The Triennale Milano International Exhibition returns for its 24th edition from May 13 to November 9, 2025, transforming Milan’s Palazzo dell’Arte into a six-month stage for urgent dialogue and interdisciplinary design. Under the theme Inequalities, the Triennale Milano International Exhibition 2025 edition concludes a thought-provoking trilogy that began in 2019 with Broken Nature and continued in 2022 with Unknown Unknowns. This final chapter shifts the focus to the human dimension, addressing one of the most pressing — and politically charged — issues of our time: the growing inequalities that shape our cities, societies, and individual lives.

With participation from artists, designers, curators, institutions, and universities from about 73 countries, the 2025 edition becomes a cultural map of the inequalities we inherit, perpetuate, and have the power to transform. Through exhibitions, installations, performances, and lectures, the event invites visitors to reflect on both the injustices and the possibilities that define contemporary existence.

As always, designboom’s guide unpacks everything you need to know about the Triennale’s exhibitions, international collaborations, special projects, and national pavilions. Read on for our full breakdown.

Cities © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

INEQUALITIES, CURATED BY GLOBAL NETWORK OF VISIONARIES

At the heart of the 24th Triennale Milano International Exhibition is a dynamic curatorial structure. Led by Triennale Milano President and Commissioner General Stefano Boeri, the exhibition brings together celebrated figures from the worlds of art, architecture, science, and culture. Among them are architectural historian Beatriz Colomina and theorist Mark Wigley, Serpentine Galleries’ Hans Ulrich Obrist, interdisciplinary artist Theaster Gates, and Pritzker Prize-winning architect Norman Foster. They are joined by curators Nina Bassoli, Marco Sammicheli, Nic Palmarini, and Natalia Grabowska, among others.

The theme of Inequalities unfolds along two major curatorial trajectories: the geopolitics of inequality, explored on the ground floor, and the biopolitics of inequality, examined upstairs. The former investigates the urban and territorial dimensions of disparity — from housing access to wealth distribution — while the latter focuses on how inequality shapes our bodies, behaviors, health, and identities in everyday life. Together, these lenses form a powerful spatial and ideological framework for a more just and inclusive future.

Curatorial contributions are amplified through collaborations with leading global institutions, including Columbia University, Princeton University, Norman Foster Foundation, Democracy and Culture Foundation, and the Serpentine Galleries. Five Milanese universities and several international research centers add further depth to the exhibition’s research-driven foundation.

Cities © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

SPECIAL PROJECTS AND LEADING VOICES FROM WORLD OF DESIGN

The main exhibition space brings together a lineup of special projects and site-specific commissions by globally recognized architects, artists, and thinkers. Among the highlights are contributions from Pritzker Prize laureates Kazuyo Sejima and Alejandro Aravena, and Elizabeth Diller of Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Artist-filmmaker Amos Gitai explores the visual language of social injustice through cinema, while Theaster Gates brings his practice of social sculpture and ritual to Milan with a large-scale installation.

The exhibition design and layout are shaped by six innovative design studios — Abnormal, Studio GISTO, Grace, Midori Hasuike, orizzontale, and Sopa Design Studio — who were tasked with creating spatial experiences that reflect both the fragmentation and the interconnectedness of inequality in the contemporary world.

Alongside the opening of Inequalities, Triennale hosts the international conference Art for Tomorrow, organized by the Democracy & Culture Foundation and celebrating its 10th anniversary in Milan. The three-day conference examines the social impacts of arts with prominent guests, leading voices from the world of culture, and moderation by designboom.

See designboom’s guide to the exhibition and special projects, below.

Cities, The Inujima Project by Kazuyo Sejima, Say Who © Alessio Ammannati

cities

An imagined geography becomes the stage for Cities, an exhibition conceived as an atlas of inhabited places across the world. In thirty-five site-specific installations by authors from over thirty nationalities, the city is explored as both opportunity and battleground — between wealth and poverty, community and segregation, ecology and development. The exhibition challenges traditional understandings of urban inequality and offers alternative visions for growth.

