Fuorisalone 2026: Milan's historic palaces open for Design Week

Fuorisalone 2026: Milan's historic palaces open for Design Week

The Milan Design Week transforms some of the city's most beautiful historic palaces into exhibition spaces: noble courtyards, grand staircases and historic halls become stages for temporary installations and shows. This offers visitors the chance to explore usually inaccessible architectural treasures where contemporary design dialogues with centuries of history.

Not-to-miss palaces

• Palazzo Litta – Corso Magenta 24. A standout example of Lombard baroque, its courtyards and theatrical staircases host site-specific installations and collective shows.

  Opening hours: 21–25 April 2026: 10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:00); 26 April 2026: 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00).

• Palazzo dei Giureconsulti – Piazza dei Mercanti 2. Historic venue linked to Milan’s civic and economic life, hosting exhibitions across multiple rooms and floors.

  Opening hours: 21 April 2026: 11:00–16:30; 22–25 April 2026: 11:00–20:00; 26 April 2026: 11:00–15:00.

• Palazzo Isimbardi – noted for its "secret" garden, presents installations interacting with its cloister and historic rooms (schedule varies during Design Week).
• Other venues – Palazzo Visconti, Palazzo Crespi, Palazzo Citterio, Palazzo Acerbi, Palazzo Moscova, Palazzo Donizetti, Palazzo Bovara and other historic residences and institutions open courtyards and halls to the public.

Practical visitor information

• Tickets and access: some venues offer free entry, others require reservation or a ticket. Check official event channels for booking details and entry rules.
• Hours: opening times vary by venue and installation; verify times for each location before you go.
• Visiting with children: historic spaces can be family-friendly but watch for uneven floors and staircases; some installations may not be suitable for very young visitors.
• Accessibility: many historic buildings have structural limitations. Contact venues in advance if you require accessible access.
• Tips: plan your route to avoid queues, wear comfortable shoes and use courtyard openings to capture photographs of monumental interiors.

Milan Design Week is a unique moment to see contemporary design meet the city's monumental heritage: an itinerary that enhances palaces, courtyards and historic gardens and makes them an integral part of the exhibition experience.