Milan, a global hub of fashion and finance, increasingly asserts itself as a leading center for architecture and design. Its status as Italy's second-largest city underpins its vibrant cultural scene, attracting both established and emerging creative talent. Additionally, Milan is home to esteemed educational institutions recognized for their focus on heritage preservation and conservation. Its cultural and design significance is increasingly pronounced, as a growing number of creators are relocating to establish their presence in this vibrant creative hub.
Among Milan's most iconic landmarks are the flamboyant gothic Duomo di Milano, and the historically and artistically significant Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, and the ornate Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, along with numerous renaissance and baroque sites. The city also boasts some of the most innovative modern and contemporary architecture, showcasing a unique dialogue between tradition and modernity. This synergy is exemplified by the contributions of architects like Aldo Rossi, Gio Ponti, Stefano Boeri, Mario Cucinella, Zaha Hadid, Grafton Architects, Herzog & de Meuron, and Foster and Partners.
The following guide highlights key historical landmarks alongside exemplary contemporary architecture curated by ArchDaily, complemented by Designboom's handpicked interiors and installations. This guide serves as an indispensable resource for those planning to explore Milan during the 2025 Design Week, presenting a blend of essential sites designed by renowned local and international architects.
Historical Cultural Landmarks
Duomo Di Milano / Simone da Orsenigo
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II / Guiseppe Mengoni
Torre Velasca / BBPR
Gallaratese Quarter / Aldo Rossi & Carlo Aymonino
IULM_Milan / 5+1AAAlfonsoFemiaGianlucaPeluffo
Pirelli Tower / Gio Ponti, Pier Luigi Nervi
RCS Building / Stefano Boeri Architetti
Universita Luigi Bocconi / Grafton Architects
ArchDaily's Curated Contemporary Works
Bosco Verticale / Boeri Studio
Torre della Permanente Renovation / Park Associati
Feltrinelli Porta Volta / Herzog & de Meuron
Gino Valle Square / Valle Architetti Associati
Gucci Hub / Piuarch
Cascina Merlata Residential Development / Mario Cucinella Architects
Fondazione Prada / OMA
Generali Tower / Zaha Hadid Architects
Mondadori Office Playground / Carlo Ratti Associati
Apple Piazza Liberty / Foster + Partners
New Urban Campus for Bocconi University / SANAA
Citylife Apartments / Zaha Hadid Architects
MEET Digital Arts Center / Carlo Ratti Associati
Base - Center For Culture And Creativity / Onsite Studio
Bibilioteca degli Alberi Park / Inside Outside Architecture
Fondazione Luigi Rovati / Mario Cucinella Architects
PAN Bakery Milano / studio wok
Pharo Office Building / Park Associati
San Raffaele Hospital / Mario Cucinella Architects
Designboom's Featured Interior Projects
Trattoria del Ciumbia / dimorestudio
Palazzo Citterio / Mario Cucinella
UNIMATIC Watches Flagship Store / Claesson Koivisto Rune
aesop Store / dimorestudio
Contraste / Debonademeo Studio
Portrait Milano Hotel / AMDL CIRCLE
Fondazione Prada Osservatorio Exhibition Space / Fondazione Prada
Fondazione Prada Torre Restaurant / OMA
Pirelli Hangarbicocca / Jean Tinguely
Bottega Veneta's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Store / Matthieu Blazy
10 Corso Como Store / 2050+
We invite you to visit our list of Architecture City Guides.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 01, 2023.
