Fiat at Milan Design Week: a journey through icons of the past and city cars of the future
The Turin-based brand is taking part in Fuorisalone 2026 with the 'CIAO FUTURO!' installation, where visitors can discover the history of the hatchback and vote for the designs of tomorrow's designers.
by Danilo Loda
Fiat confirms its presence at Milan Design Week 2026 with an exhibition space entitled "CIAO FUTURO!". The installation, located at Magna Pars in the Tortona district, tells the story of how the brand has influenced urban mobility over the decades and how it envisions the cities of the coming years. The route is conceived as an immersive experience that focuses on the design of small cars, a segment where Fiat has built its entire history.
Inside the exhibition, a symbolic tunnel accompanies visitors in a story that interweaves the evolution of people with that of cities. Two iconic models have been chosen to represent FIAT's 'democratic' and accessible design: a Fiat 500 from 1957 (the famous 'New 500') and a Fiat Panda from the 1980s. These cars are not just museum pieces, but examples of how design can be essential, intelligent and tailored to the real needs of city dwellers.
An important part of 'CIAO FUTURO!' is dedicated to young talents. FIAT has in fact involved students from the Ied and Isia design schools to imagine the city car of the future. Among all the works realised, three finalist projects have been selected, which visitors will be able to see live. The public will not just be spectators: anyone visiting the space will be able to vote for their favourite interpretation, actively participating in the choice of tomorrow's mobility.
The official opening will take place on 21 April 2026 with a press conference dedicated to the future vision of the brand. The space will then open its doors to the general public from 18:00 on the same day and will remain accessible until 26 April from 10:00 to 20:00.