Curation: Nina Bassoli

Exhibition Design: (AB)NORMAL

Grenfell Tower. Total System Failure, a special project included in the exhibition Cities © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

THE BOOK OF AMOS

Shot in a single take on a Tel Aviv street, Amos Gitai’s short film revives the voice of the biblical prophet Amos through actors from Israel and Palestine. Their modern-day denunciation of corruption and violence reflects a stark continuity with the prophet’s ancient words, suggesting that history, conflict, and the city are eternally intertwined.

GRENFELL TOWER. TOTAL SYSTEM FAILURE

This deeply moving installation by Grenfell Next of Kin honors the lives lost in the Grenfell Tower fire. Featuring works by artists including Chris Ofili and Khadija Saye, alongside film and quilted memorials, it exposes systemic failures and community resilience. The exhibition is both testimony and resistance.

Curation: Kimia Zabihyan, Grenfell Next of Kin

Grenfell Tower. Total System Failure © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

The Space of Inequalities / ENVIRONMENT, MOBILITY, CITIZENSHIP

Through short films and a local data model, this immersive installation explores inequalities in environmental exposure, access to resources, and citizenship rights. From global patterns to Milan’s own territory, it illustrates how space itself becomes a medium of disparity.

Curation: DAStU and CRAFT, Politecnico di Milano

Exhibition Design: (AB)NORMAL

The Space of Inequalities | Photo by Filippo Romano

Atlas of the Changing World

Curated by journalist Maurizio Molinari, this exhibition uses maps as narrative tools to trace a rapidly transforming world. From conflict zones to gender gaps, migration to climate change, it examines how cartography remains essential in navigating the chaos of the present.

Curation: Maurizio Molinari

Atlas of the Changing World © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

Shapes of Inequalities

Federica Fragapane’s installation transforms data into organic visual languages, revealing the human dimensions behind inequalities. These data visualizations reject neutrality, instead offering layered, emotional readings of injustice through form and rhythm.

Project by: Federica Fragapane

Installation and Exhibition Design: Midori Hasuike

Shapes of Inequalities © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

Radio Ballads

Building on a BBC radio format from the 1950s, Radio Ballads returns with four contemporary commissions exploring care, labor, and community in East London. Created through years of collaboration, these films give voice to those whose stories often go unheard.

Curation and Production: Serpentine: Amal Khalaf, Former Curator, Civic Projects; and Elizabeth Graham, Former Associate Curator, Civic Projects Layla Gatens, Former Assistant Curator, Civic Projects with Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director; Natalia Grabowska, Curator at Large, Architecture and Site-specific Projects; and Damiano Gulli, Triennale Milano

Radio Ballads © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

Milan. Paradoxes and Opportunities

Through data and artistic collaboration, this project identifies six paradoxes that define Milan today: juxtapositions of wealth and poverty, visibility and marginalization. Artists reinterpret these contradictions, creating a living archive of the city’s fragmented identity.

Project Coordinator: Seble Woldeghiorghis 

Curation: Damiano Gullì and Jermay Michael Gabriel, direttore Black History Months Milano
Scientific Advisor: SI Lab Bocconi – Alessandra Casarico, Felix Eychmüller, Chiara Serra

Exhibition Design: orizzontale

Milano. Pradoxes and Opportunities © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

Towards a More Equal Future

The Norman Foster Foundation presents innovative projects — from refugee shelters to affordable housing and city regeneration — that use design as a tool for equity. This exhibition showcases how architecture can address pressing social and environmental inequalities.

Curation: Norman Foster and the Norman Foster Foundation

Towards a More Equal Future © Alessandro Saletta e Piercarlo Quecchia – DSL Studio

471 DAYS

A monumental memorial to the 2023–25 Gaza War, this installation uses 471 suspended fabric columns to represent each day of conflict. Through casualty data, satellite imagery, and personal stories, Filippo Teoldi brings visibility and dignity to individual lives often reduced to statistics.

