Montblanc Haus Opens With The Classic Pen Written On Its Walls
By Mikelle Leow, 11 May 2022
Image via Montblanc
Most things shown to the public eye are finished products—the results of months or years of unseen workings and reworkings. Over at the new Montblanc Haus in Hamburg, Germany, it’s all about the brilliant, imperfect in-betweens.
Montblanc Haus, located near Montblanc’s headquarters and manufacturing facility, is the brand’s museum and architectural ode to its writing instruments. Designed by renowned architect Nieto Sobejanos, it occupies 118,000 square feet of space and spans three stories.
The façade is, of course, splashed in Montblanc’s palette of inky-black and white. Its textured concrete exterior, illuminated at night, alludes to the packaging of Montblanc pens—which themselves, as the architect describes, nod at the mountain massif that gave the brand’s name and trace the gestures of a hand in writing.
Image via Montblanc
Writers, artists, and anyone else who uses a pen will find themselves in a haven that not only pens the story of Montblanc’s 115-year history but also hopes to “Inspire Writing” far into the future. For instance, there’s a Writing Atelier dedicated to hosting calligraphy and creative writing sessions.
Image via Montblanc
The room will also accommodate free classes for disadvantaged youths.
A permanent exhibition showcases the handwritings of famous figures like Ernest Hemingway, Frida Kahlo, and Jackie Chan. Filling in the blanks will be temporary shows, as well.
Image via Montblanc
Image via Montblanc
Image via Montblanc
Image via Montblanc
[via Design Milk and Artnet News, images via Montblanc]