The permanent exhibition in the Riedel glass factory in Kufstein presents an impressive overview of the history of the eleventh generation family business. It features the most acclaimed glass designs from 1957, when the company made its fresh start in Kufstein, until today. 2017 marks the 60-year jubilee of the Kufstein glass factory of Riedel Glas. What better occasion for Maximilian J. Riedel, 11th generation CEO and President, to shine the spotlight on the 260-year history of the family company?
The permanent exhibition, titled Glass Cabinet – Retrospective and Think Tank, presents a comprehensive look back on the designs created in Kufstein over the past 60 years. The second part of the exhibition presents highlights from Riedel’s history and design work in Bohemia, where the family company originated.
The concept for the exhibition was developed by Maximilian J. Riedel himself. The waveshaped cabinets in the Kufstein section represent the tides of time during which the glass designs evolved from purely aesthetic creations into an internationally ground-breaking functional wineglass concept. The glass series, vases, candlesticks and other glass accessories – all of which were handcrafted and finished in the Kufstein glass factory – provide an overview of the oeuvre of Claus J., Georg J. and Maximilian J. Riedel.
Photos, videos and other personal items round off the concept and provide personal insight into the family’s history, which spans several centuries. “This exhibition is a retrospective, a homage to the great achievements of my family’s past generations. But at the same time, the Glass Cabinet serves as a think tank for future designs – it provides both inspiration and motivation. For me, its message is: never stand still, always look for new paths and explore how my ancestors also managed to do just that,” says Maximilian J. Riedel, explaining his reasons for presenting the exhibition in Kufstein – the site of the company’s new start in 1957 – and giving the general public insight into the Riedel glass tradition.
The exhibition is open to all visitors during the opening hours of the flagship store. Admission is free.