The exhibition wishes to offer a broader perspective by presenting Hoffmann's artistry, for the first time in Belgium, as it developed through six decades of production. Viennese architect and designer Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956) has a strong connection to Brussels though the Palais Stoclet, his architectural project of 1905-1911 that was to shape his life and career. The enduring myth surrounding this building, as well as the particular product culture that emerged from the craftsmanship of the Wiener Werkstätte (Viennese workshops), form the backbone of the exhibition.
This retrospective aims to provide a deeper insight into Hoffmann's ideals and their evolution both due to and regardless of the diverse ideological and social circumstances in which they took form. It features a variety of well-known works together with rare pieces from private collections. The exhibition sections are oriented around one or more architectural models that serve as epitomes and key references to consider constellations of furniture, objects, designs, textiles, and documents. In this way, every aspect of Hoffmann's artistic production is covered: architecture, design, decorative arts, scenography, writing and teaching.