Project by: Filippo Teoldi

Installation and Exhibition Design: Midori Hasuike

471 Days © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

Portraits of Inequalities: Pittura di Classe

A new perspective on Milan’s Ca’ Granda portrait collection. On view are thirty portraits of men and women, created between the seventeenth and twentieth centuries. This time, the collection of notable figures is observed from a different perspective—that of a representative of another social class, portrayed by Giacomo Ceruti, the painter often referred to as the ‘Homer of the poor’.

Curation: Giovanni Agosti and Jacopo Stoppa

In collaboration with: Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico
Lighting Design: Pasquale Mari

Portraits of Inequalities. Pittura di Classe © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

We the Bacteria: Notes Toward Biotic Architecture

Beatriz Colomina and Mark Wigley present an architectural manifesto for microbial coexistence. From gut health to planetary ecosystems, the installation argues that to understand inequality is to understand biology, and to design accordingly.

Curator: Beatriz Colomina and Mark Wigley

Exhibition Design: GRACE

We the Bacteria © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

The Corner Problem

This short film by Diller Scofidio + Renfro turns the humble architectural corner into a site of philosophical and hygienic drama. A meditation on invisibility, resistance, and the limits of design.

Film by: Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Frank Willens
Directed by: Elizabeth Diller

The Corner Problem

A Journey into Biodiversity: Eight Forays on Planet Earth

From human cities to octopus reefs and fungal networks, this exhibition redefines cities as cohabitations between species. A planetary journey that questions anthropocentrism and explores diverse models of ecological interdependence.

Curated by: Telmo Pievani
In collaboration with: Massimo Labra and Maria Chiara Pastore, National Biodiversity Future Center
Exhibition Design: Studio GISTO

A Journey Into Biodiversity. Eight Forays on Planet Earth, work by Marta Cuscunà © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

THE REPUBLIC OF LONGEVITY

IN HEALTH EQUALITY WE TRUST

By 2050, over two billion people worldwide will be aged sixty or older, marking a global shift from old age to an age of longevity. The Republic of Longevity responds with an exhibition that elevates five simple yet powerful Ministries — Purpose, Sleep Equality, Food Democracy, Physical Freedom, and Togetherness — as democratic tools to narrow the widening gap in health and wellbeing. The project collects everyday practices for longer, healthier lives, while confronting the inequalities that determine access to such lives in the first place.

Curation: Nic Palmarini with Marco Sammicheli

Exhibition Design: Sopa Design Studio

The Republic of Longevity. In Health Equality We Trust © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

NOT FOR HER

AI REVEALING THE UNSEEN

With quiet intensity, Not For Her uses artificial intelligence to expose what we fail to see: the deeply embedded gender disparities in professional environments. Through a multimedia triptych and an interactive installation, the work erodes the clarity of perception to reveal how invisible barriers distort our workplaces and assumptions. Here, it asks visitors to reconsider what fairness, visibility, and change really mean.

Project by: Politecnico di Milano
Conceived by: Donatella Sciuto, Rettrice Politecnico di Milano
Curated by: Nicola Gatti, Ingrid Paoletti, Matteo Ruta, Politecnico di Milano

Not for Her. AI Revealing the Unseen – Politecnico di Milano © Luca Trelancia

CLAY CORPUS

In Clay Corpus, Theaster Gates intertwines the poetic legacies of Japanese potter Yoshihiro Koide and Italian designer Ettore Sottsass. Drawing on his training in Tokoname, Gates wraps Sottsass’s intimate Casa Lana in Koide’s humble vessels, which evoke the Sanpomichi hill where generations of Japanese potters once displayed their wares. Through this cultural and material exchange, the exhibition celebrates craft as a spiritual act, where even the most utilitarian form can hold cosmic meaning.

