#United States #New York #MillerKnoll #Keiji Takeuchi #Walking Sticks

Keiji Takeuchi's 'Walking Sticks & Canes' Exhibition

The much-anticipated design exhibition, "Walking Sticks & Canes," curated by the internationally renowned designer Keiji Takeuchi, is officially opening its doors in New York City. This exciting event takes place at MillerKnoll's newly reimagined flagship location at 251 Park Avenue South, following a successful premiere in Triennale Milano. The exhibition seeks not only to showcase exquisite design work but also to spark conversations around the role of design in our lives.

MillerKnoll’s flagship store carries a rich design legacy, previously serving as the home of George Nelson's studio. The redefined space now features a dedicated gallery that acts as a canvas for deepening the public's engagement with design. Kelsey Keith, the Creative Director at MillerKnoll, articulates this mission succinctly: "Our role is to open doors to design experiences that aren't always accessible." This encapsulates the intent behind bringing "Walking Sticks & Canes" to New York — to allow the public to connect with unique works that embody both aesthetic appeal and cultural significance.

The exhibition showcases the innovative designs of 19 celebrated designers from around the globe, such as Cecilie Manz and Jasper Morrison, each interpreting the walking stick not merely as a tool but as a profound symbol of movement and connection. Takeuchi, who has collaborated with brands like Geiger and NaughtOne, aims to broaden visitors’ perceptions of the walking stick, elevating it from a simple accessory to a canvas for emotional expression and shared experiences.

This exhibition serves as a poetic exploration of mobility and emotional resonance, enhanced by a visual narrative crafted through stunning photography by Albert Lee. Lee’s work invites viewers to pause and reflect on how design exists and intersects with our lives across diverse cultures and ages. Takeuchi shares a reflective insight, stating, "It is not possible to go back in time to the very first walking stick… Over time, the cane has been used as both accessory and necessity, with limitless potential for exploration."

In further enriching this exhibition, Takeuchi recently participated in a panel discussion at the MillerKnoll flagship alongside Amy Auscherman, Director of Archives and Brand Heritage, and Marco Sammicheli, the Director of the Design Museum at Triennale Milano. The discussion revolved around the physical, emotional, and cultural dynamics of design. These exchanges reflect MillerKnoll's commitment to using its platforms to foster a broader cultural discourse, empowering design to transcend mere aesthetics.

"Walking Sticks & Canes" is set to be a temporary exhibit at this flagship location, marking a rare opportunity to experience it in the United States before its global tour continues. Visitors will have access to this captivating exploration of Keiji Takeuchi’s design ethos starting November 17. The exhibit will encourage them to consider how design can inspire not just movement but also healing and self-expression.

Tickets for the exhibition are available online, providing art and design enthusiasts a chance to delve into this captivating intersection of functionality and creativity. Through exhibitions like this, MillerKnoll continues to reaffirm its dedication to uplift the human experience through thoughtful and innovative design.

About MillerKnoll

MillerKnoll is a global collective of design brands rooted in the legacies of Herman Miller and Knoll. Boasting an impressive portfolio that spans furniture and accessories for both commercial and residential environments — including names like Muuto, Maharam, and NaughtOne — MillerKnoll drives forward its mission to harness design for the greater good of humanity. In the 2025 fiscal year, the company achieved net sales of $3.7 billion, highlighting its significant footprint in the design and furniture innovation landscape.