VIRGIL ABLOH: THE CODES

The Virgil Abloh ArchiveTM, in partnership with Nike, announces Virgil Abloh: The Codes, the first major European exhibition devoted to the work of Virgil Abloh (1980 – 2021), one of the 21st century's most influential designers.

On view at the Grand Palais from September 30 (Abloh's birthday) through October 9, 2025, the exhibition explores nearly two decades of Abloh's multidisciplinary output through the lens of his 20,000-object archive, bringing together hundreds of objects, prototypes, sketches, and images from Abloh's career, as well his personal collections and library. Curated by Chloe Sultan & Mahfuz Sultan, the exhibition serves as an expanded edition of the 2022 Virgil Abloh: The Codes exhibition, tracing how Abloh's signature design principles – his “codes” – thread through his work in apparel, footwear, architecture, music, advertising, and more, unifying a practice that spans multiple disciplines. The Codes also highlights Abloh's collaborations with several artists, designers, and athletes, underscoring the ethos of collectivity and creative dialogue at the heart of his work.

“This exhibit is just the beginning of our work to share Virgil's legacy and principles with the creative community and the broader world. Sharing his personal collection, unfinished projects, and magnum opuses with the public is how we celebrate Virgil's legacy and his commitment to making information accessible and collaborative. Through the ArchiveTM, Virgil will live on as a source of inspiration and beacon of creative knowledge,” said Shannon Abloh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Virgil Abloh Securities, Founder and Board President of the Virgil Abloh Foundation, President and Chair of Virgil Abloh ArchiveTM.

“The Codes operate as the soul of Virgil's legacy; they are at the heart of the ArchiveTM. The Codes tell a story about the creative intention and archival practice that shaped Virgil's identity. They guide us, reminding us that collectivity and accessibility should be centered in our collaborations and expressions, this is how we keep his legacy alive,” said Athiththan Selvendran, Chief Operating Officer of Virgil Abloh Securities, Chief Creative Officer of the Virgil Abloh Foundation, Director of Virgil Abloh ArchiveTM.

“It's an honor to stage two decades of Virgil's work in Paris. This exhibition at Grand Palais is a homecoming of sorts, a love letter to the city that inspired him most and shaped so much of his practice. Virgil Abloh ArchiveTM carries forward V's spirit of generosity by sharing his work, his methods, his ‘codes’ with anyone who wants to learn from and build on his ideas. This exhibition represents the first chapter,” said Mahfuz Sultan, Director of Virgil Abloh ArchiveTM.

A series of publications and public programs – including dialogues, workshops, performances, and screenings – will accompany the exhibition, offering further insight into the exhibition's themes and bringing together voices from Abloh's broader creative community.
“This exhibit is just the beginning of our work to share Virgil's legacy and principles with the creative community and the broader world. Sharing his personal collection, unfinished projects, and magnum opuses with the public is how we celebrate Virgil's legacy and his commitment to making information accessible and collaborative. Through the ArchiveTM, Virgil will live on as a source of inspiration and beacon of creative knowledge,”
Shannon Abloh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Virgil Abloh Securities, Founder and Board President of the Virgil Abloh Foundation, President and Chair of Virgil Abloh ArchiveTM
A series of publications and public programs – including dialogues, workshops, performances, and screenings – will accompany the exhibition, offering further insight into the exhibition's themes and bringing together voices from Abloh's broader creative community.
This exhibition is organized with support from the Virgil Abloh Foundation and Nike.