The ADAM, the Art & Design Atomium Museum, initiated by the Atomium and its department for Exhibitions, has opened its doors at a stone’s throw from the symbol of Expo 58. The initiators wanted to provide the best possible setting in which to display an exceptional design collection [the Plasticarium].
The collection was created by Philippe Decelle, an ardent enthusiast. Over the years, he has accumulated several thousands of items dating from the golden age of plastic in the early 60s to the post-modern era, via pop art. It’s a unique mix of hundreds of plastic items, ranging from bespoke works of art and contemporary creations from the likes of Philippe Starck and Charles Kaisin to everyday objects such as chairs, desks, clocks, lamps and Tupperware.
The collection was initiated in the 1980s when Philippe Decelle rescued a Joe Colombo chair that had been left on a dustbin. Seeing the chair as an indication of society’s short memory – of how today’s iconic objects becomes tomorrow’s rubbish – Decelle set about accumulating hundreds of plastic items dating from 1960, when the first entirely plastic piece of furniture was made, to 1973, the year of the oil crisis, mixing items together regardless of origin.
The ADAM also offers lectures on art and design, films and workshops and has a concept store shop for the vintage enthusiast as well as a pleasant café. The museum is open every day between 10am and 6pm, and closed on Tuesdays. www.adamuseum.be
The Brussels Times
