The Milan venue of Fondazione Prada, conceived by architecture firm OMA—led by Rem Koolhaas—expands the repertoire of spatial typologies in which art can be exhibited and shared with the public. Characterized by an articulated architectural configuration which combines seven existing buildings with three new structures (Podium, Cinema and Torre), the venue is the result of the transformation of a distillery dating back to the 1910’s. In the project conceived by OMA, two conditions coexist: preservation and the creation of a new architecture which, although separate, confront each other in a state of permanent interaction. Located in Largo Isarco, in the south of Milan, the compound develops on an overall surface of 19.000 m2/205,000 ft2. Torre marks the completion of the Milan venue. The 60-meters high building is realized in exposed white concrete. Each of the nine floors of Torre offers an original perception of the internal environments thanks to a specific combination of three spatial parameters: plan dimension, clear height and orientation. Half of the levels is in fact developed on a rectangular floor plan, while the other half displays a trapezoid one. The clear height of the ceilings increases from bottom to top, varying from 2,7 meters on the first floor to 8 meters on the top level. The external façades are characterized by an alternation of concrete and glass surfaces, which allows exposure from a northern, eastern or western side on the different floors, whereas the top gallery space is exposed to zenithal light. The southern side of Torre presents a diagonal structure inside which a panoramic elevator is integrated. As stated by Rem Koolhaas: “The Fondazione is not a preservation project and not a new architecture. Two conditions that are usually kept separate here confront each other in a state of permanent interaction–offering an ensemble of fragments that will not congeal into a single image, or allow any part to dominate the others. New, old, horizontal, vertical, wide, narrow, white, black, open, enclosed – all these contrasts establish the range of oppositions that define the new Fondazione. By introducing so many spatial variables, the complexity of the architecture will promote an unstable, open programming, where art and architecture will benefit from each other’s challenges”.

Nice atmosfere, cool staff, opened from the first time in the morning til late night... Iter is a good choice for breakfast with coffee and brioche (the way Italians call the croissant), working days lunch (the have a fixed menu) and also for drinks - the menu changes seasonally and has always interesting options. Thanks to its location in a small street between the naviglio grande and pavese, the tourists somehow don't find it.

Even the most unconventional tourist would never leave Milan without visiting Piazza del Duomo. Well, since you’re there you must have a traditional “aperitivo” (to get before lunch or before dinner) at the Bar Zucca where Verdi and Toscanini used to go, back from the Scala Theatre. We never sit at the nice small tables located apart, we like to enjoy our Rabarbaro Zucca standing in the crowd of the bar - just try it.

Taglio is a cafe, restaurant and shop in the Navigli area. Everything you see on display is for sale. Taglio is using fresh and high-quality products for its delicious dishes. When possible, the ingredients are also locally sourced. 

Spazio Rossana Orlandi, a store and gallery dedicated to avantgarde design, located in a former tie factory.