A New Exhibition Coming in Autumn 2025!

The Charm and Beauty of Bentwood: Bentwood Furniture from Michael Thonet to Today

This autumn, we are announcing a new exhibition that unveils the fascinating story behind one of the most iconic and groundbreaking achievements in furniture design – the art of bending wood! From Michael Thonet’s revolutionary invention in 1856 to contemporary masterpieces, bentwood furniture continues to captivate with its lightness, elegance, and timeless aesthetic.

On display will be some of the most beautiful and intriguing pieces from the collections of the Intermunicipal Museum Kamnik and the private collection of Jurij and Ilona Rihar – from the most iconic and best-selling chairs, benches, and side tables to children’s furniture, towel holders, and even decorative folding screens. Among them is the legendary Chair No. 14, which in the 1870s cost just 3 gulden – less than 50 kg of early potatoes!

Visitors will admire the work of world-renowned manufacturers such as Michael Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet, Jakob & Josef Kohn, Remec, and the Stol factory from Duplica near Kamnik. The exhibition will explore how steam, metal molds, and a touch of ingenuity have been used to craft true furniture poetry in wood – a technique that has remained virtually unchanged for nearly 170 years!