The Milan Design Week 2025 (MDW2025) is set to reaffirm Milan's role as the world capital of design. From 7th to 13th April 2025, the Fuorisalone will transform the city into a widespread stage of creativity, while from 8th to 13th April, Rho Fiera will host the Salone del Mobile.Milan 2025, the most important trade fair event in the sector.
Among the many opportunities offered by Design Week, finding the right location for events, presentations and temporary showroom can really make a difference.
Milano Design Week: an event, two souls and infinite opportunities
The Milan Design Week is not just a simple fair, but a cultural phenomenon that involves the entire city. With over 500,000 visitors in 2024, and a forecast of growth for 2025, it represents a unique opportunity for:
- to present new products, launching collections and prototypes in an internationally resonant context;
- to create connections by meeting professionals, buyers, specialised press, and design enthusiasts;
- strengthen the brand identity, positioning itself in a dynamic and stimulating environment;
- organise bespoke events, from exclusive cocktails to interactive workshops, making use of the variety of available venues.
Salone del Mobile.Milano
Founded in 1961, Salone del Mobile is the benchmark for the furniture and design sector. Here, companies showcase their latest creations, anticipating future trends in terms of:
- sustainability, placing an increasing focus on the environmental impact of products and production processes;
- technological innovation, with the integration of new technologies to improve functionality and user experience.
- aesthetics and materials, exploring new shapes, textures and combinations of materials.
If your company operates in the furniture sector, Salone del Mobile - which will be held from 8th to 13th April at Rho Fiera - is an unmissable event. Even if your company is not exhibiting directly at the Salone del Mobile, attending the event offers numerous advantages.
First of all, the fair represents an international meeting point for industry professionals, allowing for the establishment of valuable contacts with potential partners, suppliers, and clients: a network of relationships can open up opportunities for collaboration and business development.
Furthermore, the Salone del Mobile is a showcase of the latest trends in design, materials, and technologies. Being present allows for close observation of market innovations, drawing inspiration for new products or business strategies. Participating in conferences, workshops, and presentations provides insights into emerging themes, such as sustainability and technological innovation, which are essential for remaining competitive.
The presence at the Fair strengthens the visibility of your brand. Interacting with media, influencers, and other stakeholders allows for an increase in brand awareness and consolidates your reputation in the industry. Finally, the event offers the opportunity to assess the competition, gaining a better understanding of market dynamics and identifying possible niches or areas for improvement.
Fuorisalone 2025: what to expect from the events spread across the city
With the theme "Connected Worlds – Interactivity and Immersion: Designing for a Connected World", the 2025 edition will explore the dialogue between design, technology, art, and diverse cultures.
The Fuorisalone is the vibrant soul of Design Week, a true widespread stage that transforms Milan into an immersive experience of creativity and innovation. Here, brands, designers, and companies find the perfect environment to bring exclusive events to life, such as cocktail parties and gala dinners in evocative locations, where design intertwines with art and conviviality.
It is also the ideal time for product launches, with presentations designed to make an impact and attract the attention of the press, buyers, and industry enthusiasts.
For those who wish to showcase their creations in a more intimate and personalised way, temporary showrooms offer the opportunity to create bespoke spaces, where the public can discover and experience the latest innovations in the industry. Then there are immersive installations, capable of transforming design into an interactive experience, engaging visitors with lights, sounds, and innovative materials that convey new visions and perspectives.
The Fuorisalone is not just a showcase, but a journey into the beating heart of design, where every corner of the city becomes an opportunity to amaze, evoke emotions, and inspire.
Fuorisalone's Districts
During Design Week, Milan transforms into a large open-air laboratory, where each neighbourhood takes on a distinct identity and offers a unique setting for events, exhibitions, and installations. Choosing the right location is not just a logistical matter, but a key element in enhancing projects and brands, immersing them in the most suitable atmosphere.
Some districts stand out for their connection to tradition, others for their experimental spirit, but all contribute to making the Fuorisalone an experience that is always different and surprising. From the elegant streets of the city centre to the repurposed industrial spaces, every corner of the city tells a vision of design, offering unique settings for those who want to make their mark. Here are the main areas that are at the forefront of this transformation.
Nel cuore della città, tra le strade acciottolate e le facciate eleganti di Brera, il design incontra l’arte e l’artigianato in un perfetto equilibrio tra tradizione e contemporaneità. Questo distretto, che ospita alcune delle gallerie d'arte più prestigiose e showroom iconici, è il punto di riferimento per chi cerca un’atmosfera sofisticata e senza tempo.
