Tortona Design Week 2027 – Milan, Italy

• April 12, 2027
  Event date:
• April 18, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

The First Fuorisalone District: Tortona Design Week is the world in one street. Tortona was the first area in Milan to become organized as a Fuorisalone district, more than fifteen years ago, and today it is a group project which all main players active in promotion of design in area developing around via Tortona participate in. It began in 2001 and became heart of Fuorisalone. Twenty-five years after its inception at Superstudio Più on Via Tortona, Milano Design Week has transformed, but Tortona remains main stage for biggest brands and most large-scale Fuorisalone installations.

An Urban Laboratory: Once an industrial zone of warehouses and factories around Porta Genova, the Tortona Design District has evolved into one of Milan’s most influential creative hubs. During Design Week, area becomes urban laboratory showcasing experimental design, technology, and immersive installations. Via Tortona and surrounding streets become circuit of showrooms and event spaces. For several years, Zona Tortona has been transforming into place of cultural production and interaction with public and city throughout year, thanks to presence of entities like MUDEC, new BASE Milan project and Armani Silos.

Scale and Audience: For public, it represents highly lively circuit, with consolidated affluence of about one hundred thirty thousand visitors every year, coming from all over world and divided between professionals from industry, press, trendsetters and simply curious people. It is animated by countless international groups coming from European and Asian countries, with growing presence of China and Japan.

Event dates

Festival Period: April 12–18, 2027. Tortona Design Week runs during Milan Design Week, coinciding with Salone del Mobile at Rho fairground. It is side event to Salone Internazionale del Mobile in via Savona – via Tortona area, with program including conferences, workshops, and exhibitions throughout week.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

Core Location: Via Tortona is central axis, from Via Tortona 27 Superstudio Più to Via Tortona 35 and surrounding streets including Via Savona, Via Bergognone, Via Novi, Via Tortona 20, Via Tortona 31, Via Tortona 32. The district is former industrial district in southwest of Milan.

Superstudio Più: Twenty-five years after inception at Superstudio Più, this multidisciplinary cultural center remains heart. In 2000, founders opened Superstudio Più in Via Tortona, transforming former industrial complex into center welcoming art, design, fashion, innovation. Superdesign Show with theme happiness and other large installations take place here.

BASE Milano: New creative startups house opened in former Ansaldo industrial complex, ever-present during Design Week, hosting exhibitions, talks, and innovation projects. Selected among fourteen official seats of XXI Triennale.

MUDEC and Armani Silos: MUDEC Museum of Cultures and Armani Silos are part of cultural production hub, hosting international exhibits and participations.

Archiproducts Milano: Archiproducts Milano in Zona Tortona sheds its skin with interior design project involving both indoor and outdoor spaces, new setup unveiled during Milano Design Week and traces path among seventeen rooms of venue, early twentieth century two-story building laid out on six hundred square meters.

Full exhibition programme

Design rEvolution Theme: Recent theme Design rEvolution Creative Connections celebrates power of connections in world of design, merging innovation and creativity, transforming objects and spaces into continuous dialogue between technology, sustainability, and new sensory experiences. Theme celebrates design as catalyst for change, breaking disciplinary boundaries and shaping new interactions with world.

Opening Days: Program includes CMF Conference focusing on evolution of materials, in-depth day on UX, Italian design, car culture, and luxury, followed by exclusive exhibitions from automotive brands and partners.

Daily Exhibitions: Throughout week, design becomes universal language that narrates and shapes future. Daily program includes immersive experiences, innovative materials, multisensory design.

Closing Events: Final days include wrap-up conferences, awards, and transition of installations to permanent cultural venues.

Featured artists & designers

Historical Participants: Historical participants of Fuorisalone returning include Maarten Baas with artistic projects, Marcel Wanders apart from historical collaboration with MOOOI proposing innovative concept dedicated to children, Naoto Fukasawa internationally acclaimed architect and industrial designer among novelties.

Contemporary Designers: Exhibitions include works by Matteo Ragni, Rafael Lanfranco exploring visual identity, Peter Linnett, and many international designers from European and Asian countries.

Brand Designers: Lexus, GUESS innovating in fashion design, Barton Perreira part of Thélios LVMH Eyewear Excellence in collaboration with Laurent Badier Studio Art and Industry, and many more.

Galleries & exhibitors

Major Exhibitors: Additional exhibitors include Decor Lab, Garde Italy, Imperfettolab, Kellogg’s Extra, Kinder Surprise, Lexus, Maybelline New York, Peter Linnett, Ricoh, Switzerland Global Enterprise, Zip Zone Events, Mushaboom Design, Severin, Art Affresco, Giovannozzi Marmi, Podio Design, Swan Italy, Applied Peripherals and Software.

Automotive Hub: Konzepthaus introduces Haus of Automotive at Via Tortona 31 from April 20 to 26 style program including conferences, Automotive Design Experience workshop aimed at young professionals and students, and partner exhibitions from Zeekr and Lotus redefining mobility.

