Zurich Design Weeks 2025: Our 10 Highlights

From September 4 to 14, 2025, the Zurich Design Weeks will take place. There are countless exciting exhibitions and events to visit. Studios and showrooms open their doors, while a multidisciplinary lens puts design in conversation with society, the economy, and the environment. Here are BYCA's 10 highlights to visit during Zurich Design Weeks:

1) The hub for creativity - the Design Zentrale

At the heart of it all is the Design Zentrale in the Swiss Design Lounge at the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich. Here, the festival team is on hand to share insights and guide you through the program highlights. On display are The Five Works of Newcomer, Circular Design Rules, Design for Inclusion, and HOMEWORKS – Rethinking Swiss Design. The Zurich Design Weeks officially open on Thursday, 4 September 2025, at 17:00 with a welcome speech in the lecture hall.

2) HOMEWORKS - Swiss design rethought (Micasa × ECAL)

A pop-up showcase where ECAL Industrial Design students rethink everyday living for Micasa — witty, useful pieces with Swiss DNA. 4–14 Sept, Ausstellungsstrasse. 

3) Pop-up Fashion Café at MAISON SHIFT (4-7 Sept)

More than 20 Swiss labels in a cozy café setting (yes, cinnamon rolls by Bakery Bakery). Opening night hosted by Office Veza by Lauren Isabel and Mili Ivetic. Address: Zeughausstrasse 56. 

• Workshop spotlight: Craft Week at Maison Shift: Dyeing, printing, embroidery, creating. Designers teach traditional textile techniques and reinterpret the craft. The broad workshop range is open to kids and adults, beginners and advanced—all welcome!

4) DEHGRAF “Spark(l)ing Emotions)” - Vernissage @ Coin Coin (4 Sept, 18:00)

Kick off with design-meets-art from Dehgraf Studio at Coin Coin — an atmospheric opener before you continue vernissage hopping. 

5) Schere, Holz, Textil - Thut Möbel × lavie × Claudia Caviezel × Neumarkt 17

A beautifully balanced triad: precise folding furniture by Thut Möbel, color-rich home textiles by lavie, and poetic interventions by Claudia Caviezel in the Neumarkt 17 salon. (Vernissage on Sept 4 from 18:00.) 

6) As Clay Does - db pottery studio

Hands-on clay sessions (think extruding, raku, playful forms) at db pottery studio in Zurich West. Great for getting your hands dirty between gallery stops. 

• Workshop spotlight: Two accessible clay workshops: one explores form via clay extrusion and invites playful experimentation; the other is a large Raku firing, where transformation through heat and smoke takes center stage.

7) Design Biennale Zürich - “SIDE BY SIDE” (5–14 Sept)

The Biennale transforms the Old Botanical Garden (UZH) into an open-air design park — installations, guided tours, and a free, public program. Opening: Fri 5 Sept, 17:00–20:00. 

8) Curators’ Walks

Join festival curators for city walks that connect dots between venues and themes — a great way to see more with context. (Multiple slots across the first weekend.) 

9) QWSTION - “Herding Wool”

At the QWSTION Flagship Store, the award-winning research project Herding Wool explores local supply chains and circular design. Look out for talk slots during the week. 

• Workshop spotlight: This workshop uses felting as a platform to discuss wool’s challenges and possibilities—aimed at designers, architects, and creatives. Guided by Herding Wool designers Alix Arto and Emma Casella, you’ll craft your own felt cushion.

10) Design. Raum. Kulinarik. - BOLON × OKO × BATTER (4 Sept)

A one-night spatial makeover of OKO bar led by flooring brand BOLON with OKO and BATTER — blending design, mood and hospitality to set the tone for the week.