Work: Theaster Gates

Clay Corpus © Alessandro Saletta e Agnese Bedini – DSL Studio

THE FRAGILITY OF THE FUTURE

In the forecourt of the Palazzo dell’Arte, monumental papier-mâché animals — an elephant, whale, giraffe, and hippopotamus — stand vulnerable and unguarded. These works by Jacopo Allegrucci appear both celebratory and mournful, confronting viewers with the majestic species we are on the brink of losing. Created from fragile and biodegradable papier-mâché, the sculptures capture not just the ephemerality of wildlife, but the instability of the systems that threaten it.

Work: Jacopo Allegrucci

The Fragility of The Future | Alessandro Saletta e Piercarlo Quecchia-DSL Studi © Triennale Milano

interNATIONAL participations EXPLORE LOCAL DIMENSIONS OF INEQUALITY

As with each edition, the Triennale Milano International Exhibition also includes a rich and diverse array of international participations, invited through official government channels under the auspices of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). These official exhibitions offer localized perspectives on the global theme, responding through architectural models, urban investigations, social design strategies, and cultural storytelling. Each display becomes a lens through which visitors can observe how inequality manifests — and is resisted — across different geographies and communities. Cities — historically places of opportunity, yet today areas where differences are often intensified — are at the heart of the International Participations’ exhibition projects. Participating countries have been invited to focus on a specific urban or spatial dimension, contributing to a collective reflection on the most forward-thinking political proposals for a society in which differences are embraced as resources to be reconfigured into new forms of community.

Stay tuned as designboom breaks down each participating country’s exhibition, below.

AUSTRALIA

Land Use Inequality

Australia presents Land Use Inequality at the 24th Triennale Milano International Exhibition. Promoted by Monash University and curated by Monash Urban Lab with Baracco+Wright Architects, the exhibition critiques the legacy of colonial settlement and urban sprawl in Melbourne. Since 1835, low-rise housing on unceded land has expanded the city’s footprint, generating a web of ecological, social, and First Nations inequalities. The display reflects on how continued low-density development displaces ancient ecosystems and sacred sites, challenging visitors to reimagine land use from a multispecies, justice-oriented perspective.

Commissioner: Monash University
Curator: Monash Urban Lab with Baracco+Wright Architects

Exhibition Design: Baracco+Wright Architects

Australia – Land Use Inequality

© Nigel Bertram

ANGOLA

Made in Angola

In Angola, a bottom-up design movement is emerging. It takes its competence from artisanal skills and local sustainable materials and creates products with a strong local identity. These productions are made in laboratories located in the city of Luanda, helping to create skills and job opportunities for the weakest sections of the population. The Made in Angola exhibition tells the story of emerging Angolan design, its places, protagonists, and products. The exhibition is created through a co-creation process that involves different local actors (artisans, videomakers, architecture students, urban explorers, and cultural animators) in a design workshop held in Luanda.

Promoter: Italian Embassy in Luanda, Ao Criativa 

Curators: Eugenia Chiara and Chiara Mittler

Exhibition Design: Anju Konikkara George in collaboration with Pedro Mvemba Cidade and students

Angola – Made in Angola

Workshop at AO Criativa © Joshua Photographer for AO Criativa

ARMENIA

(ordinary) architecture

Armenia presents (ordinary) architecture, a conceptual exploration of everyday spaces and their transformative potential. Promoted by LFA and curated by a collective including Arsen Karapetyan and Yury Grigoryan, the display centers around the humble garage — a relic of Soviet urbanism now reimagined as a flexible platform for creative community. This abstract garage space echoes Yerevan’s evolving urbanity and reveals how architecture’s most unassuming elements can embody deep social meaning.

