Milan 2022 – Whether you are a veteran or a new entry, you won’t like to ricochet here and there or queue for ages. That’s why we wrote down this ‘Milan Design Week guide for Dummies.’ Enjoy!
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GETTING INTO TOWN AND ACCOMMODATION – There are fixed taxi tariffs from From Malpensa, Linate, and Orio al Serio airports to Milan or the fair. If you haven’t booked your accommodation, hurry up! You might still find some spare flats on Airbnb but do not hope for affordable hotel fares.
GETTING AROUND – All design districts can be explored on foot. Comfy shoes are mandatory.
The public transport system is efficient. The single ticket costs 2,20 €. It is valid 90min after stamping, and you can also reach the fair at the Rho Fieramilano metro stop. If you pay contactless by tapping your card at the dedicated turnstiles at the entrance. If so, remember to tap your card when you exit to avoid fines or extra charges. The daily ticket costs 7,60 € and is valid 24h after stamping.
During rush hours, taxis are not easy to find. Call (+39) 02 4040 or (+39) 028585 to book a cab. Do not use the car, as parking lots are more than a mirage and there is a fee to drive through the city centre. Alternatively, you can download and use bike-sharing. Check RideMovi, Lime, and Dott.
EATING OUT – Milan is a culinary destination as well. From Michelin-starred restaurants to informal trattorias and bistros, it won’t be easy to find a place in the most popular destinations. Book two weeks in advance.
THE FAIR – Salone del Mobile.Milano is located just outside the city. The most practical way to reach it is by Metro. Buy here your Salone ticket in advance, as buying it there it’s a maelstrom! Once inside, get one free guide, and if you haven’t done it yet, plan your route before plunging into the design drome! During rush hours, the metro and the traffic are a nightmare. Leave at least half an hour before closing time to avoid congestion.
FUORISALONE – The program of exhibitions and parties taking over the city is massive. Avoid queues by registering online to Superstudio (free). Dedicate at least half a day to each design district.
THE DESIGN DISTRICTS – Near Duomo Square, check the INTERNI Magazine installations in the stunning cloisters of Milan University Statale [MM1 San Babila]. Nearby, you can walk to the 5 Vie design district. Meander through the quiet cobbled alleys of this historic neighbourhood to discover stunning installations nested in picturesque courtyards, design and art galleries, and ateliers turned into exhibition venues.
Triennale – Photo by Bruno Cordioli Flickr CC.
A must-visit pit stop is at the gallery of Milan Design Week’s godmother Rossana Orlandi [Via Mandello 14, MM2 St. Ambrogio], and Nilufar Gallery in the Fashion district [Via della Spiga 32, MM3 Montenapoleone]. Make sure to visit La Triennale di Milano [Via Alemagna 6, MM1,2 Cadorna], a true temple of design hosting major exhibitions, talks, and events, as well as installations in the exquisite garden designed by renowned artist De Chirico. The ADI Design Museum hosts further exhibitions [Piazza Compass d’Oro 1, MM5 Monumentale].
Brera Design District [MM2 Brera and Moscova] hosts the flagship stores of some of the leading Italian design brands. Explore the historic district’s cobbled streets and verdant courtyards to discover unexpected installations. Pontaccio, Via Brera, via Solferino, Piazza San Marco, and Corso Garibaldi are the most popular streets. Many design flagship stores are also in Via Durini and Corso Monforte.
Tortona [MM2 Porta Genova] is a post-industrial neighbourhood with large exhibition spaces. The main venues are Superstudio, a co-working space, and the cultural platform Base, which hosts curated events, talks, and installations. Garages, shops, and offices are transformed into exhibition galleries for independent brands along Via Tortona and via Savona. We recommend Tortona Rocks in via Tortona 31.
Isola design district is just beyond the new skyscrapers embracing Piazza Gae Aulenti [MM5, Isola]. The new creative epicenter is full of surprises. The Stecca, a former squat now turned into a community exhibition centre, hosts talks, and events. The new Porta Venezia Design District can be explored from the metro station Porta Venezia.
Indie districts – Design platform Alcova brings back to life the vast and monumental spaces of a former slaughterhouse [Viale Molise 61]. The Morel Design Week in the Certosa district [Via Provata Gradisca 18] is the new district in town – quite far away from the centre but worth a visit. Explore exhibitions, talks, and installations at Dropcity under the vaults of the Magazine Raccordati tunnels of Milan’s Central Station [Via Sammartini 60].
Alcova 2023 – Photo by Federico Floriani.
