Michael Thonet's (1796-1871) lifetime achievements impressively reflect the transition from handcraft to industrial mass production in the 19th century. Thonet is considered a pioneer of industrial design. Starting in 1819 he produced own designs using the then new bentwood process, which he developed, and building a global distribution network. In the 1930s tubular steel furniture with close links to the Bauhaus broadened the company’s product range. Today Thonet manufactures design icons made of bentwood and tubular steel as well as contemporary pieces of renowned designers.
The museum is located on the premises of the Thonet company based in Frankenberg since 1889. It illustrates the Thonet history of design from 1819 until today, starting with the manufacture of laminated wood and continuing with the bending of solid wood using curved shapes. Furthermore the exhibition provides an overview of the development of furniture designs, lots of them ranking among the classics of this sector. There is also a video telling the story of Thonet’s furniture since 1836.
Thonet Museum
Michael-Thonet-Straße 1
35066 Frankenberg
Germany
+49 (0) 6451 - 5080
Homepage
Recommended duration of visit: | 2 Hours |
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Duration of a guided tour: | 90 Minutes |
Admission: | Free |
Access for persons with disabilities: | None |
Gift and book shop on site: | yes |
Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 2-4pm