The Huidenclub is proud to be a main venue for the Design Biennale Rotterdam, bringing vibrant energy throughout the event. With three exhibitions, a Conference Day on the 20th, a listening room open during the entire Biennale, an ongoing performance by Victor Miklos Andersen, and the JTM Launch Party on the 20th, there is much to experience.
In contemporary collectible design, objects transcend function to become vessels of storytelling and cultural expression. Designers of mixed heritage, existing at the crossroads of multiple identities, challenge traditional narratives by blending diverse cultural influences. Their work goes beyond mere functionality, creating innovative pieces that are deeply personal yet culturally resonant. Non-Western cultures, often portrayed through outdated or colonial lenses, are reframed by these designers, who explore their heritage and identity in ways that offer a nuanced, contemporary perspective. This exhibition highlights how these designers navigate the complexities of cultural exchange, redefining the boundaries of design while emphasizing the importance of context, origin, and meaning.
The Actual Main Institute (TAMI) is an experimental project that reimagines cultural institutions, from museums to galleries, by challenging traditional roles and contexts. Instead of a permanent venue, it serves as an adaptable space for various expressions. During the Rotterdam Design Biennale at Huidenclub, TAMI will host a live "production line," creating tailor-made, fictional institutions in real-time. The space will transform into both a factory and showroom, with new elements like facades, backstories, and visual identities added daily, offering an interactive experience for the audience.
For the inaugural Design Biennale, Giulia Cosenza and Jonas Lutz present "Brancusi Left Paris," a unique collection of sculptures born from their first collaboration. Showcased at Het Groothandelsgebouw and Huidenclub, the duo's work explores tactile, evocative compositions that challenge the senses. Inspired by Constantin Brancusi’s philosophy of showing the essence of things in their material form, Cosenza and Lutz’s pieces engage with the Biennale theme "What's Real Is Unfamiliar" through playful, abstract forms in ceramics and wood. The exhibition invites the public to reflect on the timeless craft of sculpting and the fusion of traditional techniques with innovative design, featuring objects that defy conventional expectations, such as a vase that becomes a pillar and a soft-looking hard wood.
Victor Miklos Andersen will be residing and working at the Huidenclub during the Design Biennale Rotterdam, activating a studio space to produce new works and spatial experiments. The space will evolve continuously throughout the duration of the Biennale.
Known for his eclectic approach, Andersen merges traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. This ongoing performance will probe the intersection between modernist archetypes and organic, growing structures. Visitors will witness the piece’s development firsthand, gaining an exclusive insight into Andersen’s creative process and his exploration of the evolving boundaries between design, art, and technology.
Jonas Lutz, resident at the Huidenclub, curates the inaugural Daydream Listening Lounge during the Biennale, in collaboration with KODA Listening Space and Schot Coffee. DJs and music enthusiasts without DJ experience are invited to share their vinyl collections through curated listening sessions during 2 hours sessions will run daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
The lounge features a vinyl hi-fi system with a mixer, dual turntables, and dbmodule speakers, including our signature Pink 15” speakers. Located on a cozy mezzanine above Schot Coffee, guests can relax in a comfortable setting, enjoy drinks, and discover new music.
ACCESS TO THE HUIDENCLUB FROM 20th February to 2 March upon presentation of a Biennale Pass only. Purchase here.