During the Milan Design Week, Brera transforms into an open-air museum, with striking installations and exclusive events that attract an international audience in search of inspiration and beauty.
Se Brera rappresenta il fascino senza tempo del design, nella vicina Zona Tortona l’atmosfera cambia radicalmente. Qui, tra ex fabbriche riconvertite e loft industriali, la sperimentazione è protagonista. Il quartiere si è affermato come il cuore dell’innovazione creativa, grazie alla capacità di attrarre aziende, startup e artisti che vogliono spingersi oltre i confini del design tradizionale.
During the Fuorisalone, the spaces of Tortona host cutting-edge exhibitions, often intertwined with fashion and technology, giving rise to immersive and interactive events that redefine the very concept of experience.
Further north-east, away from the more beaten paths, Lambrate is the district that has managed to reinvent itself, transforming from a working-class neighbourhood to a hub of independent design. Here, the energy is young and dynamic, with unconventional exhibition spaces that give a voice to emerging brands and more experimental designers. Those looking for a place to express innovative ideas often choose Lambrate for its free spirit and its ability to embrace new visions, transforming every corner into a showcase of authentic creativity.
Just a short distance from the historic centre, the Porta Venezia district stands out for its refined architecture and the cultural mix that animates it. Here, among Liberty-style buildings and an ever-evolving urban landscape, design becomes an expression of diversity and cross-pollination. During Design Week, the streets of Porta Venezia host events ranging from contemporary craftsmanship to technological experimentation, creating a bridge between the decorative tradition of the district and the most current trends. It is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan districts of Milan, capable of offering a constantly new perspective on the world of design.
Among the oldest alleys of the city, the 5 Vie hold a deep connection to the past. In this intertwining of medieval streets, art boutiques and historic workshops blend with experimental galleries and visionary projects, giving rise to a district where formal research meets artisanal craftsmanship. Here, design takes on a more intimate and conceptual dimension, with installations and exhibitions that emphasise the quality of materials and sustainability, in a constant dialogue between memory and the future.
Porta Nuova, Portello and the shores of the lakes: design in unexpected settings
In addition to the more well-known districts, Milan Design Week also extends to emerging areas that offer further opportunities for brands and designers. The Innovation Design District, located in the Porta Nuova area and characterised by futuristic architecture and iconic skyscrapers, it is the ideal place for technology companies and start-ups looking to showcase cutting-edge projects in a futuristic setting. The presence of multifunctional spaces and modern galleries provides versatile environments for events and interactive installations..
Portello, un quartiere in continua trasformazione, è noto per aver ospitato lo stabilimento dell'Alfa Romeo, oggi riqualificato con edifici moderni e spazi verdi come il Parco Industria Alfa Romeo. Durante la Design Week, il Portello si anima con installazioni open air e progetti che valorizzano la sua storia industriale, offrendo un palcoscenico ideale per brand che puntano su un mix di tradizione e innovazione.
For those who desire unique and evocative settings, the surrounding areas such as Lake Como and Lake Orta offer breathtaking scenery. Historic villas, lush gardens, and lakeside views become exclusive backdrops for design events, allowing for the creation of memorable experiences away from the urban context.
How to choose the perfect location at Milan Design Week 2025
Milano offers a variety of spaces that can be transformed into perfect settings for events, presentations, and installations. The choice of the right location for the Design Week can decisively influence the success of an event, conveying the right message and enhancing the presented project to the fullest.
Among the most fascinating and versatile options are loft and industrial spaces.Among the most fascinating and versatile options are lofts and industrial spaces. Ideal for events with a strong visual impact, they offer spacious environments with a contemporary character and are perfect for immersive installations, temporary showrooms, and large presentations. Their raw charm and ample square footage allow for theatrical setups and a dynamic atmosphere that is particularly suited to artistic and technological experimentation.
For those who desire a more refined and intimate environment, showrooms and boutiques represent an excellent alternative. These spaces offer an elegant context, meticulously curated down to the finest details, perfect for the launch of new collections and product presentations in an exclusive atmosphere. Many showrooms, especially in the most prestigious districts such as Brera or 5 Vie, are already set up to display design objects with the right lighting and setting, making the experience for visitors even more engaging.
