The city of Milan wears numerous hats, each of which highlights a distinct aspect of its multifaceted personality. The city functions on several levels of cultural relevance, from being the centre of design innovation to dominating the worldwide fashion scene. For the design community, Milan and Milan Design Week are inseparable entities, interwoven in a symbiotic relationship. However, it's important to understand that the design festival is more than just a fair. It is a dynamic gathering place for exceptional creative talent from all over the world. Essentially, Milan Design Week has evolved into a creative melting pot where borders disappear and the possibilities are endless.

Milan Design Week is a kaleidoscope of creation that erupts around the city, showcasing inventiveness and inspiration in a significant exhibition of design mastery. Every nook and cranny serves as a canvas for the creative ideas of international designers, from the streamlined lines of modern furniture to the avant-garde works that push the frontier of what is possible. During the design fair the streets are alive with activity as both enthusiasts and experts stroll through pop-up galleries, interactive demonstrations, and exhibitions to take in the pulse of cutting-edge design. Milan turns into a hive of ideas, inspirations, and cultures, igniting discussions that go across boundaries and reshape the direction of design. Milan Design Week is a riveting spectacle, a spectacle that STIR at Milan Design Week 2024 intends to capture as media partners with each of the districts that captivate and inspire everyone who strives to explore its depths, and it continues to solidify its position as the centre of the design world with every year that goes by.

Must-see design destinations: Milan Design Week 2024 districts

Established in 2018 by Valentina Ciuffi of Studio Vedèt and Joseph Grima of Space Caviar, Alcova has grown to be one of Fuorisalone's most popular attractions, bringing in more than 90,000 visitors a year. For its seventh edition, Alcova will transform two iconic villas, Villa Borsani and Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, into showcases of experimental design and architectural marvels during Milan Design Week. Villa Bagatti Valsecchi is a prime example of 19th-century Lombardy villa architecture, while Villa Borsani is a Modernist gem with beautiful grounds and noteworthy features like a fireplace designed by Lucio Fontana. Alcova presents a meticulously curated programme of speakers, institutions, and designers delving into the future of living.

Brera Design Week

During Fuorisalone 2024, Brera Design Week celebrates its 15th edition, with the theme Materia Natura aiming to encourage thoughtful reflection on current issues and promote a conscious design culture. Brera is expected to host over 260 events, including 15 new showroom openings since May 2023, further solidifying its standing as a major player in the worldwide design industry. Brera attracts professionals, businesses, investors, and sponsors in addition to being a global hub that blends tradition, lifestyle, culture, and commerce outside of design week. Establishing a new visual identity for the area, Studio Ianus prepares the groundwork for the biannual periodical Brera Mag, which will showcase Brera's distinct qualities and attractions. Brera Mag, which will be available in 400 prominent locations across Milan and has a circulation of 15,000 copies, is expected to become an indispensable resource for visitors wishing to navigate the neighbourhood all year long, further solidifying Brera's reputation as a unique destination for design.

Milano Durini Design

Milano Durini Design (MDD), which was established on Via Durini in 2016 by seven prominent enterprises and architect Massimo Salamone, changed its name to MILANO DESIGN DISTRICT (MDD) in 2022. MDD has embraced inclusion in response to appeals from member companies, welcoming brands outside of Via Durini to collectively revitalise the district. The association's objective is to improve representation both domestically and globally. Through year-round exhibitions and activities, the developing MDD promotes cultural involvement and collaboration among city-centre enterprises. Beyond Design Week, MDD envisions transforming the district into a dynamic hub for art and creativity, aspiring to become a dispersed art college. This initiative underscores MDD's commitment to advancing design culture and community involvement in the heart of Milan.

Fuorisalone

Milan will welcome the vibrant return of Fuorisalone, which will turn into a centre for design research, from April 15 - 21, 2024. With the Materia Natura theme, the design event promotes conscious design by highlighting material innovation, sustainability, and the circular economy. Fuorisalone, in tandem with Salone del Mobile.Milano's 62nd edition hosts a collaboration with miart, bridging art and design for an enriching cultural experience. Exhibitions, galleries, and artist-led activities are all well integrated into Fuorisalone's varied schedule. Additionally, the cooperation includes raising the exposure of exhibitors around Milan's cityscape as well as within the fairgrounds. Visitors are guided through the city's design hotspots by interactive maps that highlight leading businesses and their creative displays. In 2024, Fuorisalone intends to be an interactive experience exploring the nexus of sustainability, art, and design, influencing Milan's conversation on modern culture.

5VIE Design Week

The 11th edition of 5VIE presents a blend of design, craftsmanship, and artistry to bring life to Milan's historic centre. Owing to a partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the event, which is being held at Palazzo Litta on Corso Magenta, aims to promote interpersonal relationships and tackle modern complexity. This year 5VIE introduces Unlimited Design Orchestra expanding on last year's Design for Good theme by examining the harmonic interaction of various design aspects, emulating the humanist philosophy of the Renaissance. Orchestra refers to both a physical location and a cooperative organisation, which reflects the event's emphasis on sustainability, human connection, and teamwork. 5VIE challenges current norms by emphasising timeless beauty and harmony in contrast to the digital age's obsession with perfection. As a cultural producer and design influencer in Milan, 5VIE has cemented its place by showcasing eight carefully selected productions that uphold originality and innovation.

