Brussels, Belgium – The Autoworld car museum in Brussels is set to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the legendary Citroën DS with a grand exhibition showcasing a unique collection of the iconic French automobile.
The exhibition will take place from April 25 to June 29, drawing car enthusiasts and history buffs alike to admire the evolution of one of the most innovative vehicles of the 20th century.
According to Autoworld, the exhibition will feature almost every version and variant of the Citroën DS, a model renowned for its avant-garde design, groundbreaking technology, and unparalleled comfort.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a carefully curated selection of models, from the pioneering ID19 to the luxury-oriented ID19 Pallas, culminating in the DS23 Pallas—the last version produced before the model was discontinued in 1975.
A Celebration of Design and Innovation
First unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, the Citroën DS stunned the automotive world with its aerodynamic styling, futuristic features, and hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension system.
Designed by Italian sculptor and industrial designer Flaminio Bertoni, the DS was lauded for its revolutionary blend of elegance and functionality, cementing its place in automotive history.
The upcoming exhibition at Autoworld will highlight the DS’s impact on the industry and showcase its lasting legacy through meticulously restored models, historical documents, and interactive displays.
The museum aims to offer an immersive experience, allowing visitors to understand how the DS transformed automotive engineering and influenced generations of car designers.
A Singular Exhibit: The Citroën DS ‘Ballons’
One of the most striking displays at the exhibition will be the Citroën DS ‘Ballons,’ a unique sculptural representation of the vehicle. Created in 1959 by French artist Claude Puech, this version of the DS features large red balls in place of traditional wheels.
The artwork symbolises the car’s unparalleled hydropneumatic suspension system, which gave passengers the sensation of floating on air.
“The DS was not just a car; it was an experience,” said an Autoworld spokesperson. “With its futuristic design and groundbreaking technology, it redefined comfort and performance. The ‘Ballons’ sculpture perfectly encapsulates the essence of the DS—effortless, smooth, and innovative.”
A Lasting Legacy
The Citroën DS remains an enduring symbol of French automotive excellence. More than 1.4 million units were produced between 1955 and 1975, and the model continues to be a collector’s favourite.
Its impact extends beyond the automotive world, having been a preferred vehicle of statesmen, celebrities, and visionaries—including French President Charles de Gaulle, who famously credited the DS’s superior suspension and stability for saving his life during an assassination attempt in 1962.
Autoworld’s exhibition will offer visitors a chance to witness the ingenuity behind the Citroën DS and explore its journey from a revolutionary concept to a cherished classic. The showcase is expected to attract thousands of visitors, reinforcing the DS’s status as an automotive masterpiece.
For those eager to relive a piece of motoring history, the exhibition will be open to the public at Autoworld Brussels from April 25 to June 29, promising a nostalgic and educational experience for all.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
