DESIGN | November 30, 2023

INSIDE THE BAUHAUS DESSAU

MORE THAN A SYMBOL OF MODERNISM

For over 125 years, RIMOWA has been deeply intertwined with the worlds of art, design and architecture. These realms have been instrumental in shaping the brand’s DNA since its earliest days— and continue to inspire today.

In this spirit, RIMOWA continues its journey paying homage to architectural gems and movements around the world that have left an indelible mark—and arguably no movement has come to be as influential as one that began in early 20th century Germany: Bauhaus.

Discover the Original collection

Founded in 1919 by visionary architect Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus movement transcended convention since its inception. Its influence can still be traced to this day, with modernist artists, designers, architects, painters in Germany, and beyond continuing to honour the principles it developed. Its innovative teachings were underpinned by Gropius’ grand vision to unify art disciplines, bringing them together under a singular roof—which ultimately attracted key figures that continued to define German design, and global design thinking for the century that followed.

The movement is characterised through its philosophy of form following function, whilst encouraging the creation of a Gesamtkunstwerk—or as simply put in English, a “complete work of art”. The teaching was innovative for its time, and the Bauhaus Building Gropius designed in Dessau, Germany was its embodiment.

Discover the Personal collection

In its heyday that lasted until 1932, the Bauhaus Building produced a first generation of masters that went on to define art in the twentieth century, including Gropius himself alongside Oskar Schlemmer, Georg Muche, László Moholy-Nagy, Lyonel Feininger, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee. Built as an institute of higher education, as commissioned by the city of Dessau, it continues to stand today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is characterised by its novel division of buildings, but most strikingly its use of glass and reinforced concrete, materials then considered pioneering. Most eye-catching are the uninterrupted curtain walls that stretch over its three-storey workshop wing, leaving views of the building’s interiors and an impression of lightness and freedom.

Discover the Classic collection

Inspired by the free-thinking spirit of that era, RIMOWA takes to the Bauhaus Building in a new film, echoing the unhindered exploration of its masters.

Photographer: Simon Menges and Nino Tugushi

Video directed by Gillian Garcia.

For the main building:

Gropius, Walter

Architektur Bauhaus Gebäude Dessau

For the masters’ houses:

Gropius, Walter

Meisterhäuser Dessau

Everywhere:

Bauhaus Dessau Foundation