If the aim is to combine art and design in a sophisticated experience, art galleries are the perfect choice. These spaces, often located in historic buildings or within creative districts, allow for the exhibition of projects in a context that emphasises aesthetic and conceptual research. Galleries also provide an attentive and selective audience, creating an environment that values design and the story behind each creation.
For those who aim for prestige and wish to immerse their event in an atmosphere rich in history and charm, historic buildings represent a solution like no other. Noble buildings and period residences, during Design Week, host exclusive events in evocative settings. Frescoes, decorated ceilings, and spacious salons create a fascinating contrast with contemporary installations, emphasising the connection between past and future.
An option that combines elegance and spectacularity are terraces and rooftops, perfect for cocktail parties and informal meetings with a view of the city. These spaces allow for a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, offering participants an engaging experience in a panoramic setting. Natural daylight and the charm of the urban lights in the evening create an ideal context for networking and less conventional presentations.
Finally, those seeking versatility and functionality can opt for multipurpose spaces, solutions suitable for hosting training events, meetings, and team building. These environments are perfect for workshops, conferences, and moments of professional exchange.
Guide to Choosing the Venue for Milan Design Week 2025
Finding the perfect location for Milan Design Week 2025 does not only mean choosing a scenic space, but also evaluating a series of practical aspects to ensure the success of the event.
Define your objectives. First of all, it is essential to clarify the purpose of the event. Do you want to launch a new product, create an immersive experience, or simply host an exclusive networking event? Each objective requires a different environment, capable of emphasising the message you want to convey.
Know your audience. Who will attend your event? If the target consists of industry professionals, you might aim for refined or exclusive spaces; if, on the other hand, you want to engage a younger and more dynamic audience, a experimental or industrial location it could be the right choice.
Set a budget. The cost of the venue is a determining factor and should be considered from the outset. In addition to the rental fee, it is important to assess any additional costs for setups, lighting, security, and ancillary services.
Evaluate the logistics. Accessibility and location are fundamental. The venue must be easily reachable for both those arriving from Milan and those participating from abroad. It is important to consider the proximity to major transport hubs, the availability of parking, and the presence of hospitality services for guests.
Check the included services. Some venues already offer setups, catering, support staff, and technical equipment. Before booking, it is useful to verify what is included in the package and what additional services may be required.
Book in advance. During Design Week, Milan is a whirlwind of events and activities. The most sought-after venues are booked months in advance, so it is essential to act early to secure the ideal space.
Milano is ready: Design Week is about to transform it once again
For a week, Milan sheds its routine and dresses itself in ideas. The streets become open-air galleries, historic buildings welcome contemporary visions, and industrial spaces fill with forward-looking projects. Milan Design Week is a reflection of an energy that flows through the city, a collective experiment that blends stories, materials, insights, and encounters.
It is in the hidden courtyard of a palace in Brera, in a warehouse transformed into a light installation or in a conversation that arose by chance on a rooftop in Porta Venezia that design manifests itself in its truest form.
Participating in Milan Design Week, both as an exhibitor and as an event organiser, means entering a creative flow that transforms the city into an open laboratory for a week. Every space can become the perfect place to tell an idea, and every event the opportunity to create connections that leave a mark.
If you are thinking of being part of this experience, the right time to start is now.
Discover the available venues and start planning your event at Milan Design Week 2025
FAQ – Milan Design Week 2025
1. When will the Milan Design Week 2025 take place?
The Milan Design Week 2025 will take place from 7th to 13th April. The Fuorisalone will enliven the city throughout the week, while the Salone del Mobile.Milano will be held at Rho Fiera from 8th to 13th April.
2. What is the difference between the Salone del Mobile and the Fuorisalone?
The Salone del Mobile is a trade fair that takes place at Rho Fiera and brings together companies in the furniture and design sector to showcase new collections.
The Fuorisalone, on the other hand, is a collection of events, installations, and exhibitions that spread throughout the city, transforming Milan into a creative stage.
3. Who can participate in the Milan Design Week?
The Milan Design Week is open to everyone: design professionals, companies, students, enthusiasts, and visitors interested in discovering the latest trends in the industry.
4. Who can organise an event during the Milan Design Week?
Anyone can organise an event, from major brands to emerging designers, from companies to art galleries. The Fuorisalone is open to collaborations with showrooms, exhibition spaces, and independent locations.
5. Is it possible to collaborate with other companies for an event?
Yes, many companies choose to collaborate with designers, brands, or sponsors to share costs and amplify the visibility of the event.