Commissioner: National Library of Armenia

Curators: Arsen Karapetyan, Yury Grigoryan, Bogdan Peric, Andrey Mikhalev, Aleksei Lashkov, Dana Smagina
Promoted by: LFA (Library for Architecture)

Armenia – (ordinary) architecture

“Antarain” by Aleksei Lashkov

AUSTRIA

Soft Image, Brittle Grounds

Austria’s Soft Image, Brittle Grounds is a research-driven media installation by Felix Lenz. Promoted by Vienna’s MAK and curated by Marlies Wirth, the exhibition unpacks the entangled inequalities emerging from digital systems and extractive economies. Through speculative narratives and multi-channel video, it critiques the simplification of complex realities under technological rationalism, while offering a queer, ecological counter-perspective to contemporary power structures.

Promoter: MAK – Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna

Curator: Marlies Wirth

Project by: Felix Lenz

Austria – Soft Image, Brittle Grounds

© Felix Lenz

CHILE

ImAGIne Chile

Through ImAGIne Chile, Chile invites visitors to envision a future shaped by Artificial General Intelligence and collective imagination. Promoted by Sebastián Errázuriz Studio and ACQUIS, and curated by Errázuriz, the pavilion celebrates the Chilean capacity to innovate amid scarcity. It encourages global collaboration in designing technological futures that are equitable and adaptive.

Promoters: Sebastián Errázuriz Studio + ACQUIS

Curator: Sebastián Errázuriz
Production: Pedro Comparini & ACQUIS

Chile – ImAGIne Chile

CHINA

Balancing Dynamics: The Law of Civilization Development

China presents Balancing Dynamics, a vision rooted in traditional philosophy yet addressing contemporary challenges. Curated by Yongqi Lou, the pavilion explores inequality as a generator of equilibrium. Featuring contributions from five leading universities, it proposes localized, interdisciplinary solutions — from aging populations to urbanism — embodied in experimental forms such as aquaponics and 3D-printed infrastructure.

Promoter: Construction Industry Sub-Council, CCPIT

Curator: Yongqi Lou

CUBA

La Habana Ciudad Patrimonial – Diffused Urbanity

Cuba’s La Habana Ciudad Patrimonial exhibition, curated by Jorge Fernández Torres, reflects on Havana’s unique urban restoration process and its approach to dissolving inequalities through cultural preservation. It celebrates the social equilibrium maintained within the city’s historic center, resisting elitism and segregation through grassroots heritage practices.

Commissioner: Oficina del Historiador de la Ciudad

Curator: Jorge Fernández Torres

Cuba – La Habana Ciudad Patrimonial – Diffused Urbanity

Photo by Néstor Martí, Cuba

CZECH REPUBLIC

The Momentum of a Decision

The Czech Republic presents The Momentum of a Decision, a powerful critique of housing policy and its failures in Prague. Promoted by the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague and curated by Janek Rous and Karolina Kripnerova, the exhibition investigates homelessness as a systemic political issue. It challenges the privatization narrative and calls for a renewed responsibility for affordable housing.

Promoter: Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague

Curators & Designers: Janek Rous, Karolina Kripnerova, Magdalena Rutova

Czech Republic – The Momentum of a Decision

GUINEA-BISSAU

Tici Humanidadi: Weaving Humanity

Guinea-Bissau’s Tici Humanidadi is a poetic installation advocating for global solidarity through the metaphor of weaving. Promoted by its consulate in Italy and curated by Kiyomi Kawaguchi and Nú Barreto, the display showcases local textiles, art, and storytelling. It emphasizes shared humanity, dignity, and the need to overcome entrenched inequalities.

Promoter: Consulate of Guinea-Bissau in Italy

Curators: Kiyomi Kawaguchi and Nú Barreto

Exhibition Design: Nú Barreto

Guinea-Bissau – Tici Humanidadi: Weaving Humanity

Crushing Labor © Samba Baldé

LEBANON

and from my heart I blow kisses to the sea and houses

Lebanon presents and from my heart I blow kisses to the sea and houses, a deeply personal meditation on Beirut’s coastal architecture and collective trauma. Curated by Ala Tannir and supported by AFAC and the Graham Foundation, the exhibition mourns and reimagines a historic home shattered by violence and neglect. It blends artistic strategies to honor memory, resistance, and urban care.

