Milan, the grey and tough city that stands apart from other Italian cathedral cities, is a fascinating mix of the medieval and the modern. Its architecture, from the ornate to the austere, showcases a combination of gothic and fascist-classical styles. Unlike many Italian cities, Milan has continued to evolve and develop throughout the 20th century and the past two decades, resulting in a rich palimpsest of modern and classical taste.
As the world’s capital of design, Milan is deeply embedded in design culture with its furniture and fashion houses, fairs, and catwalk shows. This city has a heightened awareness of architecture and interiors’ ability to shape everyday life in an understated but urban way. Design is not considered a luxury here but a critical element that contributes to the city’s identity and amenity.
Milan is not only a hub for design but also a large city that extends beyond its center. It has reinvented old industrial neighborhoods and embraced change and gentrification. This city has become a contemporary architectural laboratory, giving rise to odd-shaped towers and architecturally unique neighborhoods like Porta Nuova and CityLife. Notable landmarks include the Bosco Verticale by Stefano Boeri, which combines architecture with greenery, and towers by architects Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, and Arata Isozaki. Counterbalancing some of the city’s missteps are the Prada Foundation by OMA and the Feltrinelli HQ by Herzog & de Meuron, which blend the city’s historic and modern elements.
While Milan is often visited for business rather than leisure, it offers a wealth of attractions. Leonardo’s “Last Supper,” avant-garde art in the Prada Foundation, and the San Siro Stadium are just a few examples. For those confined to the bustling Piazza del Duomo, I have curated a schedule exclusively within the immediate center. This architecture-focused itinerary allows visitors to explore a mix of historic and modern design in close proximity to the Duomo, offering a unique perspective on the city’s architectural journey.
One of the standout architectural wonders is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a glass-roofed arcade that serves as the world’s first shopping mall. Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni, its four-story internal facades blur the line between street and interior, encapsulating the essence of Milan. This grand structure links the cathedral and the opera house, creating a captivating blend of commerce and classicism. While the Galleria has undergone a transformation in recent years, its scale and intricate details still make it worth a visit. The inclusion of renowned fashion brands and the Prada Observatory at the dome level have enhanced its appeal.
Directly across from the Galleria, you’ll find the Museo del Novecento and Palazzo dell’Arengario, municipal buildings that mark Milan’s modernist era. These two buildings, built in the 1930s, embody characteristics of fascist architecture, featuring stripped classicism and sculptural reliefs. Designed by esteemed architects such as Piero Portaluppi, Giovanni Muzio, and Enrico Agostini Griffini, they integrate seamlessly with the piazza, showcasing a fusion of Roman and modern influences. The Museo del Novecento itself is a masterpiece, designed by Italo Rota, and holds exhibitions that chronicle the city’s artistic evolution.
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