On view in the main hall of Paris’ Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD), “Tutto Ponti: Gio Ponti Archi-Designer” is the first retrospective in France of one of the most significant architects and designers of the 20th century, the late Gio Ponti.
Spanning the entire length of the Ponti’s career from 1921—1978, the exhibition highlights over 400 pieces of his work, both large and small, from various fields and media including architecture, industrial design, furniture, the creation of journals, lighting, glassware, ceramics, and metalwork. Complete with photographs, sketches, plans, and more, the show features a chronological display (conceived by Wilmotte & Associés in collaboration with graphic designer Italo Lupi) that transports spectators through the six decades of the archi-designer’s career, providing a wider look into his life and practices.
It begins with images of Taranto Cathedral, unfolding into three sections focused on architecture, furniture, and objects. In the main hall, details on Ponti’s major commissions, lighting and textiles, furniture, and architectural projects are on display. And finally, each decade of Ponti’s career has been divided to illustrate the creations of l’Ange volant in the Parisian era, Milan’s Montecatini building, the palazzo Bo-Padua University, Ponti’s own home in Milan, and the interior of Sorrento’s Parco dei Principi hotel, alongside the Villa Planchart in Carcaras.
With the support of exhibition sponsor, design brand Molteni&C—including several objects on loan—“Tutto Ponti: Gio Ponti Archi-Designer” will remain on view until May 5.
