Milan Design Week 2023 takes place from 18 - 23 April, returning to its traditional Spring dates for the first time in three years. The week-long event includes the Salone del Mobile program at Rho Fiera, plus a series of exhibitions and events spread across different areas of the city. Curious about the highlights and what our brand partners have planned? Read on for Cult's ultimate guide to Milan Design Week 2023, which includes the must-see exhibitions in the run-up to this exciting design event!

Cult Guide to Milan Design Week 2023

Italy's annual design event bring together the world’s best international design brands for a preview of the latest launches in furniture, lighting and lifestyle. Here we present our Cult Milan Guide which provides an overview of where to find our partners, as well as exclusive events to lock in your diary. 

This year sees 12 Cult brand partners participate in Milan Design Week. View our Cult Milan Guide to see what they have in planned, both at the Rho Fiera fairgrounds and installations throughout the city. 

12 Must-See Exhibitions at Milan Design Week 2023.

Gubi at Bagni Misteriosi

For the first time, Bagni Misteriosi and Teatro Franco Parenti become the backdrop to a series of design exhibitions that include Gubi's new outdoor furniture collections, as well as an exhibition celebrating the 10th anniversary of GamFratesi's Beetle chair, curated by Marco Sammicheli.

Bagni Misteriosi - Via Carlo Botta, 18, 20135 
View Cult Google Map > 

Alcova 2023

Alcova — the platform for independent design developed by Space Caviar and Studio Vedèt — returns for its 2023 edition with a new site: the former Porta Vittoria abattoir. Today in a state of neglect but poised for a radical and permanent transformation, the area will be once again intensely programmed for the event’s duration with performances, exhibitions, talks, screenings, and installations.

Don't miss Australian designer Tom Fereday's exhibition with Agglomerati,  plus 'This is Denmark' - a group show with 15 Danish brands (including Fredericia and &Tradition) interpreting their national heritage illustrated through an exhibition incporating landscapes and soundscapes. 

Ex-Macello di Porta Vittoria, Viale Molise, 62
View Cult Google Map > 

CLAY COURT CLUB by Cristina Celestino

Tennis Club Milano Alberto Bonacossa is a revered institution in the city’s sporting scene, having played host to numerous prestigious international sports events. This Salone, Celestino takes over the space with a pop-up restaurant and exhibition.

Tennis Club Milano Alberto Bonacossa, Via Giuseppe Arimondi, 15, 20155
View Cult Google Map > 

BAUHAU-AI by Studio Snoop x NOROCK

STUDIO SNOOP invites you to witness the world's first AI designer Tilly Talbot who will introduce visitors to 5 products designs within the Charles Philip gallery space. Visitors will be invited to give feedback and comments on the designs to further develop the products in real time over the week.The end results from the collaboration with you all will reveal the final designs forming the start of the physical collection.

Viale Vittorio Veneto, 30
View Cult Google Map > 

Vipp Pop-Up Showroom

Located in the heart of Milan, Vipp opens an ephemeral showroom for the days of design week. Here, Vipp will present a distinct selection of their design portfolio including furniture, lighting, and 2023 novelties inspired by the brand's latest pop-up hotel at Palazzo Monti in a regional area an hour outside of Milan city. 

Via Filippo Turati, 3, 20121
View Cult Google Map > 

Enlightment by Ron Gild x Nemo Lighting

Internationally acclaimed designer Ron Gilad accepted the invitation of Federico Palazzari (CEO of NEMO Lighting) to produce an exhibition for design week exploring lighting and functionality, paradox, and perception. Ron Gilad creates and uses unseen works and installations that will encourage visitors to interact, completely change their idea of lighting and put the lamps in an ironic and provocative frame.

BORGONUOVO19 Gallery, Via Borgonuovo, 19
View Cult Google Map > 

Vieni a Vedere by Gaetano Pesce at Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta continues its relationship with Gaetano Pesce, with a site-specific exhibition during design week at the brand's Milan store.  Made from resin and fabric, the installation is designed by Pesce to resemble a narrow grotto and will frame a collection of new handbags, featuring mountains with sunrise or sunsets behind. Pesce has previously created resin chairs for Bottega Veneta's Spring Summer 2023 show.

Via Monte Napoleone, 27/A
View Cult Google Map > 

LIDO by Cappellini

In conjunction with Salone del Mobile, Cappellini opens a new showroom at via Borgogna 8, in the very heart of Durini Design District. At this new space, the brand presents an exhibition of outdoor furniture inspired by retro lido culture.

Cappellini Flagship Showroom, Via Borgogna, 8
View Cult Google Map > 

Maison Matisse x Faye Toogood

London-based designer, Faye Toogood, brings new life to Matisse’s legacy. Taking inspiration from the French master’s forms, Toogood creates a collection of heirloom-worthy objects for Milan Design Week 2023. These works will be on show alongside​ a selection of pieces designed by Marta Bakowski, Cristina Celestino, Studio Guillaume Delvigne and Formafantasma. 

Studio Nerino, Via Santa Marta 21
View Cult Google Map > 

Assembling The Future Together by IKEA

IKEA’s exhibition offers visitors an experience that engages all five senses, with an immersive journey of discovery through 80 years of innovations and solutions that have shaped the future of living, and provides a glimpse of what home life could look like in the years to come. 

Padiglione Visconti, Via Tortona, 58
View Cult Google Map > 

Prada Frames

Formafantasma has been invited by Prada to curate and spotlight the Prada Frames project once again. This year, the symposium focuses on the theme of ‘Materials in Flux’, and explores the concept of waste as matter in transformation.

Teatro Filodrammatici, Piazza Paolo Ferrari, 6, 20121
View Cult Google Map > 

Ronan Bouroullec x Kvadrat 

Danish textile company Kvadrat is showing a special installation by Ronan Bouroullec in its Corso Monforte showroom. The installation by Ronan Bouroullec celebrates the launch of a new textile collection inspired by the designer’s iconic drawings with Kvadrat. The Sahco 2023 collection will also be on display alongside the March and July carpets designed by Muller van Severen.

Kvadrat Showroom, Corso Monforte, 15
View Cult Google Map > 

Three Must-Visit Stands at Rho Fiera.

The fair has announced plans for its 2023 edition, with a new cultural programme that will offer visitors to the fair an enhanced experience. 2023 also marks the return of its biennial light event, Euroluce, whose layout is inspired by urban planning to reimagine it as a ‘city of light’. With 24 halls to explore, we recommend spending 1-2 days at the fair.

Zanotta // Hall 2, Stand B15 - C14

Fredericia // Hall 15, Stand 221

Nanimarquina // Hall 2, Stand D16

Recommendations. Eat, Drink & Explore