BIRKENSTOCK Celebrates 250th Anniversary with "Walk This Way" Exhibition at Shanghai's Zhang Yuan

To mark its 250th anniversary, the German footbed brand BIRKENSTOCK has partnered with photographer Henry Leutwyler to showcase a special photo exhibition titled "Walk This Way" at its Shanghai Zhang Yuan pop-up store. The exhibition highlights key moments from the brand's extensive history, presenting rare images from its original archives and sharing the story of its evolution. The exhibition is open to the public from November 21 to January 15.

The exhibition features notable milestones from BIRKENSTOCK’s journey, including the first non-metallic flexible insole created by master shoemaker Konrad Birkenstock, the first standardized and firmly integrated footbed designed by Karl Birkenstock, and the brand’s iconic sandals that have become global staples. Leutwyler's exploration of the brand's archives offers a deep dive into over two centuries of footbed innovation.

In celebration of its 250-year legacy, BIRKENSTOCK is planning several initiatives in 2024 to offer a comprehensive look at its history. Earlier this year, it published "The Evolution of a Universal Purpose and Zeitgeist Brand," the first global historical study on the brand, alongside the "Book of BIRKENSTOCK," a visual archive of the brand's creative journey. In December, BIRKENSTOCK will release a limited-edition photo book set, "OLD MILLS NEVER DIE", in collaboration with Steidl Publishing.

"OLD MILLS NEVER DIE" is a unique four-volume collection housed in a wooden box, featuring photography by Henry Leutwyler, Werner Bartsch, and Juergen Teller, along with a sketchbook containing original packaging designs by Carl Birkenstock (1900-1982). All the images featured in the 250th anniversary exhibition will also be included in this book set.

On December 5, BIRKENSTOCK will also unveil a new digital initiative—the 250 MICROSITE. This online platform will bring the essence of the "Book of BIRKENSTOCK" to the digital space, giving enthusiasts easy access to the brand’s rich historical archives.

The opening of the exhibition will also coincide with the debut of the BIRKENSTOCK 1774 Lunar New Year Collection, which will feature snake elements. The collection will officially launch on December 6.