Collection in progress

How does a museum manage its collection? In this exhibition, you will catch a glimpse behind the scenes of Design Museum Gent before the upcoming relocation of the collection. More than 20,000 objects will be transferred to the new central heritage storage facilities of the city in 2017.
 
Some objects have not yet been inventoried or photographed. This basic registration is necessary to properly manage the collection. Many items have to be disinfected and cleaned before they can be stored in the new storage facilities. Certain pieces need better packaging, others need to be restored.
 
Central in the presentation is a selection of masterpieces. As such, these items will not need to be missed while a new collection presentation is being prepared. In addition, some small themed exhibitions can be expected.

Five restorers of the University of Amsterdam did an internship for two weeks in Collection in Progress. They revamped the Art Deco interior of the Ghent interbellum architect Jules Lippens for the general public. Finally, the 23 components of the interior form 'cozy corners' once again!

In 1934-1935 Henry van de Velde designed a train interior, in the period when he was artistic advisor for the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS). The electric trainsets are one of his main achievements and highlights in his constant pursuit of rationalism. He chose a pure design which excludes all decorative elements. During ‘Collection in Progress’, the train compartment has been photographed, restored and reassembled.