EXHIBITION DESIGN

Holidays in Austria –
A Vacation Destination Reinventing Itself
At the Haus der Geschichte Österreich

How can a photo album from the 1950s be staged?
About the Exhibition Design

Starting from the basic idea of presenting a private photo album on a large, long table, we developed a clear, modular system that structurally and thematically depicts Joyce Ewens’ and Eric Hope’s travels through Austria in the middle of the last century. The vertical panels are painted in a vibrant yellow-green. This color can be seen as a reference to clichés about Austria’s vibrant natural landscape. However, the contemporary color choice transports viewers back to the present. This creates an intriguing contrast to the historical theme. The decision to use a fragile aluminum structure in the exhibition reflects, on the one hand, the art of improvisation and, on the other, the use of industrially prefabricated elements that were essential for postwar reconstruction. As designers, we view this construction method as a symbol of the flexibility and openness of Austrian society, which had to redefine itself during that period. Our goal was to design an exhibition that not only showcases the past but also invites visitors to reflect on how the past influences the present and what role tourism can play in moments of national identity.

Photos: Lorenz Paulus hdgoe