Milan Design Week 2025: Must-See Events

From April 7 to 13, Fuorisalone will take place with hundreds of events throughout the city. Starting Tuesday, April 8, the 63rd edition of the Salone del Mobile will be held at Rho Fiera

By Editorial Staff - 3 April 2025
16 have participated in the project

Megius, Margraf, Occhio, Antolini, Porsche, Ideal Standard, Nardi, Hydro Building Systems, QU, Moleskine, Nexion, Paola Lenti, Corticeira Amorim, Bang&Olufsen, IKEA, La Marzocco

The countdown to Milan Design Week 2025 has officially begun, with the Fuorisalone set to enliven the city streets from April 7 to 13, while Rho Fiera will host the 63rd edition of the Salone del Mobile starting Tuesday, April 8.

"Connected Worlds" is this year’s Fuorisalone theme: an invitation to reflect on the crucial role of design in connecting different dimensions of our lives — from the natural environment to advanced technologies, from cultural traditions to future innovations. The official program for Fuorisalone 2025 includes over 900 events, spread across Milan’s design districts: Brera, Tortona, 5Vie, Isola, Durini, and Porta Venezia — to name just the historic neighborhoods, which have been joined by several new ones over time.

Here are THE PLAN's recommendations for the must-see events at MDW 2025.

Fuorisalone.it 2025 - Mondi Connessi - Fluid © SilviaBadalotti, courtesy Fuorisalone

Fuorisalone.it 2025, Connected Worlds (Mondi Connessi), Fluid. © Silvia Badalotti, courtesy Fuorisalone

Casa Cork by David Rockwell: Exploring the World of Cork

When: April 7–13
Where: Via Solferino 31

Casa Cork by David Rockwell is a collaborative project between the Rockwell Group, Cork Collective, and Corticeira Amorim — an experimental lab focused on sustainable design and dedicated to cork and its qualities as an eco-friendly material. The program includes events and talks on cork recycling, as well as the presentation of cork-based products designed by various creators.

Growing matter(s), A Pavilion Dedicated to Bio-based Materials

Henning Larsen con il Politecnico di Milano, Growing matter(s) © Piercarlo Quecchia DSL Studio, courtesy Henning Larsen

Growing matter(s). © Piercarlo Quecchia DSL Studio, courtesy Henning Larsen

When: April 7 - 20
Where: via Bonardi 9

Growing matter(s) is the pavilion created by Henning Larsen, in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano, to explore the design potential of mycelium, a bio-based material through which a new aesthetic is proposed, based on a circular design concept.

The work consists of 80 mycelium spheres, each unique and shaped by the natural growth process of this material, which constitutes the vegetative apparatus of fungi. As its form responds to environmental conditions, it challenges uniformity by focusing instead on evolution and imperfection, proposing a reflection on the intelligence of natural systems.

"CRE-ACTION": The Design Islands at the Statale University

AMDL Circle, Catasta. © Michele De Lucchi, pencil on paper, 2017

When: April 7–17
Where: University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7

The exhibition-event CRE-ACTION, set up in the spaces of the University of Milan, is designed to activate and multiply connections and relationships. In collaboration with companies, multinationals, start-ups, and institutions, 40 site-specific creative projects have been developed — including installations, exhibitions, design islands, micro-architectures, and macro-objects — in which 50 designers explore the current moment through architecture and design, proposing alternative ways of inhabiting the world. One Works, Magma - Alle origini della creatività Courtesy One Works

Magma. At the Origins of Creativity. © One Works

Among other installantions, CRE-ACTION will feature:

Wind Labyrinth by Piero Lissoni for Sanlorenzo
The Amazing Plaza by MAD per Amazon
TAM TAM. Temple, Action, Movement by Alvisi Kirimoto for Corepla
Catasta by AMDL Circle for Rubner Haus
A Beat of Water by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) for Roca
MAGMA. At the Origins of Creativity by One Works for Atlas Concorde and Mapei
Beyond the Golden Age? by Studio Marco Piva for Saint-Gobain
Aevum by Zaha Hadid Architects for A.A.T.C. and Co
Tetras by SOM for Artemide

"My Island" and "Infinite Pavilion" by Michele Perlini

Michele Perlini e Dario Biello, Padiglione Infinito Rendering courtesy Michele Perlini

Michele Perlini and Dario Biello, Padiglione Infinito. Rendering courtesy of Michele Perlini

When: April 7–13
Where: 5Vie District

Michele Perlini presents two immersive installations at 5Vie: My Island, the off-grid urban island for a return to sociality and analog life, created with Mattia Volpato, and Infinite Pavilion in Piazza Cordusio, created with Dario Biello on the occasion of Euroluce, which offers a perspective on urban nature through a kaleidoscope of light and surfaces.

