The TeamLabs center, in the heart of Madrid, is hosting an exhibition that reviews the history of Nike from its origins to the present day, focusing on how the design and technology They have gone hand in hand to promote sport and popular culture.
Under the title 'Nike. Design in motion', the sample It unpacks almost six decades of experimentationFrom the iconic Swoosh to Air soles, including collaborations with athletes and designers, and its social impact. It is organized by The Factory in collaboration with TeamLabs and is conceived as an immersive journey through products, processes and historical archives.
A journey through design and innovation
The visit begins with the brand's beginnings in the 60s: Blue Ribbon Sports to the birth of Nike. The experiments of coach Bill Bowerman with a waffle iron to create the waffle sole and pioneering pieces such as the Moon Shoe prototypes or the Tiger Cortez, while contextualizing Phil Knight's role in the expansion of the project.
The narrative progresses through the major technical and aesthetic milestones: the Swoosh designed by Carolyn Davidsonthe Nike Air family (Air Max, VaporMax, Zoom Air) and the transformation of basketball with Air Jordan and the work of Tinker HatfieldIconic kits associated with leading athletes are also reviewed.
A significant part comes from Department of Nike Archives (DNA), consulted to curate the exhibition. With the support of the Vitra Design Museum and the curatorial team led by Marcella Hanika and Glenn Adamson, offers an unusual look at sketches and modelspatents and materials.
The innovation is also explained from the brand's laboratory in Oregon, the Nike Sport Research Laband showcases recent developments, including prototypes created with AI in 2024 for elite athletes like Kylian Mbappé or Dina Asher-Smith.
The tour covers the link with urban culture and fashion: Virgil AblohComme des Garçons, Sacai or AMBUSH, and historic collaborations such as the sneakers for Elton JohnThere is also room for diversity projects, such as the collection Be Trueand for pieces associated with figures such as Serena Williams, Rafa Nadal, Pau Gasol, Andre Agassi, Michael Jordan or Steve Prefontaine.
Another area focuses on sustainability: from initiatives such as Move to Zero and considered models that explore new materials and processes (Space Hippie, Foamposite, Marc Newson's Zvezdochka), with a focus on efficiency and circular economy.
Practical information: dates, times and tickets
The exhibition can be visited From November 12th to January 25th at the TeamLabs Space (Plaza de San MartÃn, 1, Madrid). The estimated journey time is between 60 and 90 minutes and it is designed for the general public and fans of design and sports.
Tickets are available from 13 euros and there are options for exclusive guided tours and for educational centers, schools, and master's programs. The organization recommends booking in advance due to anticipated demand.
The opening hours are Sunday to Thursday, from 10:00 to 20:00, and Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays, from 10:00 to 21:00More details and availability are available on the official channels of TeamLabs Madrid.
The exhibition brings together more than 175 objects Among sneakers, prototypes, sketches, models, and documents, offering a clear picture of how the brand has united art, science and performance to meet the needs of athletes.
In addition to its focus on exhibitions, the initiative comes at a time of particular attention to design in the city and reinforces Nike's ties with Spain, where the company registered 53,29 millones de euros of revenue in the last fiscal year, a context that helps to understand its weight in the market and its cultural impact.
With original pieces, high-level collaborations and a strong emphasis on research and sustainability, 'Nike. Design in motion' It offers a complete tour through the firm's creative DNA, with clear practical information to plan the visit and enjoy the content without missing a detail.
