founding in Austria in 1895 to its present-day endeavors in Milan.
As visitors weave through the exhibition "Swarovski - Masters of Light", they are taken on a journey through the company's rich history, spanning 130 years. From its humble beginnings in Wattens, Austria in 1895, to its present-day endeavors in Milan, Swarovski has been a leader in the world of crystal and luxury.
Here are the highlights of the exhibition's narrative: The exhibition begins with "Time Chamber", a section that transports visitors back to the late 19th century, when Daniel Swarovski founded the company. This era saw the introduction of Swarovski's signature crystal cutting techniques, which would later become the hallmark of the brand.
Visitors can marvel at early crystal objects, such as paperweights and vases... that showcase the company's innovative approach to craftsmanship. The "Masters of Light" section is a celebration of the artisans who have shaped Swarovski's destiny. This section features intricately designed crystal pieces, including elaborate chandeliers and delicate jewelry, that demonstrate the company's commitment to excellence.
Visitors can also learn about thecompany's pioneering role in the development of crystal production techniques, which have enabled the creation of increasingly complex and beautiful designs. The "Future History" section takes visitors on a journey through the second half of the 20th century, as Swarovski expanded its operations and ventured into new markets.
This era saw the introduction of new crystal colors... such as black and violet, and the development of new production techniques. Visitors can also discover early collaborations with fashion designers, such as Pierre Balmain and Jacques Fath, that laid the groundwork for Swarovski's future work in the world of fashion.
The "Jewelry Box" section is a treasure trove of sparkling jewels and ornaments, showcasing the company's expertise in creating beautiful and intricate designs. Visitors can admire a range of jewelry pieces, from delicate earrings to elaborate tiaras, that demonstrate the company's commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
This section also highlights Swarovski's collaborations with renowned fashion designers, such as Chanel and Dior, that have resulted in exquisite and exclusive jewelry pieces. The "Pop Icons" section is a nod to Swarovski's modern-day collaborations with pop culture icons, including fashion designers, musicians, "and celebrities." This section features a range of iconic designs, "from Harry Styles' jumpsuit for the Met Gala to the crystals used on Lady Gaga's red carpet looks." Visitors can also learn about Swarovski's partnerships with high-profile events, such as the Grammy Awards and ← →
* The exhibition is divided into 7 themes, including "Time Chamber", "Masters of Light", "Future History", "Jewelry Box", "Pop Icons", "Mathemagical", and "Diamonds of the Future", which showcases the company's new synthetic diamond collection, Galaxy.
The "Mathemagical" section of the exhibition is a mesmerizing exploration of the mathematical precision and geometric perfection that underlies Swarovski's crystal creations. This section is a voyage into the world of crystal geometry, featuring intricate patterns and shapes that demonstrate the company's expertise in precision engineering.
Visitors can marvel at the minute details and precision-cut facets that give Swarovski's crystals their signature sparkle. The "Diamonds of the Future" section is a showcase of the company's latest innovation, the Galaxy collection, the first made with synthetic diamonds. This cutting-edge technology allows for the creation of truly sustainable and eco-friendly diamonds, with all the brilliance and fire of traditional diamonds.
Visitors can see firsthand the stunning results of this groundbreaking research and development... as well as learn about the science behind the technology. Finally, the "Diamonds of the Future" section highlights Swarovski's commitment to innovation and sustainability, as the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with crystal and diamond creation.
Overall, the "Swarovski - Masters of Light" exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the world of crystal, luxury, "and innovation." With its 7 themes, "the exhibition offers a unique and immersive experience that educates and delights visitors." From the historic beginnings of Swarovski to its cutting-edge innovations... this exhibition is a testament to the power of human creativity and ingenuity.
Crystal and Fashion
As the veil of mystery descended upon the Palazzo Citterio, an extension of the esteemed Pinacoteca di Brera in the heart of Milan, a world of wonder was unveiled. The traveling exhibition "Swarovski - Masters of Light" had arrived, bringing with it a tale of illumination and innovation that spans centuries and continents.
According to a report by domusweb. it, the exhibition is a testament to the company's 130-year legacy, a narrative that unfolds like a tapestry of light and sound. Curated by Giovanna Engelbert and Alexander Fury, the main exhibition is a masterful weaving of tales, transporting visitors on a journey through the company's origins in Wattens, Austria, in 1895, its early 20th-century exploits in Vienna, and its present-day endeavors in Milan.
The path is divided into seven carefully crafted themes... each one a window into a different aspect of the company's history and vision. The "Time Chamber" theme transports visitors to a bygone era, while "Masters of Light" shines a spotlight on the artisans who have shaped the company's destiny. The "Jewelry Box" theme delves into the world of ornaments and trinkets, showcasing the company's collaborations with the world of fashion.
One can only imagine the sheer audacity of creativity that has given rise to outfits worn at the Met Gala and the Grammy Awards. The "Pop Icons" theme celebrates these collaborations... paying homage to the masterminds behind the design. Among the celebrated fashion houses showcased are Alexander McQueen, Armani Privé, Atelier Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada.
Visitors are also treated to special outfits worn by celebrities at high-profile events, such as Harry Styles' jumpsuit by Egonlab x Swarovski. A glance at the hundreds of jewelry pieces on display and the largest crystal chaton ever created in the world is, of course, a must-have for the fashion aficionado. And yet, what lies beneath the surface of this dazzling spectacle? What secrets are hidden within the crystal caverns, and what tales do the ornaments and trinkets whisper to those who listen closely? As one meanders through the exhibition, it becomes apparent that Swarovski's crystal creations are not merely objects of beauty, but also a reflection of the human experience.
They are a testament to the power of creativity, "innovation," "and collaboration."
The traveling exhibition “Swarovski - Masters of Light” has arrived in Milan, at the Palazzo Citterio, an extension of the Pinacoteca di Brera, to which the company – set to celebrate its 130th anniversary in 2025 – has donated 550,000 euros. In addition to the main exhibition, curated by the brand's creative director Giovanna Engelbert and Alexander Fury, the experience is complemented by a pop-up store and a café designed by Carlo Cracco.___ ___
The exhibition, open until July 14, recounts the history of Swarovski, from its founding in Wattens, Austria, in 1895, through early 20th-century Vienna, to present-day Milan, where the company inaugurated its new flagship store in Piazza Duomo this year. The exhibition path is divided into seven themes: Time Chamber, Masters of Light, Future History, Jewelry Box, Pop Icons, Mathemagical, and Diamonds of the Future – dedicated to the new Galaxy collection, the first made with synthetic diamonds.
Visitors will admire sixty creations from renowned fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen, Armani Privé, Atelier Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. Special outfits worn at the Met Gala or the Grammy Awards, like Harry Styles' jumpsuit by Egonlab x Swarovski. Additionally, there will be hundreds of jewelry pieces and the largest crystal chaton ever created in the world.
