The world of design turns its eyes to Milan once again, as the Milano Design Week 2025 kicks off today, running through Sunday, April 13. Anchored by the Salone del Mobile.Milano at Rho Fiera, the event spreads across the city with more than 1,650 exhibitions, installations, talks, and immersive experiences. From hidden courtyards to grand historic palaces, Milan becomes a canvas where design, culture, and innovation converge.
This year’s guiding themes — circularity, inclusivity, and the promotion of emerging talent — shape a program that reaches well beyond traditional venues. With a 21% increase in officially recognized events compared to last year, this promises to be the most dynamic edition to date.
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Milano Design Week 2025
As the city opens its doors to more than 1,650 events, Milano Design Week 2025 proves once again why Milan is considered the global capital of design.
From historic palaces to emerging creative hubs, the entire urban landscape becomes a living exhibition of style, sustainability, and forward-thinking ideas. It’s more than a design event — it’s a week that reimagines the city itself and invites everyone to be part of its ongoing evolution.
You can explore the full list of exhibitors at the official Salone del Mobile.Milano website here.
Highlights Across Milan’s Design Districts
Eighteen neighborhoods are part of the official itinerary, including the iconic design zones like Brera, Tortona, Isola, 5Vie, and Durini, as well as more recent additions such as Porta Venezia and Monumentale. The latter features a new itinerary extending to Via Paolo Sarpi and Teatro del Borgo, showcasing international brands and a rich calendar of talks and presentations.
Read more: FuoriSalone 2025: Mondi Connessi Shapes the Future of Global Design
Design Inside Historic Palaces
Once again, the Design Week opens doors to some of Milan’s most prestigious buildings. Among the must-see highlights:
- Palazzo Litta hosts Variations by MoscaPartners.
- Palazzo Bovara and Palazzo Castiglioni showcase Elle Decor’s signature exhibitions.
- Portrait Milano features Audi’s House of Progress.
- At Villa Necchi Campiglio, explore a light-inspired immersive show by Occhio.
- Palazzo del Senato becomes home to Source of Pleasure by Brazilian designer Juliana Lima Vasconcellos.
At Museo Pietà Rondanini, American artist Robert Wilson creates a visual and sonic dialogue with Michelangelo’s final masterpiece.
Young Designers and Urban Inclusion
A key focus this year is the involvement of young and emerging designers. From BASE Milano’s Exhibit and Temporary Home residencies to student-led initiatives from institutions like Politecnico di Milano and NABA, youth creativity takes center stage.
Accessibility and sustainability are also priorities. Nearly half the events feature inclusive design for people with sensory and motor disabilities, while over 50% adopt circular solutions, reusing materials or repurposing installations.
Women, Design & Empowerment
2025 also places women in design under the spotlight. From the Reveal exhibition by DcomeDesign at Fabbrica del Vapore to tributes to Charlotte Perriand, Nanda Vigo, and the Droulers sisters’ Imperatrice project, the city pays homage to female creativity and leadership.
Art, Museums, and Performance
Milan’s cultural institutions also join the celebration:
- ADI Design Museum presents Best of Both Worlds: Italy. Art & Design 1915–2025.
- Triennale Milano showcases exhibitions on Ettore Sottsass, John Giorno, and more.
- Casa Museo Poldi Pezzoli hosts Letters to Milan.
- Museo della Permanente brings the third edition of Opposites United with immersive installations.
- Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber is transformed by Staging Modernity, an immersive tribute by Cassina.
Design Meets Fashion
The intersection of fashion and design continues to flourish. Highlights include:
- Gucci’s Bamboo Encounters at Chiostri di San Simpliciano
- Prada’s In Transit at the Central Station and Treno Arlecchino
- Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades returning to Palazzo Serbelloni and Palazzo Taverna
- A full program of design-focused fashion initiatives throughout the Montenapoleone District
A Cultural Prelude to the Olympics
This year’s campaign, inspired by the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, features athletes from local sports clubs in iconic design locations — from the San Babila M1 station to Stazione Centrale — blending movement and architecture in a tribute to both urban design and athletic spirit.
The initiative is part of the official Cultural Olympiad, reinforcing Milan’s global image as the Home of Design while embracing a message of inclusivity, creativity, and transformation.
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