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As Qatar’s each skyscraper tells a story of progress, French luxury design house Hermès has found a fitting home for In Motion in Doha, a city that, much like the exhibition, honours its roots while propelling forward.
From October 16 to November 9, the National Museum of Qatar in Doha is hosting Hermès Heritage In Motion, the third and final chapter of the maison’s acclaimed exhibition series. Following the successes of Once Upon a Bag in 2022 and Harnessing the Roots in 2023, this latest instalment delves into Hermès’ rich history of movement and travel, which are themes that resonate profoundly with Qatar’s own narrative of transformation and modernity.
The exhibition highlights Hermès’ journey from its origins as a humble harness-maker and saddler in 1837 to its current status as a global emblem of elegance and craftsmanship.
In Motion explores the maison’s enduring relationship with mobility, showcasing objects that embody the desire to explore and roam. At a time when modern life was gathering pace, Hermès creations enabled men and women to navigate an increasingly dynamic world with ease and style, whether on foot, horseback, by car, bicycle, skateboard, or aircraft.
The exhibition presents a curated selection of pieces from the Émile Hermès collection, the maison’s archives, the Hermès Conservatoire of Creations, and contemporary works. Among the highlights is the very first Hermès scarf, adorned with concentric circles of horse-drawn carriages inspired by the Jeu des omnibus et dames blanches board game, a nod to the brand’s equestrian roots.
Also on display is a pair of Postilion’s riding boots, whose impressive size and robustness evoke tales of adventure and the mythical seven-league boots. The Flâneur d’Hermès bicycle, with its sleek lines and graceful design, exemplifies the fusion of functionality and artistry that defines Hermès’ creations.
The Bolide picnic bag, inspired by the Sac pour l’Auto from the 1920s, illustrates how Hermès designs transcend time, adapting to contemporary lifestyles while honouring their heritage. Another standout work on display, the Pippa writing desk serves as a functional workspace when opened, and transforms into an elegant piece of furniture when closed, seamlessly blending into its surroundings. The cane picnic basket conceals a full set of cutlery in its upper compartment, showcasing Hermès’ flair for combining practicality with surprise. Meanwhile, the Inversables, two columns of glasses mounted on mobile rings, are designed to remain steady aboard yachts or ocean liners, highlighting the brand’s meticulous attention to detail.
Curated by Bruno Gaudichon, curator of the La Piscine Museum of Art and Industry in Roubaix, and brought to life by exhibition designer Laurence Fontaine, In Motion unfolds in five stages. Each segment invites visitors to explore the synergy between movement, design, and the timeless human desire to journey.
Hosting this exhibition at the National Museum of Qatar underscores Doha’s status as a growing hub for art, fashion, and culture.
This autumn, don’t miss this extraordinary exhibition that not only traces the evolution of Hermès but also reflects the spirit of a city in constant motion. Hermès Heritage ‘In Motion’ is open to the public until November 9 at the National Museum of Qatar, Doha.
