Bruno Munari: The man who taught design to play. Discover his universe in our Design Shop

He was a designer, artist, writer, inventor, and educator. But above all, he was a person who refused to grow up in the best sense of the word. Bruno Munari (1907–1998) transformed Italian design into a playground, and we at the Design Museum are thrilled to bring his playful world to you, right in the heart of Prague.

When one says "Italian design," many imagine flashy cars or expensive furniture. Munari was different. He found beauty in paper, in hand gestures, or in a child's wonder. His work is proof that top-notch design doesn't have to be serious to be brilliant.

From talking hands to books without words

In our Design Shop, we have prepared a curated selection of the best that this Italian visionary left behind. These are pieces that will delight collectors and those looking for an original gift with a profound message.

Italian Dictionary of Gestures (Supplemento al dizionario italiano): Munari's most famous book, which needs no translator. A fascinating and humorous guide to how Italians speak with their hands, faces, and whole bodies. It's more than a book – it's a deep dive into human communication that is guaranteed to make you laugh.

Cicci and Coco Books: Munari believed that children are the best critics of design. His children's books are interactive objects that work with transparencies, different paper textures, and colors. They are not just stories to read; they are objects to discover.

Icon: The famous pink vest (Gilet Munari)

A true gem in our offer is the legendary pink vest. Munari designed it in 1992 (and it is reissued even today) as a response to the need to have "everything at hand." It has dozens of pockets for pens, notebooks, glasses, and ideas. It is more than a piece of clothing – it is a manifesto of a designer who wants to be ready for the moment of inspiration. It is "wearable design" in its purest form.

Why have Munari at home?

Because Munari teaches us to look at the world with new eyes. He teaches us that simplicity is the result of a long thought process and that joy is a legitimate part of art.

Stop by us in Malá Strana and browse Munari's books or try on his vest. All these icons of Italian design, published by the prestigious Corraini publishing house, can be purchased here, allowing you to take home a piece of pure creativity.

"When things are done with joy, they have a different color," said Munari. Come and see what color they have here at the Design Museum.