Sala: 'Design week, constraints on public places. More beauty, less commerce'
1,650 initiatives planned, events also in Corvetto, Stadera and Sarpi - The mayor: 'We aim for quality, we have not said yes to everyone'
3' min read
Key points
- A total of eighteen different neighbourhoods will be involved, many in the suburbs
- Prohibited in Piazza Duomo and historic public gardens
- It will be possible to visit most of the palaces in advance, from Villa Mozart to the Senate
3' min read
"We think that the Salone del Mobile, with all that it means for Milan, is an obvious event. But now with the changes that are shaking the world, it is better not to take anything for granted anymore. What we will see in the city is only the result of great work and is always a unique moment for everyone, for the citizens and for those who come from outside".
This is how Milan Mayor Beppe Sala chose to present Design Week, which this year will be held from 7 to 13 April. 'Apart from the increasingly important numbers,' Sala recalled, 'I would like to emphasise that the administration has tried to be an integral part of the organisation of the events held in the city. This is through two lines of action: the first is to keep the quality of the proposals high through a call for proposals that has very precise characteristics. So don't just say yes to everything, as the Salone has become a business and many are trying to get in even though they don't have the qualifications. The priority is to maintain a focus on design and not 'open up to other sectors'. The second is that the city's public places will be protected: no use of Piazza Duomo or the historic gardens. 'Because the city has to talk about beauty and the commercial aspects will not be present except at the Fair'.
In the meantime, the 2025 edition sets a new record: more than 1,650 events and initiatives are planned in public spaces, retail outlets and showrooms in historic design zones, historical buildings, museums, theatres and former industrial spaces, even in districts furthest from the centre.
Once again this year, Milano Design Week has confirmed itself not only as an event of international prestige and relevance, but also as an engine of economic and cultural growth for the entire city and all its neighbourhoods, with important spin-offs that go beyond the days of the event," said Councillor for Economic Development and Labour Policies Alessia Cappello. "With its usual ability to renew itself, Milano Design Week, together with Salone del Mobile, has contributed over the years to consolidating Milan's position as the home of design worldwide. This is confirmed by the steadily growing numbers of attendees expected also for this edition, the initiatives in the field, which are more than 20% higher than last year, as well as the induced activities, the relations with buyers and all stakeholders".