Promoters: Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC)

Curator: Ala Tannir

NORTH POLE TRANSBORDER PARTICIPATION

Liminal Phantoms—The Rebirth of a Landscape

The North Pole Pavilion presents Liminal Phantoms, an ecological meditation on post-extractive landscapes. Designed by Alejandro Haiek Coll and promoted by Arctic and Um Arts Research Centers, it narrates the slow regrowth after territorial violence. Through sensorium and metaphor, it evokes the resilience of nature and the urgency of ecological justice.

Promoters: Arctic Research Center and Um Arts Research Center and Circolo Scandinavo

Exhibition Design: Alejandro Haiek Coll / Laboratory of Intersectional Ecologies / Umeå University – School of Architecture
Research Team: Lolo Rebecca Rudolph, Tomas Mena, Luis Pimentel, Aram Badr, Atakan Colac, Raquel Colacios, Sevan Mohammadpour, Cesar Velando, Hana Osman, Irina Urriola

PERU

Relatos Chicha

By transforming lettering into a tool of resistance and collective pride, the artist Elliot Tupac brings oral and artisanal traditions into the contemporary in Peru’s exhibition. Heir to the artisanal tradition of the poster-makers of Huancayo, he tells part of the story of Lima’s informal settlements, following with a personal gaze the birth of Chicha culture: a collective identity that emerged in the 1980s from the migration of millions of people from the provinces to the capital in search of new opportunities.

Peru Pavilion © Courtesy of Elliot Tupac

POLAND

A Brief Vacation

Poland’s A Brief Vacation offers a sensory and spatial exploration of regenerative urbanism. Curated by Katarzyna Roj and promoted by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, the exhibition invites visitors to recline, reflect, and reimagine cities as spaces of care and renewal. Drawing from cinema and sanatoriums, it connects crisis with healing, and infrastructure with dignity.

Promoter: Adam Mickiewicz Institute, BWA Wrocław Galleries of Contemporary Art

Curator: Katarzyna Roj

Architect: Aleksandra Wasilkowska

Una Breve Vacanza, Polish Pavilion at Triennale di Milano 2025, photo by Jacopo Salvi, Altomare.studio

PUERTO RICO

Once Upon Three Femisites

Puerto Rico presents Once Upon Three Femisites, a moving investigation into spatial complicity in gendered violence. Curated by Regner Ramos and promoted by the University of Puerto Rico School of Architecture, the pavilion retraces the tragic story of Alexa Neulisa Luciano through digital, physical, and ephemeral landscapes. It reclaims these sites as spaces of memory, critique, and protest.

Promoter: University of Puerto Rico School of Architecture

Curator: Regner Ramos

QATAR

Tiamat

Through Tiamat, Qatar constructs a contemporary architectural experiment in stone. Promoted by Design Doha and created by AAU ANASTAS, the ribbed vault structure references ancient arches and desert ecologies. Blending material innovation with cultural heritage, the pavilion explores resilience, craft, and environmental responsibility in collaboration with Palestinian artisans.

Promoter: Design Doha — Qatar Museums Research

Project by: AAU ANASTAS (Elias and Yousef Anastas)

Qatar – Tiamat

ADN D3 © Edmund Sumner

ROM & SINTI NATION

Motherland Otherland

Rom & Sinti present Motherland Otherland, an exhibition promoted by ERIAC and UNAR and curated by Dijana Pavloviç and Hanna Heilborn. Through the work of artists like Małgorzata Mirga-Tas and Sead Kazanxhiu, the pavilion amplifies Romani voices and exposes the inequalities embedded in European cultural narratives. It calls for recognition, representation, and justice.

