Louis Poulsen will open its doors at Kuglegården during 3daysofdesign 2026 (June 10–12) to celebrate Poul Henningsen’s centennial and the System PH’s 100-year anniversary.

The Danish lighting manufacturer’s participation marks its continuing commitment to demonstrating how light shapes space, function, and atmosphere within Scandinavian design culture.

This year’s 3daysofdesign theme focuses on Henningsen’s pioneering lighting philosophy and his enduring influence on contemporary practice. The exhibition presents both signature works and new interpretations of his design approach, curated to explore heritage and its present-day significance. Visitors will encounter the PH lamp system—one of Scandinavian design’s most influential lighting solutions—through displays that reveal how three simple shades fundamentally alter perception of light and space.

LouisPoulsen Poul henningsen

A central installation, “PH Exhibition,” invites visitors to experience Henningsen’s spatial approach firsthand. The exhibition examines the core principles of his design method: the relationship between form, light quality, and the human experience of illuminated environments. This focus on the perceptual dimension of lighting reflects Henningsen’s conviction that design serves the fundamental human need for well-distributed, flicker-free light.

Mads Wille

Morning talks will be led by Mads Wille, Henningsen’s great-grandson, alongside invited experts, offering personal and professional perspectives on the designer’s legacy. Wille’s participation underscores the family’s ongoing relationship with the Henningsen name and its significance to Danish design history. A second talk featuring Jan Gehl, the Danish architect and urban designer known for Cities for People, will examine the symbiosis between lighting and urban space, positioning Louis Poulsen’s work within contemporary conversations about sustainable, human-centered design.

The opening hours (09:00–17:00 across all three days) make the exhibition accessible to design professionals, educators, and enthusiasts. Refreshments from Original Coffee will be available, supporting the relaxed atmosphere beneath Copenhagen’s summer sky that has become characteristic of 3daysofdesign.

For Louis Poulsen, 3daysofdesign represents a key platform for dialogue within Scandinavian design culture. The festival’s annual structure allows the manufacturer to present both archival works and new releases, demonstrating how Henningsen’s principles continue to inform contemporary lighting design. The 2026 edition marks a significant moment: the centenary of Henningsen’s birth (1926–2026) and a full century since the introduction of the System PH, reflecting on how a single designer’s vision has shaped an entire industry.

The exhibition runs 10–12 June at Kuglegården, Copenhagen.

Images and content courtesy of Louis Poulsen
Find out more about their work at www.louispoulsen.com