POOL. I Unlock a Memory — Exhibition at Fuorisalone 2026

POOL. I Unlock a Memory — Exhibition at Fuorisalone 2026

POOL. I Unlock a Memory is an exhibition at Fuorisalone in Milan that explores how everyday objects carry personal and collective memories. The installation connects contemporary art, design and technology to investigate cultural identity and nostalgia.

Curated by Nicolas Ballario, the project commemorates forty years of McDonald's in Italy and unfolds across three distinct environments: a playful, childlike space, an AI-powered time-machine experience, and a historical area showcasing archival materials and emblematic objects.

• Dates: From 20/04/2026 to 26/04/2026
• Venue: Via Tortona 58, Milan — Tortona Rocks exhibition circuit
• Admission: free (check availability on eventbrite.it)
• Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:00–22:00; Wednesday 10:00–15:00; Sunday 10:00–19:00
• Curator: Nicolas Ballario
• Notable works: a Spot Painting by Damien Hirst and a piece from the Early Works series by Vedovamazzei

The first space features a large ball pit that functions as both a nostalgic element and an exhibition device, blending play and critical reflection. The second space invites visitors to co-create a personalized visual memory through an AI system that generates a unique short video in real time. The final area traces the relationship with Italian culture through objects, archival materials and design artifacts.

The exhibition targets a broad audience — families, art and design enthusiasts — and encourages reflection on memory as a shared cultural mechanism that connects generations.

Talk program

• April 21, 11:00: "Local social initiatives" — with Maria Chiara Roti and Delia Ciccarelli
• April 21, 16:00: "The McMenu of success" — with Massimiliano Maffioli, Amedeo Avenale, Alessandro Romano
• April 22, 11:00: "The Italian hamburger: the value of PDO in economy and culture" — Giorgia Favaro, Mauro Rosati, Cesare Baldrighi
• April 23, 16:00: "Meet McDonald's the Crew" — career stories told by staff members
• April 24, 17:00: "McDonald's in pop culture: 40 years of art, memory and generations" — with Nicolas Ballario, Valeria Casani, Delia Ciccarelli, Margo Schachter

Practical tips: admission is free but booking may be required; check eventbrite.it for availability. The exhibition features interactive elements suitable for visitors of various ages.