Hidden Heroes: The Genius of Every Day Things at the Science Museum

Hidden Hereos – the genius of everyday things. We use them every day. They influence our lives. They number in the billions. They are so common that we rarely even think about them: the Hidden Heroes of everyday life. Be it a dowel, a tea bag or a zipper, these objects are classics.

Typically based on an idea that was both simple and ingenious, they have often remained essentially unaltered for decades. Due to their constancy, efficient use of materials and great utility, they are the utmost examples of sustainability and functional aesthetics.

With the exhibition Hidden Heroes: The Genius of Everyday Things, the Vitra Design Museum and Hi-Cone present 36 of these everyday classics, telling about their history and demonstrating the enormous significance they have today, both conceptually and economically.

This new show presents the objects together with patent specifications and drawings by their inventors, with print ads and advertising films – not only from today, but also from the time when the products were striving to become established.