Metal: The Enduring Element of Design at Schloss Hollenegg

Unveiling Metal's Timeless Resonance: A Journey Through Design at Schloss Hollenegg

The Annual Unveiling: A Fusion of History and Modernity

Each May, the venerable Schloss Hollenegg, an Austrian medieval castle belonging to the Liechtenstein family, opens its grand doors to the public. Within its ancient walls, characterized by diverse architectural styles spanning from Renaissance courtyards to Baroque churches, a captivating exhibition unfolds. Here, visitors encounter a compelling interplay between contemporary works by established and emerging designers and historical objects drawn from the castle's extensive collection, all unified by a thematic exploration.

"Element: Metal": The Grand Finale of Material Exploration

Alice Stori Liechtenstein, the Italian-born curator and visionary behind this annual event, elucidates the current exhibition's focus: "This marks the conclusion of a series of exhibitions dedicated to materials. Following our explorations of glass, ceramics, wood, and textiles, metal emerged as the quintessential choice. Metals constitute the very foundation of our planet and are intrinsically responsible for holding our world together."

A Curated Journey: From Ancient Relics to Modern Masterpieces

For "Element: Metal," Stori Liechtenstein has meticulously selected a diverse array of metallic objects from the castle's historical archives. This collection spans from exquisite silver tableware and ornate decorative pieces to formidable weaponry and intricate architectural fittings, offering profound insights into the material culture of past epochs. These historical treasures are juxtaposed with contemporary creations by designers and artists, chosen for their unparalleled craftsmanship, innovative conceptual approaches, and a conscious engagement with the material's properties. The romantic ambiance of the castle provides an incomparable backdrop for this artistic dialogue.

Schloss Hollenegg: A Nurturing Ground for Design Experimentation

Founded in 2015 by Alice Stori Liechtenstein, Schloss Hollenegg for Design operates as a non-profit cultural institution. Annually in May, this expansive 21,500 sq ft, 52-room castle, which has been in her husband Alfred Liechtenstein's family for two centuries, becomes a dynamic environment for design research, critical discourse, and experimental creation. Beyond the annual exhibition, the institution fosters a residency program, offering budding designers a unique opportunity to develop novel works within this historically resonant setting.

Collaborative Creations: Site-Specific Works and Industrial Partnerships

Out of the eighteen featured designers and artists, twelve embarked on residencies at Schloss Hollenegg during the summer and autumn of 2025, dedicating their time to crafting site-specific installations. Notable among these is Finnish jewelry designer Ildar Wafin, whose residency, supported by the Finnland Institut in Germany, culminated in a distinctive silver table bell. Produced in collaboration with the historic Viennese silversmith Jarosinski & Vaugoin, this piece echoes the castle's church tower bells and subtly references the courtyard's ancient Canadian vine with its graceful, winding form.

Other significant contributions include Japanese artist Junko Mori's exploration of the frame concept, supported by her gallery Adrian Sassoon; American fine artist Elliott Hundley's chandelier and mirror for Henriette's bedroom, realized with the backing of Friedman Benda; and Lithuanian designer Mantas Lesauskas' innovative chessboard. Concurrently, designers Hannah Kuhlmann, Anna Zimmermann, and Soft Baroque, with support from the Copenhagen-based art and design gallery Etage Projects, present their recent metallic works.

For the first time, Schloss Hollenegg has forged a partnership with Hydro, a prominent aluminum and energy company. This collaboration introduces three distinct projects by Max Lamb, Philippe Malouin, and Sabine Marcelis. These works are specifically designed to highlight Hydro's Circal 100R recycled aluminum, derived from post-consumer scrap. In an era where designers are increasingly re-evaluating material sourcing, reuse, and preservation, metal offers a particularly profound lens through which to explore themes of permanence, restoration, and metamorphosis.

Reflections on Materiality: Bridging Past and Present

Stori Liechtenstein reflects on the historical perspective of resourcefulness, stating, "Today, we champion recycling as an environmental imperative, yet in previous eras, reuse was simply an intrinsic aspect of daily existence. Materials were costly, labor-intensive, and challenging to acquire, leading to objects being rarely discarded. Instead, they were mended, adapted, melted down, or reimagined across generations. This historical reality fosters a natural dialogue between the contemporary aluminum works and the venerable interiors of Schloss Hollenegg. While the new creations explicitly address sustainability and circularity, the historical artifacts reveal a long-standing tradition of meticulous material care and longevity."

Academic Partnerships: Cultivating New Artistic Expressions

In another pioneering initiative, Schloss Hollenegg has partnered with the TransArts department of the University of Applied Arts Vienna (Die Angewandte). This collaboration has provided seven students—Jordi Albers, Klemens Hegen, Lea Liebl, Elena Riener, Luise Lutz & Michels Strümpf, and Lorenzo Zerbini—with the exceptional opportunity to develop and showcase their work within the exhibition.

Evolving Boundaries: Design, Art, and Cultural Ecosystems

Stori Lichtenstein observes the shifting landscape of design since the institution's inception eleven years ago: "I perceive a much greater convergence, and for me, the distinctions between design, applied arts, collectible design, and art have progressively blurred. I believe classifications serve to clarify our discussions, but ultimately, these disciplines are all integral components of the same cultural ecosystem."

She further elaborates on her curatorial philosophy: "My interest has always gravitated towards the narrative potential embedded within objects. In recent years, I've focused more intently on how to present them in ways that deeply engage the public. Collectible and experimental design, now more than ever, serve as magnificent conduits for interacting with contemporary material culture."

The 'Element: Metal' exhibition at Schloss Hollenegg Castle is open until May 31, 2026. For further details, please visit the official website: schlosshollenegg.at.