Knowledge for All

In the 1920s, the Viennese philosopher and economist Otto Neurath revolutionized the way social science and policy can be transmitted to a wider public. Seeking to democratize knowledge via a new method of visual communication, he founded the Museum of Society and Economics as a showcase for his work. By the 1930s, Neurath’s approach to illustrating statistics was used globally. Developed in close partnership with graphic designer Marie Reidemeister and artist Gerd Arntz, the Viennese method became known as “Isotype” (International System of Typographic Picture Education).

The exhibition spans an arc from Isotype’s origins in Red Vienna and its subsequent internationalization to its current significance in science education, graphic design, and art. A comprehensive catalogue with over 40 contributions by international scholars accompanies the exhibit. 

Curators: Günther Sandner, Werner Michael Schwarz, Susanne Winkler 
Exhibition architecture: Mark und Hamann
Exhibition graphics: Studio Olaf Osten
Exhibition sponsor: AK Wien