Artemide: Design Lighting with an Ethical Vision

Artemide began its journey in the world of design in the 1960s with a cutting-edge project that combined lighting and innovation. An excellence of Made in Italy, the brand has always stood out thanks to its designers’ innovative philosophy based on the concept of “The Human and Responsible Light” and its patented models that have made international design history.

Artemide: The Brand’s History

It was the time of the economic boom, and the year was 1959. Ernesto Gismondi, an engineer and designer, founded the company under the evocative name Artemide together with Sergio Mazza, also a designer. The company was based in Pregnana Milanese, but soon several showrooms opened worldwide.

Gismondi quickly established himself as an international designer, thanks to his talent and innovative vision, and became a key figure in the avant-garde “Memphis” movement, which profoundly influenced the evolution of design in Italy and beyond.

Under his leadership, Artemide grew to become a world leader in design lighting within just a few years, earning numerous prestigious international awards. Gismondi’s career was crowned with the Compasso d’Oro Lifetime Achievement Award (1994) and the European Design Prize (1997).

Over the years, Artemide has remained at the forefront of innovation through collaborations with top designers such as Issey Miyake and Herzog & De Meuron. Today, it is present in 98 countries.

Production takes place in Italy, France, Hungary, and Canada, supported by two glassworks and a dedicated Research & Innovation center, with a total of 750 employees, including 60 specialized in R&D. The brand continues to embody the values of innovation and socio-cultural exploration that have always defined it, lighting the future with the iconic designs that made it famous from the start.

Sustainability and Innovation

In addition to working with world-renowned designers, Artemide also invests in emerging talent through partnerships with leading universities in Italy and internationally.

Artemide stands out not only for its futuristic and innovative approach but also for its humanistic and ethical values rooted in sustainability. This vision is perfectly expressed in its guiding principle: “The Human and Responsible Light,” creating extraordinary lighting in every respect. Its research is driven not just by innovation but also by a strong focus on sustainability.

Artemide’s Iconic Pieces

Over the years, Artemide has been awarded numerous invention patents for its technological, mechanical, and optoelectronic innovations—10 of which were filed in 2016 alone.

Among the iconic products that have shaped design history are Eclisse (Vico Magistretti, 1967), Tolomeo (Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina, 1989), Pipe (Herzog & De Meuron, 2004), and the IN-EI Collection (Issey Miyake, 2014), all recipients of the prestigious Compasso d’Oro Award.

Artemide lamps are showcased in the world’s most important design centers, including museums and private collections. You can also find a curated selection of Artemide products in our store.