The "Nature-Factory Manifesto" by LAND and Porsche Consulting

When: April 9 at 11:00 AM
Where: LAND Terrace, Via Varese 16

The design firm LAND presents, for the first time in Italy, the Nature-Factory Manifesto — an innovative vision developed in collaboration with Porsche Consulting to reimagine companies as “Factories of Nature.” It’s an ambitious project that aims to transform sustainability into a competitive market advantage.

"Design Shooting Milano": Contemporary Architecture Sites Told Through the Lens of Unconventional Photographers

Corvino + Multari, Immagine vincitrice Design Shooting 2024 Napoli © Antonio Acunzo, courtesy Ideal Standard

Corvino + Multari, Winner of Design Shooting 2024 Naples. © Antonio Acunzo, courtesy of Ideal Standard

When: April 2–13
Where: oTTo, Via Paolo Sarpi 10

The photo exhibition Design Shooting Milano, now in its fourth edition as part of the format proposed by Ideal Standard, showcases images born from the encounter between 15 photographers and 15 architecture studios.

CHEZ-Life by Alessia Garibaldi: A Home Beyond Objects

When: April 7–13
Where: Via Solferino 31

CHEZ-Life, a project by Alessia Garibaldi, presents a contemporary art exhibition inside the newly completed residence designed by the architect for an enlightened client. The collection of works is curated by Chiara Guidi. Each room in the home is conceived as a dialogue between space, light, and art, in a state of constant aesthetic movement.

"Unleash Your Genius": The Creative Power of Handwriting

Limited Edition Moleskine – Unleash Your Genius Courtesy of Moleskine®

Limited Edition Moleskine – Unleash Your Genius. Courtesy of Moleskine^®

When: April 7–13
Where: BASE, Via Bergognone 34

In the Tortona area, Moleskine® presents Unleash Your Genius, an experiential installation where visitors can explore writing techniques, lettering, origami, and paper-making using iconic Moleskine materials. The program includes a rich series of workshops led by artists and expert calligraphers.

"Stone Weaves" by Francesca Mueller

Francesca Mueller, Trame di Pietra Courtesy Francesca Mueller

Francesca Mueller, Stone Waves (Trame di Pietra). Courtesy of Francesca Mueller

When: April 7–13
Where: Isola Design

Francesca Mueller, through her Studio for Surface Design, presents Stone Weaves (Trame di Pietra), a project exhibited with and curated by Isola Design. The designer’s latest tapestry collection explores the unique encounter between stone and fabric. This series draws inspiration from the dreamlike images we’ve grown accustomed to through artificial intelligence, transforming them into a material dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Preview of the Olympic and Paralympic Village in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Anteprima del Villaggio Olimpico e Paralimpico di Cortina d’Ampezzo Rendering courtesy Simico e Fondazione Milano Cortina

Preview of the Olympic and Paralympic Village in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Rendering courtesy of Simico and Fondazione Milano Cortina

When: April 7–13
Where: ADI Design Museum, Piazza del Compasso d’Oro 1

Società Infrastrutture Milano Cortina (Simico) and the Milano Cortina Foundation present an installation dedicated to the Cortina d’Ampezzo Village, in anticipation of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Set up within the ADI Design Museum, the installation offers the public a preview of the living experience designed to host athletes of the 25th Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. It’s an opportunity to delve into modular design innovation and the reuse of materials in Olympic infrastructure.

“R100 at Capsule Plaza”: A Production Within 100 km

When: April 8–13
Where: Spazio Maiocchi, Via Maiocchi 7, Porta Venezia

Hydro presents R100, a project that explores sustainable design by minimizing transport emissions. Featuring creations by Sabine Marcelis, Keiji Takeuchi, Cecilie Manz, Daniel Rybakken, and Stefan Diez, the company sets a strict limit of 100 km for the entire production process — from collecting post-consumer waste to the final creation of the objects.

“The Mystery of the Missing Triglyph” by Javier Mayoral

The Mystery of the Missing Triglyph Courtesy CZA Cino Zucchi Architetti

Courtesy of CZA Cino Zucchi Architetti

When: April 5 – May 9
Where: CZA Cino Zucchi Architetti, Via Revere 8

CZA Cino Zucchi Architetti hosts The Mystery of the Missing Triglyph, an exhibition by artist Javier Mayoral (PulpBrother). Through wooden panels that intertwine images and texts, Mayoral explores irony and surrealism, engaging in a dialogue with classical and brutalist architecture. The exhibition stems from the encounter between the artist and Cino Zucchi, who over time has collected more than sixty of Mayoral’s works.

“CRASH”: Marble as a Tool of Rupture and Revelation

When: April 7–13
Where: Spazio Big Santa Marta, Via Santa Marta 10, 5VIE District

Margraf presents CRASH, an installation by Hannes Peer Architecture at Spazio BIG Santa Marta, in the 5VIE District. The work transforms marble from a symbol of stability into a dynamic material, exploring collision as a creative force. Inspired by Michelangelo, Fabro, and Noguchi, the installation culminates in a slab of marble that bends and crumbles, celebrating imperfection as an essential part of the artistic process.

