Hunter Douglas and the Timeless Design of Kho Liang Ie

Major retrospective exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

From 14 May to 18 October 2026, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam presents the first major museum retrospective of designer and interior architect Kho Liang Ie. Through his furniture and interiors, he played a key role in Dutch design from the 1950s to the mid-1970s.

Kho Liang Ie was known for his poetic approach, use of distinctive materials, and strong focus on the human scale. With a playful interpretation of modernism, he developed a unique design signature. Thanks to his international outlook, he combined influences from Asia, Scandinavia, Italy, and the United States in an innovative way.

Iconic design for Schiphol Airport

One of his most influential projects was the interior design of the new Schiphol Airport, designed in 1963 and opened in 1967. For the wayfinding system, he collaborated with graphic designer Benno Wissing of Total Design. The now-iconic Schiphol arrow was, however, developed by Kho himself, or under his direct supervision. Together, they created a wayfinding system with a strong international appeal.

Although parts of the original design have since disappeared, characteristic elements are still visible today, including the V100 linear ceiling by Hunter Douglas Architectural and the stainless steel wall cladding between Schiphol Plaza and the departure and arrival halls.

Hunter Douglas Architectural contributes to the exhibition

Hunter Douglas is proud to contribute to this legacy through its participation in the exhibition. As part of this contribution, V100 ceiling panels have been installed, allowing visitors to experience the system firsthand. This creates a special connection between past and present, as earlier versions of these panels were used in Kho Liang Ie’s iconic Schiphol design—a powerful example of timeless design.

Documentary on Dutch Television

To coincide with the exhibition, the documentary “Kho Liang Ie – Designer of His Time” will be broadcast in the Netherlands. Hunter Douglas also contributed to this documentary. In this episode of the Close Up series, his son Eng Bo explores the lasting influence of Kho Liang Ie and the relevance of his work for contemporary design.

The documentary will air on Dutch television on Monday, 15 June 2026 at 22:40 on NPO 2, and will subsequently be available on NPO Start.