Adding depth to the cultural programme of Maison&Objet January 2026, CURATIO by Thomas Haarmann presents a new chapter dedicated to sensitive design, unfolding a curated journey where craftsmanship, function and artistic vision converge. The exhibition aligns with the fair’s theme, Past Reveals Future, reflecting on the value of gesture, material and memory as foundations of contemporary design. Following its debut in 2025, CURATIO returns to Hall 1 with an expanded format, positioning itself as a platform devoted to collectible design at the intersection of art and function. Conceived as a jewel-like gallery, the installation highlights confidential brands and limited-edition productions, offering an alternative rhythm to the intensity of the fair.
The project is curated by Thomas Haarmann, a German designer and interior architect based in Antwerp. Self-taught and shaped by experiences in London, Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur, Haarmann has developed a language in which sophisticated material brutality meets a deeply human sensibility, also informed by a family heritage rooted in jewellery making. As artistic director of Domani and Van Rossum, his curatorial approach privileges authenticity, intuition and formal coherence.
For the 2026 edition, CURATIO presents 60 signed pieces, selected for their ability to express a dialogue between materials, forms and processes. The layout unfolds as a village of harmonised capsules united by a shared visual identity, accompanied by an exhibition gallery with an essential, pared-back scenography that allows each work to stand on its own. In contrast to competitive display logics, CURATIO favours harmony, creating a moment of contemplation at the heart of the fair. Among the expected participants are Van Rossum, Zieta, Verter Turroni, Imperfettolab and Atelier Vierkant, alongside an international selection of studios and designers. Addressed to designers, architects, interior decorators and research-driven brands, CURATIO positions itself as a circle of excellence, fostering targeted encounters and lasting relationships, where design becomes a shared cultural language.
