Blitz: The club That shaped the 80’s

Design Museum

Blitz explores the history of the iconic Blitz Club — the legendary 1980s nightclub that redefined style and left an indelible mark on popular culture, influencing everything from fashion and music to film, art, and design.

For this exhibition, Beam designed the lighting to capture both the atmosphere of the club and the spirit of the 1980s. Authentic lighting effects from the period were reimagined throughout the space: as visitors descend the entry stairs, they are greeted by a restored vintage sodium streetlight casting its signature yellow glow. Upon entering the immersive section, a neon recreation of the original Blitz Club sign and replicas of the distinctive globe lights evoke the club’s original entrance.

Elsewhere, contemporary interpretations of 1980s aesthetics take centre stage. Angular suspended LED fittings and concealed linear LEDs introduce dynamic bursts of colour and vibrancy, creating a modern twist on the era’s visual language. A cool overall palette is punctuated by pockets of warmth, enhancing both depth and visual interest throughout the exhibition.