The Vitra Design Museum shows an exhibition of 100 select artefacts from its collection. It comprises items spanning the period from 1820 to the present day, including tables and desks, chairs and easy chairs, loungers and stools, landscaped interiors and storage units. These are subdivided into the six categories: TECHNOLOGY, CONSTRUCTION, DECOR, PROGRAMME, REDUCTION AND ORGANIC, thus highlighting recurring characteristics of the design evolution process.

Illustrating the development of industrial furniture manufacture often calls for a certain configuration of so-called "guideline objects". However, besides furniture which is superior as regards finish, state of repair or dissemination, the exhibition concept promises documentary appeal, with original drawings and sketches, patent specifications, aural and visual material plus the first sales and exhibition catalogues which have seldom or never been displayed.

An easy-to-follow cross-reference system brings out the many inter-relationships between the exhibits, leading the visitor through the display. The way in which the items are shown stimulates discussion and possibly even a revision of existing standpoints.