“Shadows”: Ceramics Between Light and Matter

Courtesy of Nexion

When: April 8–13
Where: Via Statuto 8, Brera Design District

Nexion presents Shadows (Ombre), a collection of ceramic surfaces that merges nature and design through plays of light and shadow. The exhibition unfolds across three experiential sections — Love, Live, Create — and includes a symbolic installation celebrating the collaboration between Italy and India, offering an immersive experience into the creativity and innovation of ceramic design.

“Inspired in Barcelona: Luce” Brings the Radiant Identity of Barcelona to Milan

Courtesy of Inspired in Barcelona

When: April 7–13
Where: Sala Scalabrini, Church of Santa Maria del Carmine, Via del Carmine 10

The exhibition Inspired in Barcelona: Luce, curated by Stefano Colli, explores Catalan lighting design through more than 100 pieces, ranging from iconic classics to emerging projects. Set up as a “camera obscura”, the installation stages the evolution of the lighting sector, highlighting light as a symbol of creativity and identity. The exhibition celebrates both the tradition and innovation of Catalan design, reaffirming Barcelona’s status as the creative capital of the Mediterranean.

“Ritrovarsi”: A Journey Through Past, Present, and Nature

When: April 7–13
Where: Paola Lenti Milano, Via Giovanni Bovio 28

Paola Lenti presents Ritrovarsi, a project that invites visitors to reconnect with space and time through a journey of color and material. Àlfa, the ageless home, explores the concept of living through new collections, re-editions of historical pieces, and contributions from emerging designers. The Gardens celebrate the harmony between architecture and nature with handcrafted furniture and textiles, creating environments that enhance well-being and the beauty of outdoor living.

“La dolce attesa” by Paolo Sorrentino

When: April 8–13
Where: Fiera Milano, Rho – Halls 22–24

Paolo Sorrentino’s installation for Salone 2025, titled La dolce attesa, is a timeless space that explores the theme of waiting, suspended between desire and the fear of fate. Described by the Academy Award-winning director as a “journey that stuns and hypnotizes,” the installation represents a liminal space, a realm where every possibility remains open. For this immersive experience, Sorrentino collaborated with Margherita Palli, a set designer with a forty-year career, to bring to life a project that reflects on the beauty and uncertainty of passing time.

“Nardi Forest Lodge”: An Immersive Urban Refuge

Courtesy of Nardi

When: April 7–13
Where: Nardi Showroom, Via Pontaccio 19

Nardi Forest Lodge is an installation that recreates an urban forest, offering a sensory experience of well-being. Four intimate areas, featuring white canopies and new outdoor furnishings by Raffaello Galiotto, invite visitors to relax and immerse themselves in nature, surrounded by lights, sounds, and natural details, creating a harmonious connection with the environment.

“Do Something. Change Everything.” and STOCKHOLM 2025: A Look Toward Sustainability

When: April 7–13
Where: Tenoha Milano, Via Vigevano 18

IKEA presents the STOCKHOLM 2025 collection alongside the exhibition Do Something. Change Everything., which explores the impact of everyday actions on sustainability. Visitors will discover accessible and innovative products, as well as enjoy interactive experiences, talks, workshops, and musical events. IKEA will also offer a selection of Swedish food, including the “Smörgås Sensation”. Additionally, the brand will support The Glitch Camp project by the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), furnishing common areas with second-hand furniture, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability.

La Marzocco Newsstand x House of Negroni

Courtesy of La Marzocco

When: April 7–13
Where: Edicola La Marzocco x House of Negroni, Corso Garibaldi 85

The exclusive La Marzocco-branded newsstand, in collaboration with House of Negroni, will be located in one of Milan’s most vibrant areas, becoming a meeting point between coffee and mixology. Here, visitors can enjoy specialty coffee and taste the “Negroni Svegliato”, a cocktail born from the fusion of coffee and Negroni, created by legendary bartender Salvatore Calabrese.

dOT – design Outdoor Taste: Matter as a Foundational Element of Architecture and Design

dOT- design Outdoor Taste, courtesy of Fuorisalone

When: April 8–13
Where: Architectural Complex of San Marco, Via and Piazza San Marco 2, Brera Design District

The 8th edition of dOT – design Outdoor Taste, the event dedicated to outdoor spaces, will take place in the heart of the Brera Design District with a new exhibition format: dOT MATERICA. Through an immersive exhibition path, the format aims to explore the fundamental role of matter in architecture and design, highlighting research and innovation in the creation of a microarchitecture developed with the support of artificial intelligence. Four major players in the design sector will lead this section: ATI Project, Lombardini22, Progetto CMR, and Studio Marco Piva.

