Milan is a city of contrasts—where historic palazzos stand beside sleek skyscrapers, and centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with cutting-edge fashion and design. Whether you’re here for the art, the shopping, or simply to soak up the city’s unique energy, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. From museums to art foundations, fashion and design hubs: here’s 8 things to do in Milan.
1
Mudec Bottega Design
The Mudec (Museum of Cultures) in Milan houses Bottega Design, a boutique offering curated contemporary furniture and art objects. Within Mudec, you can also find the Michelin-starred restaurant Enrico Bartolini, known for its innovative Italian cuisine blending tradition and modernity, providing a unique cultural and culinary experience. Mudec’s blend of art, design, and fine dining makes it a cultural and gastronomic hub in Milan.
2
Fondazione Rovati
Luigi Rovati Foundation, in Corso Venezia, has been renovated by the architect Mario Cucinella to house the Etruscan art collections of Lucio Rovati and that of contemporary art by his wife Giovanna Forlanelli. The 140 Etruscan finds are on the floor hypogeum, exhibited together with works by Lucio Fontana, William Kentridge and Arturo Marini. On the floor noble, among brocade upholstery, fuchsia boiserie and showcases of millenary objects, they are exhibited drawings by Andy Warhol, a horse by Ai Wei Wei and works by Giulio Paolini and Luigi Ontani to whom two rooms are dedicated. Take a tour of the library on the ground floor, have a drink coffee and order tapas and spritzes at the bistro with windows overlooking the garden. The menu is signed by Andrea Aprea, whose Michelin starred restaurant is on the top floor.
3
Fondazione Prada
The Fondazione Prada, in the up and coming industrial area of Ripamonti, is one of the places you must visit in the city for several reasons: the permanent contemporary art collection of Signora Miuccia, the exhibitions, always of the highest level, cinema with designer reviews, the Bar Luce designed by director Wes Anderson, and the complex as a whole that saw an early twentieth century distillery become a daring center of cultural production based on a project by the studio of Rem Koolhaas, one of the most creative architects today.
4
Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano
The Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano offers a glimpse into the world of 20th-century Italian art and the lives of its passionate collectors. Located in a charming 1930s building designed by architect Piero Portaluppi, this museum was once the private residence of Antonio Boschi and Marieda Di Stefano, an art-loving couple who amassed an extraordinary collection. Inside, you’ll find over 300 works from their extensive collection, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Giorgio Morandi, Lucio Fontana, and Mario Sironi. The museum preserves the original layout of the couple’s home, creating an intimate atmosphere where visitors can wander through rooms filled with paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.
5
GAM Milano
The Galleria d’Arte Moderna (GAM) Milano is a treasure trove of 19th-century and early 20th-century art, nestled within the elegant Villa Reale, a neoclassical masterpiece surrounded by tranquil gardens. Located in the heart of Milan, GAM showcases an impressive collection of Italian and European artworks, including pieces by artists such as Francesco Hayez, Giovanni Segantini, and Medardo Rosso, alongside works by international masters like Van Gogh and Cézanne. The villa itself, with its ornate interiors and stunning frescoes, enhances the experience, offering a perfect harmony between art and architecture. Beyond its permanent collection, GAM also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
6
Villa Necchi Campiglio
Tucked away in the heart of Milan, Villa Necchi Campiglio is a stunning 1930s architectural gem that offers a glimpse into the elegance and sophistication of Milanese high society. Designed by Piero Portaluppi, the villa seamlessly blends rationalist architecture with luxurious Art Deco interiors, creating a timeless aesthetic. Once the residence of the prominent Necchi Campiglio family, the villa is now part of the FAI (Italian Heritage Trust) and open to the public. Visitors can explore its beautifully preserved interiors, including the grand salon, the private quarters, and the kitchen, as well as admire the family’s collection of art and design pieces.
7
La fondazione castiglioni
La Fondazione Castiglioni is a tribute to the genius of Achille Castiglioni, one of Italy’s most influential designers. Located in his former Milanese studio, the foundation preserves his creative legacy, showcasing an archive of sketches, prototypes, and everyday objects reimagined with wit and functionality. Visitors can explore Castiglioni’s design philosophy, where innovation met playfulness, shaping iconic pieces like the Arco lamp.
8
Casorati Exhibition at Palazzo Reale
A reinterpretation of the work of Felice Casorati (Novara, 1883 – Turin, 1963), tracing his artistic journey from the early 1900s to the 1950s. Over 100 works will be showcased for the occasion, with loans from prestigious private collections and major public institutions.
