Gucci Cosmos explores how for over a century Gucci’s abiding codes and spirit have been brought to life in its most iconic designs. The exhibition showcases how this progressive belief in the power of creativity, anchored in the finest Italian craftsmanship and tradition, has seen Gucci not only mirror the times, but also define them – in doing so, advancing society and its aesthetic tastes.

This playful voyage through Gucci’s past, present and future is experienced across eight exhibition ‘worlds’ that draw together treasures – many previously unseen – from the Gucci Archive, a living and breathing repository and working hub for the House’s creative teams, housed in the 15th-century Palazzo Settimanni in Florence.

Es Devlin, creator of acclaimed installations for prestigious cultural institutions and performances for global recording artists, has fused innovative audio, visual and kinetic technology within Gucci Cosmos. Seen from above, the layout of her luminous installation resembles a series of cogs and wheels, a subtle nod to the industrial heritage of the building in Shanghai where the exhibition first opens, evoking the city’s long history of commercial and cultural exchange between Europe and Asia.

Ultimately, Gucci Cosmos is an experiential incarnation of the Gucci soul and a tribute to the House’s most iconic designs, symbols and products, and the exceptional talents of its designers and artisans. From Guccio Gucci in 1921 to today, they have all ensured – and continue to guarantee – that Gucci will forever remain at the pinnacle of creativity and Italian craftsmanship, a global House committed to genuine luxury quality, iconic designs, and ideas that shape the future.

Gucci Cosmos opens at the West Bund Art Center, Shanghai, China, on 28 April 2023 and runs until 25 June. The exhibition will then tour the world.