Hermès Heritage – In Motion: A Dynamic Journey of Craftsmanship Through Time

In Motion is the third and final phase of the Hermès Heritage project; a series of exhibitions that reveal the house’s rich history of creating objects designed to accompany us as we move through the world and our life paths. The exhibition will be hosted in the National Museum of Qatar in Doha, an architectural marvel designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, from October 16 to November 9. Here is everything you need to know about this unique cultural project.  

Hermès Heritage

The In Motion exhibition is the third and final chapter of the Hermès Heritage trilogy in the National Museum of Qatar in Doha, exploring the brand’s rich history from an equestrian equipment workshop founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès to one of the most prestigious luxury houses, renowned for its craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design. The first instalment, Once Upon a Bag took place in 2022 and celebrated the evolution of the brand's arguably most iconic creation: the bag - and how it became one of the most stylish, practical and desired accessories in the industry. Meanwhile, the second exhibition Harnessing the Roots, which was staged in 2023, was an exploration of Maison’s beginnings in manufacturing equestrian equipment, with a focus on materials and techniques - think attachments, suspensions and clasps.

Exploring the motion

Curated by Bruno Gaudichon of the “La Piscgine” Art and Industry Museum in Roubaix, and designed by exhibition designer Laurence Fontaine, the third chapter of Hermès Heritage series explores Maison’s deep connection with movement, innovation, and elegance, and covers the evolution of Hermès' creations that facilitate movement, hence its name: “In Motion”. It’s an open dialogue between objects from the Émile Hermès collection, the Hermès’ archives and contemporary collections - from horse-drawn carriages and saddlery to contemporary designs, all focused on the idea of freedom, mobility, progress and ingenuity. These objects mirror the desires of men and women from the 19th century to today, who sought to explore the world and move freely in an ever-accelerating world - whether at a trot or a gallop, on foot, on horseback, or by car, bicycle, skateboard, or aircraft, inviting audiences to delve into the evolution of Hermès universe.

What’s on view?

Each object at the exhibition tells a story of the brand’s desire to create functional yet beautiful pieces designed to accompany people on their life journeys. For instance, one of the exhibition's centrepieces is the very first Hermès silk scarf, featuring concentric circles inspired by a 19th-century board game, Jeu des Omnibus et Dames Blanches. Another highlight of the exhibition is the elegant yet functional Flâneur d’Hermèsbicycle: with its sleek, fluid lines, it embodies the lightness and grace that define Hermès creations. The Bolide picnic bag, inspired by another iconic Hermès creation, the 1920s Sac pour l’Auto, perfectly illustrates how Hermès continues to draw from its archives while embracing contemporary materials and techniques. Hermès’ penchant for innovative, multi-purpose objects is further highlighted by the Pippa writing desk, which can be opened and used when needed, and then neatly stored away. This combination of utility and aesthetics underlines the house's commitment to creating timeless designs that cater to the demands of modern life. The exhibition also features some of Hermès’ more whimsical creations, such as the Inversables - two columns of glasses mounted on mobile rings, designed to remain unspillable, even in the unstable conditions of a yacht at sea. 

Hermès Heritage – In Motion, from October 16 to November 9, at the National Museum of Qatar in Doha.

Courtesy: Hermes

Text: Leilani Streshinsky