Designs that have continued to captivate people for 140 years

Iittala is an iconic Finnish lifestyle brand. It began as a glass factory established in 1881 in a small village Iittala in southern Finland, and has worked with Alvar Aalto, Kaj Franck, and other architects and designers who stood at the forefront of Finnish design. The company's philosophy is to provide beauty and functionality to everyone, and its products continue to be adored around the world.
This exhibition commemorates the 140th anniversary of Iittala's foundation, reconstructing the 2021 exhibition at the Design Museum in Helsinki while also adding a new chapter focusing on the relationship between Iittala and Japan. Glass items in the mid-20th century take centre stage to retell Iittala's story alongside ceramic, and cutlery, showing video, and installations. Around 450 exhibits in total are on display, offering insight into the company's techniques, principles, and design aesthetics. As you look at the history of Iittala's products, you will discover that they go beyond the framework of a single brand and are deeply entwined with the history of design, Finnish culture and social circumstances, changes in people's lifestyles, and other external elements. Enjoy the world of Iittala that continues to shimmer with multifaceted beauty across the ages.