MUDEC in Milan: 'The Meaning of Snow' — art, science and peoples on display

MUDEC: "The Meaning of Snow" — art, science and peoples

At MUDEC — Museo delle Culture in Milan the exhibition "The Meaning of Snow" continues, offering a multidisciplinary journey that brings together artistic works, scientific research and ethnographic material. The show is part of the cultural program for Milan‑Cortina 2026 and is open with free admission until June 28.

What visitors can expect

The display presents more than 150 objects and artworks, including ethnographic items, paintings, photographs, videos and contemporary installations. The route leads from the geometry of snow crystals to artistic representations across Europe and Japan, while addressing current issues such as climate change and alpine landscape transformation.

Main sections

• Science and microscopy: early microphotography of snow crystals and studies that classified snowflake forms.
• Art and imagination: historical and contemporary works interpreting snow in European and Japanese art.
• Environment and climate: photographic projects and installations documenting glacier retreat and its effects on mountain communities.
• Arctic and southern cultures: artifacts and hunting gear that reveal the symbolic and practical role of snow in local lifeways.

Notable works and materials

The exhibition juxtaposes historical pieces with contemporary practices, featuring pioneering photographic studies of snow crystals alongside significant ethnographic loans that illustrate ritual and survival uses of snowy environments.

Offsite projects and installations

The exhibition extends into the surrounding area with visual panels and site‑specific works that continue the narrative in the public space. The museum's agorà hosts installations that recreate snowy landscapes and mythical presences.

Visitor information

• Location: MUDEC – Museum of Cultures, via Tortona 56, Milan.
• Visiting period: until June 28 (free admission).
• Opening hours: closed on Monday; Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun 9:30–19:30; Thu open until 22:30. Last entry one hour before closing.

This exhibition is a useful stop for those interested in the intersections between aesthetics, scientific observation and the cultural meanings of snow — a timely reflection during the winter sports events and changing climates.