Someone once wrote that Milano is “shy to reveal herself”. The definition is absolutely fitting: despite being a renowned international destination, with more and more people visiting every year either for business or leisure, you would not believe how many don’t really know the most famous spots of the city. Obviously, we’re not talking about the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco or Navigli; instead, we refer to the countless museums, foundations and art venues spread all across the neighbourhoods but somehow are known to a relatively small number of people.
These places often keep masterpieces of modern art, host exhibitions of the most relevant names of contemporary art, or narrate a fundamental chapter in the history of Milano: architecture, interior decoration, furniture design and even the automotive industry are all represented.
Our Favourite Museums
We try to visit our favourite museums as often as we can, to keep up with the ever-evolving exhibitions in some cases and to revisit permanent collections in others. Discovering new artists is always inspiring, but looking back at paintings, sculptures or architectural details for the millionth time often leads to noticing something that had previously slipped past our eyes.
As we said, the places are located here and there all over the city. We’ve singled out the ones we consider must-sees, but didn’t list them in a particular geographical order. The map at the end of the article, however, should come of help to plan your itinerary around Milano to discover them!
Triennale Design Museum
First hosted in 1923, the “Triennale di Milano” is one of the oldest and most relevant design exhibitions on the planet. Throughout the decades, its halls and gardens have hosted some of the most innovative and celebrated architects and artists, and in 2007, a museum was inaugurated in the Parco Sempione spaces. The modernist building houses two permanent exhibitions as well as a continuously changing program of expositions, shedding light on the works of designers and architects alike. Ettore Sottsass, Gae Aulenti, Gio Ponti are just some of the names featured in past shows.
ADI Design Museum
ADI Design Museum is the newest on this list. Inaugurated in 2021, it collects landmark pieces of Italian Design awarded with the Golden Compass (Compasso d’Oro) by ADI, the Italian Design Association. The exhibition spans from 1954 to the present day and also features a constantly updated selection of works by young candidates for the prestigious award. Visiting the museum is just like taking a stroll through seven decades of breakthrough Italian design, and we heartfully recommend it.
Fondazione Prada
The Porta Romana/Lodi neighbourhood is buzzing: after being neglected for long years, it is now in the prime of its architectural resurrection. Many regeneration projects are on their way to completion, but the first (and still most relevant) one was certainly Fondazione Prada. Envisioned by the fashion brand as a hub for the arts, designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, is known by most for Bar Luce, an old-style Italian café decorated by Wes Anderson. However, if you step inside its landmark tower, you will find out there’s much more to discover – both in the permanent collection and in the ground floor halls.
Pirelli Hangar Bicocca
Almost at the opposite end of Milano from Fondazione Prada, Hangar Bicocca follows a similar concept. Hosted on grounds that were once part of the Pirelli tyres factory, it’s a venue for live performances and contemporary arts. It is famously home to Anselm Kiefer’s “Seven Heavenly Buildings”, but the temporary shows are definitely the most interesting ones.
Museo del Novecento
The Museum’s main building is already a masterpiece in its regard. One of two symmetrical buildings designed by Piero Portaluppi as the South Gate to Piazza Duomo, it is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Step inside, however, and you will discover what’s hanging on the walls is just as good as the shell. Most modern Italian painters and sculptors are featured in the extensive exhibitions, with Balla, Boccioni and Fontana’s best works proudly displayed along the halls. And the view over the square from the big arches is a sight to behold!
Casa Corbellini Wasserman
Casa Corbellini Wasserman might be the least known museum on this list. Also designed by Portaluppi, it was built in the 1930s and incorporates an impressive spiral staircase originally created for the V Triennale. The interior is entirely clad in marble from the finest quarries, and an extensive restoration brought it back to life in 2019. It is currently home to the Massimo de Carlo Gallery and can be visited by appointment.
Villa Necchi Campiglio
Built in the 1930s as the private residence of Gigina and Nedda Necchi, heiresses of the namesake sewing machines factory, the majestic villa brings the signature of the usual suspect – Piero Portaluppi. Tomaso Buzzi also had a major role in designing the garden as well as partially re-decorating the interior. Respectfully preserved according to the two sister’s final wills, it is one of the most impressive interiors in Milano; the garden also incorporates the earliest – as well as one of the very few – private pools in town.
Museo Alfa Romeo
We’re moving (partially) out of town for the last stop of the tour: in Arese, along the motorway to Como, the Alfa Romeo museum showcases all of the brand’s most iconic models. From the early one-off cars to the most modern prototypes, including all the victorious racecars in between, the place is a Mecca for petrolheads and lovers of Italian automotive design. Especially now, as dark times seem to lie ahead for Alfa, it is absolutely worth a stop.
Milano is a wonderful city that has so much to offer: it’s not always easy to realise it, but hopefully, a visit to these places will help you fall in love with the city a little more easily. Of course, if you’re visiting and are also a design lover, send us a message: it will be a pleasure to show you around our atelier too!