Isola.Design

Isola Design Festival has evolved its format for its eighth edition this year, expanding to new locations within the Isola Design District like Lampo Milano, WAO PL7 and Galleria Bonelli. With over 320 international designers participating across 40 venues, including three main hubs, the festival fosters resourcefulness and exchange. The 2024 theme, This Future is Currently Unavailable, urges designers to embrace experimentation, collaboration and sustainability. Isola aims to unite diverse cultures and disciplines, inspiring a holistic approach to design. Collaborations with partners from the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and Asia further enrich the festival's global perspective. Core to the programme are Lampo Milano, WAO PL7, and Stecca 3.0 hubs, alongside five curated shows led by Isola's curatorial team. Isola Design Festival invites designers to envision the future of design and craftsmanship, emphasising its collective impact on the planet and humanity.

Porta Venezia Design District

Porta Venezia Design District presents, at Milan Design Week 2024, the concept EverythinK is design. With this concept, the district aims to incorporate many different areas within the framework of design, understood in the wide sense of conception and design, almost a catalyst of the ferments that arise here. These elements, inclusivity and diversity, are intrinsic characteristics of the neighbourhood. Paul Rand, a legend in graphic design who has revolutionised the field of visual communication, served as the inspiration for the idea. Porta Venezia is a district of Milan, cosmopolitan and inclusive, with a rebellious soul and expression of a city in continuous evolution and transformation. Surrounded by a gentle liberty style architecture, it is one of the areas of Milan that has shown the most expressive and decorative variety. Porta Venezia's centre is a historic road axis that carries out the idea of connecting the city centre to the suburbs. With its distinct blend of architecture, cultures, and history, the area can convey Milan's numerous facets. 

Tortona

Tortona Design Week, a standout feature of Fuorisalone, unveils a refreshed identity in collaboration with the Double Malt communication agency. The event promises an array of new experiences and surprises, complemented by a rich programme of installations, exhibitions, and events. With its intimate knowledge of the area, Tortona Design Week offers consultancy services tailored to meet customer needs. Tortona welcomes over 150,000 visitors annually to its creative hub. Its workshop spaces, former factories, and avant-garde services cater to various events, exhibitions, and showrooms. Serving as a central meeting point within the Tortona district, the event fosters inventiveness and zeal, attracting temporary events brimming with fresh ideas and initiatives.

Explore beyond the main venues at Milan Design Week 2024

Triennale di Milano

Triennale di Milano showcases recent works by young designers, shaping the future of design. Wallpaper* presents the Class of '24, celebrating emerging talent in product and furniture design. Alcantara's exhibition delves into its historical archive, featuring collaborations with artists across various disciplines. Emeco's Emeco to Emeco highlights its 80-year journey in sustainable manufacturing of the iconic 1006 Navy Chair from scrap aluminium. The Walking sticks and canes exhibition explores the evolution of this understated tool, curated by Keiji Takeuchi to broaden awareness of its significance. For the seventh edition of the FOG Performing Arts Festival, which is devoted to the most intriguing and captivating forms of theatre, dance, performance, and music, dozens of artists from all over the world descend to Milan.

ADI Design Museum

For the Milan Design Week, ADI Design Museum will be the stage for events and installations, designed to delve into the world of contemporary design including its historical roots. A calendar of events involving various protagonists, Italian and international. ORIGIN of SIMPLICITY presents a fresh perspective on Japanese design, curated by Rossella Menegazzo and featuring 150 works across craftsmanship and contemporary art, with exhibition design by Kenya Hara. Feeling Good – Caimi, Design for the Future curated by Aldo Colonetti and Valentina Fisichella explores design reformism, with Matteo Vercelloni leading exhibition design. Ottchil Design - OD / KOREA 옷칠디자인 organised by DBEW highlights the connection between Italian and Korean design. L’attimo prima – Edra curated by Silvana Annicchiarico celebrates the innovative collaboration between Edra and Francesco Binfaré.

The arrival of Milan Design Week 2024 brings with it an anticipation for the vibrant convergence of creativity, innovation, and culture that defines this renowned event. From the modern exhibits to the historic streets, every district provides an alternative viewpoint on the constantly evolving field of design. Visitors will encounter not just the latest trends in furniture and product design, but also the industry's persistent spirit of innovation and teamwork as they go around the city. Milan Design Week is a testament to the ability of design to influence change and reshape our world, not merely a celebration of aesthetics. The unfolding of the event serves as a reminder that when creativity has no boundaries, the possibilities are endless.

Stay tuned to STIR's coverage of Milan Design Week 2024 which showcases the best of exhibitions, studios, designers, installations, brands and events to look out for. Explore EuroCucina and all the design districts—Fuorisalone, 5vie Design Week, Isola Design Week, Brera Design District and Porta Venezia Design District.