Dreamagination

When: April 8–13
Where: Villa Necchi Campiglio, Via Mozart 14

In the glass pavilion of the historic Villa Necchi Campiglio, Occhio presents Dreamagination, an installation that transforms the space into a boundless, fantastical setting. The brand offers visitors an experience that allows them not only to see, but also to feel the endless possibilities that emerge when light, color, and imagination merge in a harmonious symphony.

Oasi Life Experience: A Stage for Italian-Made Creativity

Oasi Life Experience. Courtesy of Regione Lombardia

When: April 8–13, from 11 AM to 9 PM
Where: Piazza Città di Lombardia

Oasi Life Experience is the Regione Lombardia’s official event for Design Week 2025, conceived by Letizia Fontanelli with artistic direction by Adriana Lohmann. The event transforms Piazza Città di Lombardia into an urban oasis, featuring design installations and green spaces curated by Aquaponic Design and Paghera. Notable participants include Progetto ArtePoli, Bio.Design, and Megius, who will showcase works such as mosaic art, luxury furnishings, and innovative solutions. The program will also feature talks and conferences addressing key themes like ecology, design, and sustainability.

"Quattro – A Taste of Light": Between Light and Conviviality

Rendering courtesy of QU

When: April 8–13, from 10 AM to 9 PM
Where: QU MDW Temporary Showroom, Via Cernaia 7

QU, an emerging Italian lighting company, presents Quattro – A Taste of Light at its temporary showroom in Brera. The installation, designed in collaboration with Aldo Parisotto of Parisotto+Formenton Architetti, explores the relationship between light and conviviality through a four-part experiential journey. From April 8 to 13, visitors can discover a "secret" garden and indoor spaces offering various hospitality experiences, all enhanced by lighting that shapes atmosphere and intimacy.

Chiquita House: Pop Art at Fuorisalone

Chiquita House. Courtesy of Fuorisalone

When: April 7–13
Where: Cambi Casa d'Aste, Via San Marco 22

Chiquita House presents itself as a vibrant, colorful, and inclusive open space, where people can experience art in an interactive way. After the success of last year’s edition, created in collaboration with Brazilian artist Romero Britto, the event returns in 2025 with a new artistic vision developed in partnership with Sebastian Curi. The Argentine artist reinterprets the pop soul of the Chiquita banana through his unmistakable style. Inside Chiquita House, his art becomes an immersive experience that celebrates the connection between humans and nature, embodied by the act of enjoying bananas — the ultimate pop fruit.

“Frozen” by Tokujin Yoshioka

Frozen - Tokujin Yoshioka

Tokujin Yoshioka, Frozen. Courtesy of Grand Seiko

When: April 7–13
Where: Palazzo Landriani — Via Borgonuovo 25 | Via Fiori Oscuri 4

Grand Seiko, together with Tokujin Yoshioka, one of Japan’s most renowned artists, explores the evolution of time inspired by the theme of water. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the artwork Aqua Chair alongside pieces from Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive collection, which expresses the natural flow of time through the smooth, continuous movement of the second hand.

A New Vision of Natural Stone

When: April 7–13
Where: Piazza Fontana, corner of Via San Clemente

In collaboration with Florentine artist Murran Billi, Antolini® invites visitors to discover natural stone in a new and innovative light, celebrating both nature and human creativity. Thanks to a newly formed partnership with Danish brand Bang & Olufsen, known for its hi-fi audio systems, sound and stone merge, creating a dialogue between design and artisanal mastery.

“Gucci | Bamboo Encounters”: The Timeless Legacy of Bamboo

When: April 7–13
Where: Chiostri di San Simpliciano, Piazza Paolo VI

Gucci presents Gucci | Bamboo Encounters, an exhibition dedicated to bamboo in design and in the Maison’s identity. Curated and designed by 2050+ and its founder Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli, the show features an innovative use of bamboo through seven new projects created by contemporary designers.

“Nobody Owns the Land: Earth, Forest, Mahk” – The Site-Specific Installation by Byoung Soo Cho

Byoung Soo Cho, "Nobody Owns the Land: Earth, Forest, Mahk". Courtesy of MoscaPartners

When: April 6–13
Where: Palazzo Litta, Corso Magenta 24

Palazzo Litta hosts MoscaPartners Variations 2025, a site-specific exhibition curated by Byoung Soo Cho, which explores the world of design as a catalyst for cultural exchange and creative innovation. The installation, titled Nobody Owns the Land: Earth, Forest, Mahk, merges Eastern and Western architectural philosophies. By bringing together international architects, designers, and artists, the work transcends geographical boundaries, fostering a dialogue between diverse perspectives.

>>> Also discover the Superdesign Show 2025, titled Happiness, taking place at Superstudio Più in the Tortona district, from April 7 to 13

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