Milan Design Week 2024 : Your Essential Guide to Salone del Mobile

As the spring breeze sweeps through Milan’s streets, the city’s venerated design legacy awakens to the anticipation of Salone del Mobile, the most extensive global furniture exhibition and the cornerstone of Milan Design Week. From April 16 to 21, the halls of Fiera Milano undergo a breathtaking metamorphosis, evolving into a vibrant hub pulsating with design innovation and creative fervor. Salone del Mobile is the anchor of Milan Design Week, and draws in both aficionados and industry professionals to revel in an immersive homage to unparalleled artistry and craftsmanship.

Salone Del Mobile Essentials during Milan Design Week

Milan Design Week traces its roots back to the inception of Salone del Mobile in 1961. Since then, it has blossomed into a global sensation, captivating audiences with its avant-garde designs and trendsetting innovations. A pivotal moment came in the 1990s with the advent of Fuorisalone, a movement that democratized the design experience by extending it beyond the confines of official exhibition spaces.

This year’s 62nd edition of Salone del Mobile will draw nearly 2,000 esteemed brands from around the globe. Salone takes place within the sprawling halls of the Fiera Milano convention center in Rho, a 30-minute journey from Milan’s city center.

While it’s true that you could easily spend the entirety of Milan Design Week immersed in the captivating world of Salone del Mobile, it’s important to remember the expansive array of events scattered throughout the city. Known as the ‘Fuorisalone’, this extension of the fair transforms Milan into a kaleidoscopic mosaic of showroom events and design installations from April 15 to 21. So while Salone del Mobile may be the anchor point, don’t forget to venture beyond its walls and explore the myriad of creative offerings that await throughout Milan during this exhilarating week.

Navigating the Milan Design Week Extravaganza

With this abundance of exhibitors, allow yourself to be both strategic and spontaneous when navigating Salone del Mobile. With a sprawling layout spanning an impressive 16 halls, the exhibition offers a holistic odyssey through every aspect of contemporary living. From the “extra”: home spas and gyms, office spaces, and serene outdoor sanctuaries can all be explored, to the “ordinary”: kitchen bedroom, bathrooms etc. In fact – make sure to set aside time to experience EuroCucina, where the latest kitchen design trends come to life, Salone Internazionale del Bagno with a focus on bathrooms design and furnishings, and to explore SaloneSatellite, a dynamic platform highlighting the industry’s rising stars.

Immersive Installations at Salone del Mobile

As it stands, Salone Del Mobile and Milan Design Week are inherently immersive experiences on their own, but we’d like to highlight three immersive experiences not to be missed within Salone del Mobile. This year Salone offers three sensory installations that aim to explore and reflect upon the physical and emotional significance of interior design spaces.

First, venture into the enigmatic, dreamy world of “Interiors by David Lynch: A Thinking Room,” where the acclaimed filmmaker invites visitors to transcend the ordinary and delve into the depths of the subconscious, just as David Lynch does in his films. Lose yourself in mirrored chambers that blur the lines between reality and reverie, in a testament to Lynch’s evocative storytelling prowess.

Next, “Under the Surface” immerses visitors in the sphere of sustainability, into the intersection of design and environmental consciousness in bathroom furnishings. Through effective data visualization and narratives, this installation prompts reflection on our daily interactions with water, shedding light on the journey towards a more eco-conscious future.

Meanwhile, EuroCucina 2024 presents a culinary tour, celebrating the symbiotic relationship between food and design. From immersive showcases to tantalizing tasting experiences, the exhibition offers a multifaceted exploration of gastronomic culture and innovation, igniting conversations on the intersection of sustenance and style.

Beyond Salone del Mobile: Fuorisalone

Complementing the central stage of Salone del Mobile are the Fuorisalone Events, spread across the city. These events transform Milan into a vivacious city-wide festival where each district pulsates with vibrant exhibitions, installations, and lively parties throughout the week. Here’s a quick guide to a selection of the districts:

• Brera Design District: Centrally located, the chic Brera district presents a vibrant fusion of modern and traditional design elements. Fittingly, It features an staggering number of 196 permanent showrooms.
• Tortona Design Week: The trendy Tortona area is a patchwork of former factories, workshops and warehouses. During design week you can wander through extensive installations, exhibitions and events.
• Isola Design District: The Isola district will be showcasing five group exhibitions and various installations. Over 320 international designers will participate across more than 40 locations.
• 5VIE Art + Design: The 5VIE district downtown is celebrated for its unique atmosphere. Here, the historical context of the surroundings harmonizes with the modern and avant-garde expressions of design.

Of course, don’t forget to venture beyond the city limits to experience Alcova, housed in two historic villas. Here, ADORNO will proudly present the soulful Animism exhibition, which will explore the deeper meaning of objects through the lens of Animism.

Embrace the Journey of Milan Design Week and Enjoy!

As you embark on your journey through Milan Design Week, prepare to be swept away by a wealth of captivating sights and experiences waiting to be discovered. From the innovative exhibitions at Salone del Mobile to the roaming Fuorisalone showcases spread throughout the city, each moment presents a fresh opportunity to see design and creativity through a new lense. With so much to see and explore, let your curiosity be your guide as you embrace the adventure that awaits. Enjoy!