Sustainability and Technology: Ombra redefines outdoor spaces with sustainable technology, Lechler presents Color Design – The Way of Living Emotions chromatic journey transforming color into tool for emotional design, Hilti makes Fuorisalone debut with Hilti Hero Hub celebrating contemporary makers.

Fashion and Lifestyle: GUESS, Ploom presents Connected Sensations at Via Tortona 32 where six artists from Ploom Design House lead multisensory journey, KIWI Vapor blends technology and design, Make a Mark elevates packaging to art form.

Social Impact: Social impact takes center stage with Forêt des Signes – Conception pour Benin project in collaboration with Associazione L’Abbraccio where illustrators create visual elements for pediatric hospital in Sokpontà.

Exhibition halls & sections

Superdesign Show: Main exhibition at Superstudio Più hosting Superdesign Show, largest curated show in Tortona, focusing on happiness and experimental design, with installations from global brands and independent designers.

Tortona Rocks: Section dedicated to innovative materials and multisensory design, with theme Design rEvolution, featuring Ploom Connected Sensations, Konzepthaus Haus of Automotive, Hilti Hero Hub, Ombra outdoor spaces.

BASE: BASE Milano hosts creative startups, university projects, and Triennale exhibitions, with industrial architecture adapted for immersive installations.

nhow Milano Hub: nhow Milano, landmark of Tortona Design District and part of Minor Hotels, hosts official press conference and exclusive installations, with eclectic style and constantly evolving art installations, via Tortona 35, confirming itself as reference point for creative world.

MUDEC Area: MUDEC and surrounding venues host Tokyo Design Week returning to Via Tortona 58 presenting creativity of Tokyo applied to Design, Art, Fashion, Technology and Food, and exhibitions like Sempering dedicated to contemporary implications of manual labor.

Talks, workshops & special events

Conferences: CMF Conference focusing on evolution of materials, in-depth day on UX, Italian design, car culture, luxury, Automotive Design Experience workshop for young professionals and students.

Press Conference: Official off-site press conference at nhow Milano, with terrace Vertigo facilities.

Workshops: Workshops include color design, sustainable technology, packaging as art, visual identity, automotive design, and social impact design for Benin hospital project.

Special Installations: Connected Sensations deeply immersive journey of discovery designed to inspire senses and emotions, with six artists, and exhibitions from Zeekr and Lotus starting early in week.

University Presence: Apart from asserted designers, Tortona Design Week dedicates space to most important universities and design schools, with student projects and future visions.

Ticket types

Free Access: Most Tortona Design Week events are free and open to public as part of Fuorisalone circuit, with consolidated affluence of one hundred thirty thousand visitors. No ticket required for street circuit and many showrooms.

Superdesign Show Tickets: Superdesign Show at Superstudio Più requires ticket, with prices from previous editions around $11 to $22 for day pass, $28 for full week pass. Tickets can be bought in main piazza and online.

BASE Tickets: BASE Milano events are mostly free, with some special exhibitions requiring reservation around $6 to $12.

Workshop Tickets: Specialized workshops like Automotive Design Experience may require registration with fee around $35 to $75, including materials.

VIP Pass: Combined pass for priority access to Superdesign Show, Tortona Rocks, and BASE special events around $55 to $85.

VIP & collector access

Press and Professional Preview: Press preview at nhow Milano and Superstudio Più for professionals, press, trendsetters, with early access before public opening.

Collector Tours: Private tours for collectors and buyers with curators from Superdesign Show and Tortona Rocks, offering behind-the-scenes access to installations and meetings with designers like Maarten Baas and Marcel Wanders.

Hospitality at nhow: Terrace Vertigo at nhow Milano offers VIP hospitality with exclusive installations, networking events, and catering, with packages around $150 to $300.

Brand Hospitality: Lexus, GUESS, Zeekr, Lotus host exclusive hospitality lounges for invited guests, with product launches and design talks.

University and Design Schools Access: Special access for universities and design schools for portfolio reviews and recruitment.

Event rules

Industrial Heritage Respect: Venues are former industrial warehouses and factories, with historic preservation rules. No smoking inside, respect installations, do not touch unless indicated.

Crowd Management: Area becomes highly lively circuit with one hundred thirty thousand visitors. Follow staff instructions, arrive early for popular installations like Superdesign Show and Ploom Connected Sensations.

Photography: Photography allowed for personal use, but commercial photography requires permission. Some installations restrict flash or video.

Registration: For workshops and conferences, pre-registration via official website required due to limited capacity.

Sustainability: Tortona promotes sustainability, with recycling points, reduced plastic, and encouragement to use public transport.

How to get there

By Metro: Tortona district is accessible via Metro M2 green line to Porta Genova station, then short walk to Via Tortona. M2 connects to central Milan and Salone at Rho via M1.

By Tram and Bus: Tram 14 and bus 90, 91 serve Via Tortona area. During Design Week, special shuttle buses connect Tortona to other design districts like Brera and Rho fairground.

By Train: Milano Porta Genova railway station is closest, with regional trains from across Lombardy. Milano Centrale connects to airport and other cities.

By Car: Driving not recommended due to crowds and limited parking in former industrial district. Use public transport.

