SCHMUCK is one of the most important and oldest exhibitions of contemporary jewellery in the world, presented since 1959 as part of the International Crafts Fair in Munich (Internationale Handwerkmesse). Each edition is accompanied by a rich programme of events in galleries and museums, and for a few days Munich becomes a vibrant global hub for jewellery.
Every year, more than 700 artists from all over the world submit entries, representing a wide range of approaches and aesthetics. Thanks to the changing curators, each edition takes on its own unique character, shaping the direction of jewellery art.
In 2025, the selection of works for the exhibition was made by Dr Jurgita Ludavičienė, an art historian and curator at the Lithuanian National Museum of Art in Vilnius. From 789 entries submitted from 51 countries, she selected 62 artists from 29 countries. Her selection reflects the latest trends in jewellery art, as well as her personal explorations and preferences:
“In contemporary jewellery, I look for courage and life. Something that makes you take a deeper breath, raise your eyebrows in astonishment, look again, admire, and feel something. It isn't always possible to put clearly into words – it hits you in the solar plexus and takes your breath away. (…) After all, jewellery has always been close to magic.”
– from the introduction to the exhibition catalogue
This year's selection is therefore a mosaic of bold voices, surprising formal solutions, material experiments and personal narratives that inspire and encourage reflection.
SCHMUCK is not just a review of current trends, but also a record of the changes taking place in the world of jewellery. Each edition highlights the role of jewellery as an artistic, social and political medium, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design and art.
The exhibition is organised by Chamber of Crafts of Munich and Upper Bavaria and the Danner Foundation, with the support of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs. The concept and layout are the work of renowned curators and designers, and the whole is complemented by a catalogue documenting the works on show.
We invite you to discover SCHMUCK – an exhibition that inspires, provokes, and offers a fresh perspective on jewellery as a unique form of contemporary art.
More information: https://schmuck-muenchen.org/