For the third consecutive year, we’re taking on Milan Design Week—and this time we’re bringing our first site-specific installation, Space Between, created in collaboration with Universal Design Studio at our member hotel, STRAF.
In addition to the installation, we’ve curated a thought-provoking program that opens doors to the week’s most anticipated exhibitions, panels, and parties.
Join us for all three days or just stop by—we look forward to seeing you there.
Monday 7 April, 5 to 8pm, STRAF
Created in collaboration with Universal Design Studio, Space Between brings our Further studies into the physical realm—transforming the lobby of STRAF into a dynamic third space that fuels collective imagination and invites visitors to consider the role of the hotel in shaping culture. Celebrate with us over an aperitivo before the installation opens to the public on Tuesday.
Monday 7 April, 6 to 9pm, at TechnoGym
Just a five-minute walk from STRAF, we’ll celebrate the opening of The Art of Wellness, an exhibition by Technogym exploring the origins and future of wellness, from early exercise tools to modern AI driven innovations. The activation also includes a collaboration with Assouline and the The Art of Wellness monograph, a book celebrating the brand’s Italian inspired design and its transformation of fitness into an emotional experience.
Monday 7 April, 6pm to 10pm, Capsule Plaza
Capsule Plaza returns for its third edition during Milan Design Week 2025, expanding beyond its original venue at Spazio Maiocchi to include several satellite locations in Porta Venezia, such as a former gym and garage. Co-curated by founder Alessio Ascari and architect Paul Cournet, this year's theme, Expanded Living, explores hybrid spaces and the evolving nature of domestic environments.
The exhibition features an impressive lineup, including product launches from designers like Sabine Marcelis and Misha Kahn, as well as contributions from Swedish gallery NoGa. Additionally, Hem introduces a new, plush sofa designed by Philippe Malouin.
Tuesday 8 April at 11.30am, Villa Borsani Entrance
Set against the storied backdrops of Villa Borsani and Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, this year’s Alcova unveils two new venues: the SNIA Factory and Pasino Glasshouses—raw, layered spaces where nature slowly reclaims its ground.
Join us at Villa Borsani at 11.30am to meet Yaniv Chen, designer at Lemon, for coffee and talk offering insights to his design process—then tour the other exhibits on show.
We’ll have a casual lunch before moving to Villa Bagatti. Journey through Modernist and Rationalist architecture, expansive gardens, grand halls, and intimate rooms, discovering collectible design and visionary explorations.
Tuesday 8 April, 4 to 6pm, STRAF hotel
Further Forecast—Community Capital revealed that 79% of the Design Hotels community would travel to learn a new skill. In this thought-provoking panel in collaboration with The Lobby, the Copenhagen-based hospitality design conference, we bring together Sarah Doyle from Design Hotels with Erik Nissen, Founder of Stylt Trampoli, to uncover how hotels are poised to realize their potential as knowledge hubs—and how tapping into niche interests and passion can increase a hotel’s social, intellectual and cultural value.
Tuesday 8 April, from 9pm, cc-tapis Headquarters
As part of Milan Design Week, Milan-based contemporary rug brand cc-tapis unveils Hypercode, a new collection by Roberto Sironi. Blending mythological symbols, ancient carvings, glyphs, and urban graffiti, the designs celebrate humanity’s innate urge to leave its mark. Experience the Hypercode installation and raise a glass with us at the exclusive party, starting at 9pm till late. Spaces are limited, so please let us know if you’d like to attend.
Wednesday 9 April, from 11.30am, Next Place Hotel
Join us at the heart of the Tortona Design District to meet the team of Vetsak and a tour of the installation Enchanting Transitions at Next Place Hotel, created by César Giraldo. The sensory-driven experience invites you on a journey where light and spatial storytelling collide, offering a new perspective on hospitality, design, and architecture. Afterwards, unwind over coffee at Next Place Café.
Wednesday 9 April, 3pm, Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber
Design duo Formafantasma presents a theatrical performance and installation at Milan’s historic Teatro Lirico, offering a bold reinterpretation of modernism’s legacy. Created in collaboration with opera director Fabio Cherstich, the production marks 60 years since Cassina began manufacturing the modernist movement’s most iconic tubular steel seating by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand. Just steps away, Formafantasma also debuts its first furniture collection for the Italian heritage brand at the Cassina showroom.
Wednesday 9 April, 3-6pm, Teatro Litta
Finnish design house Marimekko has partnered with New York-based artist Laila Gohar for an immersive installation at Milan Design Week 2025. Designed as a bedroom, the installation explores the question: What happens in bed? From coffee mornings to movie nights, the space evolves through a series of dynamic activations.
To celebrate, Marimekko has invited us to an exclusive private cocktail, offering a first look at the installation in an intimate setting.
Wednesday 9 April, 6pm onwards
Spend the day diving deeper into Fuorisalone, then head to STRAF for an inspiring panel hosted by Design Anthology at 6pm, featuring our very own Sarah Doyle, Global Brand Leader of Design Hotels, and Christiane Wassmann from our member hotel, Rastrello.
Afterward, at 8.30pm, we'll share an intimate, members-only dinner at Antica Trattoria della Pesa—one of Milan’s oldest and most beloved restaurants. With its untouched vintage decor and refined atmosphere, this iconic spot serves up classic Lombard cuisine at its best—expect dishes like risotto al salto and the famed ossobuco with Milanese risotto.
Milan, Italy
Stay at STRAF for €1,150 per night or Hotel Viu for €900 per night—both rates are for single occupancy and include breakfast. If you're interested, let us know, and we’ll connect you with the properties for booking.
Additionally, Filario offers 15% off from 8 to 15 April; to book, email [email protected] and reservations@filario.it. Hotel Windsor also offers 15% off from 15 to 18 April; to book, email [email protected] and [email protected]. Please add Design Hotels Salone Rate as the subject line.
Want to know more? Please reach out to Katie Sharples at [email protected]. We have also created this useful Google Map of Milan and our top places to see, eat, and drink while you're in town.
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