Walking: Once in Tortona, entire circuit is walkable along Via Tortona and surrounding streets, with installations within few minutes walk.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport: Special late-night bus and tram services operate during Milan Design Week, with increased frequency on M2 line. Check ATM Milan app for real-time schedules.

Parking: Parking extremely limited in Zona Tortona. Use park-and-ride at periphery like Lampugnano or Famagosta and take metro. Parking fees around $15 to $30 per day in nearby garages.

Traffic: Via Tortona and surrounding streets become pedestrianized during events. Vehicle access restricted to residents and delivery.

Accessibility: Metro stations have elevator access, but historic warehouses may have steps. Check venue accessibility in advance.

Accommodation areas

Tortona and Navigli: Staying in Tortona and Navigli area offers proximity to installations, with boutique hotels like nhow Milano in Via Tortona 35, ranging from $180 to $400 per night during Design Week. Book months ahead.

Porta Genova: Hotels near Porta Genova station offer convenience for metro access, ranging $140 to $300.

Central Milan: Hotels in Brera, Duomo, and Centrale offer broader access to all design districts and Salone, with prices $150 to $500 during peak week.

Budget Options: Hostels and B&Bs in southern Milan offer more affordable options $70 to $130 per night.

Booking Advice: Milan Design Week attracts global visitors, with one hundred thirty thousand in Tortona alone. Book well in advance, at least six months ahead for best rates.

Food & refreshments

Street Food: During Design Week, street food stalls along Via Tortona offer quick bites, with local Milanese cuisine, panini, and international options.

Tortona Restaurants: Trendy restaurants in former warehouses serve contemporary Italian cuisine, with average meal $30 to $60 per person. Many venues host special design week menus.

BASE and Superstudio Cafes: On-site cafes at BASE and Superstudio Più offer coffee, snacks, and aperitivo, with design-themed menus.

nhow Milano Restaurant: Terrace Vertigo at nhow Milano offers fine dining with creative installations view.

Aperitivo: Milanese aperitivo culture is strong in Tortona, with many bars offering aperitivo buffet with drink around $12 to $18.

Accessibility

Industrial Buildings: Former industrial warehouses have been adapted, but some have steps, uneven floors, and limited elevator access. Check venue accessibility information on official site.

Crowds: Highly lively circuit with one hundred thirty thousand visitors can be challenging for mobility. Early morning visits less crowded.

Public Transport: Metro and tram accessible, but crowded during peak hours. Allow extra time.

Facilities: Most venues have accessible restrooms, but temporary installations may have limited facilities. BASE and Superstudio have accessible entrances.

Must-see exhibitions

Superdesign Show: The twenty-five year old Superdesign Show at Superstudio Più remains must-see, with happiness theme and large-scale installations from global brands.

Tortona Rocks: Innovative materials and multisensory design section with Ploom Connected Sensations, Hilti Hero Hub, and Ombra outdoor spaces redefining sustainability.

BASE Milano: Ever-present BASE hosts cutting-edge projects from creative startups and university design schools, with Triennale official exhibitions.

Haus of Automotive: Konzepthaus Haus of Automotive at Via Tortona 31 showcases future of mobility with Zeekr and Lotus exhibitions, with Automotive Design Experience workshop.

Social Impact Projects: Forêt des Signes – Conception pour Benin with illustrators creating visual elements for pediatric hospital demonstrates design’s social impact.

Previous year’s highlights

Design rEvolution Theme: 2025 edition introduced Design rEvolution Creative Connections theme celebrating power of connections, merging innovation and creativity, transforming objects and spaces into continuous dialogue between technology, sustainability, and new sensory experiences, turning Milan into heart of revolution.

Major Exhibitors: Highlights included Ploom Connected Sensations with six artists leading multisensory journey, Konzepthaus Haus of Automotive with Zeekr and Lotus, Hilti Hero Hub debut, Ombra sustainable outdoor spaces, Lechler Color Design emotional journey, and GUESS fashion innovation.

International Presence: Countless international groups from European and Asian countries with growing presence of China and Japan, plus historical participants like Maarten Baas and Marcel Wanders, and novelties like Naoto Fukasawa.

Attendance: Consolidated affluence of about one hundred thirty thousand visitors, divided between professionals, press, trendsetters, and curious people, confirming Tortona as biggest off-site event Salone del Mobile.

Cultural Production: Confirmation of Zona Tortona as place of cultural production throughout year thanks to MUDEC, BASE, Armani Silos selected among fourteen official seats of XXI Triennale, hosting international exhibits.

Official tickets

Official Website: www.tortonadesignweek.com
Contact Email: info@tortonadesignweek.com
Organizer: Tortona Area Lab association, funded by Milan City Council, with Studiolabo coordination
Main Venues: Superstudio Più Via Tortona 27, BASE Milano Via Bergognone 34, nhow Milano Via Tortona 35, Archiproducts Milano Via Tortona 31, MUDEC Via Tortona 56
Ticket Info: Most events free, Superdesign Show tickets $11 to $28, full week pass $28, VIP pass $55 to $85, available at venues and online via official site. Phone +39 02 36638150

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