Promoters: European Roma Institute of Arts and Culture (ERIAC) and UNAR

Curators: Dijana Pavloviç, Hanna Heilborn

Commissioner: Movimento Kethane

Rom & Sinti – Motherland Otherland

Roma pavilion Building home © Giovanni Hänninen

SAUDI ARABIA

Maghras, A Farm for Experimentation

Saudi Arabia’s Maghras, A Farm for Experimentation is a contemplative exhibition rooted in its namesake Maghras, a community farm in the ancient oasis of Al Ahsa — once water-rich, now under ecological strain. Defined by a symbolic square of four palm trees, the display captures field recordings, artefacts, and speculative design responses to shifting agro-ecosystems. Visitors are invited into conversations around preservation, resilience, and imagining a restorative future between land and people.

Curators: Lulu Almana and Sara Al Omran

Commissioner: The Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia – Maghras, A Farm for Experimentation

TM Saudi Arabia Image courtesy of Maghras

TOGO

Out of Fashion

A bold critique of waste colonialism, Togo’s Out of Fashion installation transforms discarded jeans from Lomé’s Hedzranawoe market into architecture. It exposes the environmental and social damage caused by fast fashion’s leftovers dumped in Africa, while showcasing the ingenuity of design as resistance and reclamation.

Curators & Designers: Studio NEiDA (Jeanne Autran-Edorh & Fabiola Büchele)

Producer: Atelier Lissanon, with Françoise Autran

Togo – Out of Fashion

Main Building at Hedzranawoe market by architect Da-Blèce Afoda-Sebou, Lomé, Togo 2024. Image Studio NEiDA

UKRAINE

Inhale/Exhale!

Ukraine presents a raw, poetic exhibition confronting the fracture lines of war between frontlines and relative safety, between victim and witness. Set in Western Ukraine, Inhale/Exhale! is about inequality, emergence and disappearance, the artefacts of the victim. It urges visitors to exchange sympathy for respect, exploring the realities of disability, trauma, and coexistence in a divided society struggling toward healing.

Curator: Khrystyna Berehovska

Promoter: ZAG Gallery

Ukraine – Inhale/Exhale!

UNITED NATIONS

Parallel Realities

The United Nations’s Parallel Realities is an immersive exhibition curated by the SDG Action Campaign. Through provocative visual storytelling by Uğur Gallenkuş and global changemakers’ testimonies, it explores how inequality fractures our world and offers hope through collective action. The space invites each visitor to reflect, connect, and act.

Promoter & Curator: United Nations SDG Action Campaign

What a Wonderful World

United Nations – Parallel Realities

The post designboom’s ultimate guide to 24th triennale milano international exhibition 2025 appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The Venice Architecture Biennale returns for its 19th edition from May 10th to November 23rd, 2025, and designboom is here to guide you through this year’s main exhibition, national participations, collateral events, and everything else happening around the city during this six-month period. Curated by renowned architect and engineer, Carlo Ratti, the 2025 International Architecture Exhibition unfolds under the theme of Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective., inviting visitors to explore how architecture is evolving in response to climate change, pushing for a shift from merely reducing environmental impact to actively designing for a world that’s already changing rapidly. Given Venice’s own vulnerability to climate change due to rising sea levels, the Italian city provides a fitting backdrop for an international gathering of thoughts, ideas, and solutions around this urgent matter.

Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 takes place across the Giardini, Arsenale, and Forte Marghera. Alongside the main exhibition, the Biennale includes national participations by 66 countries, four of which are debuting for the first time: Azerbaijan, Togo, Qatar, and Oman. Collateral events and parallel exhibitions are taking place all around the city, immersing visitors from every corner of the world into a global celebration of creativity and cultural exchange. 

