Fiat 500 is part of the exhibition “The Value of Good Design” at the New York Museum of Modern Art

– From February 10, 2019, a historic Fiat 500 F series will be the focus of a presentation on industrial design at MoMA.
– “The Value of Good Design” can be seen until May 27, 2019.

Since last year, a historic Fiat 500 has been part of the permanent collection of the famous Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA). The Italian automobile icon will be on public display for the first time in spring 2019 as part of the special exhibition "The Value of Good Design". From February 10 to May 27, the MoMA will be showing exceptional pieces from its collection on the subject of industrial design.

"The Fiat 500 is an icon of Italian style that has never gone out of fashion and has won fans around the world over the decades with its unmistakable features and strong personality," commented Luca Napolitano, Head of EMEA Fiat and Abarth. "Since 1957, the Fiat 500 has brought a lot of colour and smiles to the streets of the world. It has become an ambassador of Italy and an icon of style and design made in Italy."

The historic Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 shown in the exhibition "The Value of Good Design" is from the F series, which was produced from 1965 to 1972. All series of the first generation of the Fiat 500 (D, F, L and R) produced a total of more than four million units between 1957 and 1975. The Fiat 500 is a clear expression of the philosophy "form follows function". All materials were used logically and economically to make good design accessible to everyone. The development of inexpensive and reliable cars, of which the Fiat 500 is a prime example, was crucial for mass motorization in the post-war years. With its design and its importance for progress in mid-20th century Italy, the Fiat 500 corresponds exactly to the principle on which the industrial design collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art is based.

Known in Italy as the Cinquecento and presented in 1957 with the official model name "Nuova 500", the Fiat 500 is the work of Dante Giacosa. The engineer and designer, who had been working for Fiat since 1927, was responsible for numerous milestones during his 43-year career at the company. In addition to the "Nuova 500", his work also included the first Fiat 500, commonly known by the nickname Topolino. With its rear-engine layout and four seats despite its ultra-compact body dimensions, the "Nuova 500" was the perfect car for the working class. The characteristic fabric roll-up roof ostensibly provided a touch of luxury, but also reduced the need for steel for the body in production - a rare and expensive material in the 1950s.

In 2007, the current Fiat 500 took up this legacy, and with great success. The Fiat 500 won numerous internationally renowned awards, including the title of "Car of the Year" and the "Compasso d'Oro" design award.

The exhibition "The Value of Good Design"

From the 1930s to the 1950s, the Museum of Modern Art promoted well-designed, affordable objects for everyday use with numerous initiatives. The exhibition "The Value of Good Design", which will be on display on West 10rd Street in New York from February 27 to May 2019, 53, continues this tradition. The exhibition includes furniture, electrical appliances, building ceramics, glass, electronics, means of transport, sporting goods, toys and graphics. But the basic idea of ​​good design was not just a matter for museums in the mid-20th century. Good design also became a pillar of economic reconstruction and technical progress in the years after the Second World War. The historic Fiat 500 is a prime example of this development.

The exhibition at MoMA also raises the question of what good design means today and whether standards from the mid-20th century can be applied to today's society. Visitors are invited to form their own opinion. They can try out some classics that are still being produced today. They also learn how MoMA makes new products and ideas available to the international market through its in-house design stores.

Press contact:
Anne Wollek
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Email: anne.wollek@fcagroup.com

Photos: FCA Group