Gone are the days when people dismissed Milan as a gray, industrial city. Ever since the 2015 Expo, the city has been known as a powerhouse of art and design, drawing architects, fashion designers, and other creatives from around the world for tentpole events like Fashion Week and the Salone del Mobile. But outside of those dates, there’s plenty of inspiration to be gleaned from Milan year-round.
Though Milan doesn’t wear history on its sleeve like Rome, Florence, and Venice, it dates back to the days of the Roman Empire. Milanese museums and churches display treasures that span centuries, from Renaissance masterpieces like Da Vinci’s Last Supper to contemporary art by Jeff Koons. Design aficionados will be especially keen to delve into the city’s 20th century architecture by the likes of Piero Portaluppi and Gio Ponti.
This itinerary will take you through the highlights of Milan’s art and design scenes, with tips on the most eye-catching places to eat and drink along the way.
Who I am: I’m Laura Itzkowitz, a Rome-based Contributing Editor at Italy Magazine, where I head up coverage of hotels and accommodations across the Boot, and freelance contributor to Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, and other publications. I take any chance I can get to visit Milan and peek inside its fabulous homes and museums.