The Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany, is set to host the first-ever museum exhibition dedicated to Nike, the world’s most recognised sports brand. Titled ‘Nike: Form Follows Motion’, the exhibition will take visitors on a journey through Nike’s five-decade evolution, from its humble beginnings as a startup to its current status as a global brand.

The exhibition will offer an in-depth look at Nike’s design practices, tracing its journey from the early 1960s and the creation of the iconic “swoosh” logo to its current innovations in sustainable materials. The exhibition draws primarily from the extensive collection of drawings, prototypes, and documentation housed within the Department of Nike Archives. This will be the most comprehensive public access ever granted to this archive, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the brand’s creative process through four chronologically organised sections.

Section 1: Track 

This section traces Nike’s origins, exploring its early focus on track and field athletes. It highlights the brand’s origins, showcasing the innovative spirit of its founders, Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman, and their commitment to listening to the needs of athletes. Visitors can discover the stories behind iconic creations like the Waffle Sole, born from experimentation in Bowerman’s kitchen. Moreover, ‘Track’ celebrates the inspiring story of the Tennessee State University Tigerbelles, a team of Black female athletes who broke barriers during the civil rights era, exemplifying Nike’s commitment to empowering athletes of all backgrounds.

Section 2: Air 

The second section, ‘Air’, tells the story of Nike’s groundbreaking ascent in the 1980s, revealing how collaborations with legendary athletes like Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and LeBron James propelled the brand as a trendsetter. Visitors will discover how Nike expanded into diverse sports like basketball, tennis, global football, and skateboarding, capturing the essence of street style and establishing its designs as pop culture icons. At the heart of this section is the revolutionary Nike Air technology, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation. Through a curated collection of artefacts, including early prototypes and testing equipment, the exhibition reveals the evolution of this groundbreaking cushioning system, showcasing its impact on the sports world and beyond.

Section 3: Sensation 

In the next segment, visitors will get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Nike Sport Research Lab, a world-class facility dedicated to studying the human body in motion. The section highlights how this research has led to groundbreaking products like the Nike Free, designed to mimic barefoot running and the Vaporfly, engineered to help athletes break barriers in marathon running. ‘Sensation’ also emphasises Nike’s commitment to sustainability. It showcases the impact of material innovations like Flyknit, which enhances performance while reducing environmental impact. The exhibition also explores Nike’s research on plastic recycling, featuring examples like Nike Grind, a recycled material used in various applications.

Section 4: Collaborations

The final section of the exhibition serves as the grand finale, showcasing the dynamic interplay between Nike, external designers, athletes, and the public. The gallery will display an impressive collection of 50 footwear designs, ranging from the intriguing to the outrageous, highlighting the brand’s collaborative spirit and ability to push boundaries. ‘Collaborations’ immerses visitors in a vibrant collection of music videos and social media snapshots, revealing Nike’s profound influence on popular culture. Nike not only reflects but actively shapes societal trends and values. It uncovers how the brand has become a symbol of self-expression, diversity, and social progress, proving that the fusion of sports and design transcends performance. It’s about celebrating the human spirit in all its diverse and dynamic forms.

The exhibition promises to be a must-see for anyone interested in design, sports, or popular culture. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating intersection of these worlds through the lens of one of the most influential brands of our time. The exhibition will run from 21 September to 4 May 2025. For more information, visit the official website here.