Our collecting profile: What do we collect?

Belgian design is at the heart of our collection. We aim to reflect the richness and diversity of Belgium's design history by collecting works by Belgian designers and manufacturers, whether they created their work at home or abroad. Alongside these, we acquire works by international designers whose ideas have had a lasting influence on Belgian design, culture and everyday life. 

Our collection focuses on design for the home. Furniture, household appliances, lighting, textiles and everyday objects all reveal how design shapes the way we live. When collecting contemporary work, we continue to build on this perspective while embracing new developments, from industrial design and experimental practice to exceptional craftsmanship. 

We also collect international designs that define their era or introduce significant innovation. These works strengthen the museum's international perspective and provide an important context for understanding Belgian design. As the only museum in Belgium to present both historic and contemporary design under one roof, these international reference points allow our Belgian collection to be viewed within a broader global narrative. 

A museum collection is never complete. It grows and changes alongside society. In the years ahead, we will continue expanding our collection of works by women designers while placing greater emphasis on digital culture. We aim to preserve important examples of digital design, including pioneering open source technologies, web-based platforms that connect communities and software developed as a creative medium.