As every year, designboom’s guide is here to unpack all the important information around the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, as well as the must-see exhibitions, installations, and events taking place around Venice. Read on to discover more, and follow our dedicated Venice Architecture Biennale Instagram account here for real-time updates and exclusive coverage!

illustration by Hara Nika

Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective., curated by carlo ratti

The theme of the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale centers on the different types of intelligence—natural, artificial, and collective—that can help us rethink how we build and live in an increasingly unpredictable world. Curator Carlo Ratti addresses the escalating environmental crises—such as wildfires, floods, and droughts—and emphasizes the need to adapt our built environment to these challenges. The exhibition isn’t just about mitigating climate change but about reshaping architecture to better fit the new realities of a changing planet. Ratti’s vision brings together an interdisciplinary group of participants, from architects and engineers to climate scientists, artists, and philosophers, all working together to explore innovative, adaptable, and collaborative solutions. This collective approach to intelligence is central to the Biennale’s message, encouraging a more inclusive and forward-thinking way of designing our cities and homes.

portrait of Carlo Ratti, image by Andrea Avezzù

750 main exhibition participants at the giardini and arsenale

The main exhibition, taking place at the Giardini and the Arsenale, is set up as an interactive space where over 750 participants present their ideas and projects. The exhibition is divided into three sections: Natural Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence, and Collective Intelligence. Each section explores how these forms of intelligence can influence the way we design and experience the built environment. The final section, titled Out, provocatively asks whether space exploration could offer solutions to the crises we face on Earth, suggesting that rather than looking to space for escape, we should use it to improve life here. The installations, prototypes, and experiments spread across the Biennale sites—including the Giardini and Arsenale—transform Venice itself into a living laboratory. Designed by Sub Architecture and Bänziger Hug Kasper Florio, the exhibition design blends digital and physical spaces to encourage engagement and collaboration.

image by Francesco Galli, courtesy La Biennale di Venezia

GENS, the Public Program of the Venice Biennale

GENS is the public program designed to extend the Biennale’s reach beyond architectural circles. Launching on May 10, 2025, GENS runs throughout the six-month duration of the exhibition, offering a continuous series of events that combine design, cinema, academia, and activism. With this initiative, Ratti pushes the Biennale’s curatorial framework into a space of collective intelligence, where architecture becomes a platform for transdisciplinary exchange.

The program emerges as an extension of the ‘Space for Ideas’ initiative held in spring 2024, evolving into an active landscape of conferences, workshops, and collaborative encounters. Open to the public and international in scope, GENS invites participants from across sectors to engage with the exhibition’s core themes as co-creators of knowledge. 

image by Stephanie Fuessenich

NATIONAL PAVILIONS

The 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale welcomes 66 national participants—including debut entries from Azerbaijan, Togo, Qatar, and Oman, inviting them to respond to curator Carlo Ratti’s theme. Set across the Giardini, Arsenale, and citywide venues, each pavilion offers a site-specific answer to global challenges, transforming the Biennale into a shared atlas of resilient, future-focused design. Read on for a closer look at the national pavilions announced so far. 

pavilion of albania

Albania presents Building Architecture Culture at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale. Curated by Anneke Abhelakh, the exhibition explores the evolving relationship between architecture and society, reflecting Albania’s cultural and urban transformation. A young democracy at the crossroads of Southern Europe and the Balkans, Albania has undergone a radical architectural shift since the collapse of its dictatorial regime in 1992. Three decades later, the country continues to redefine its built environment, navigating between past legacies and future aspirations.

Featuring contributions from architects, designers, and thinkers engaged in the architectural landscape of Albania, Building Architecture Culture reveals a multi-layered narrative of transformation.

composed image in association with: 51N4E, Skanderbeg Square (2008-2019), Tirana; Kengo Kuma & Associates, Butrint National Park (2023-ongoing); Oppenheim Architecture, Hotel Jali, Himarë (2020-ongoing)

name: Building Architecture Culture

commissioner: Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation
curator: Anneke Abhelakh
exhibitors: 51N4E; Aires Mateus e Associados; Álvaro Siza; Andrea Caputo; Anupama Kundoo Architects; Archea Associati; Archi-Tectonics; arquitectura G; Barozzi Veiga; baukuh; Benedetta Tagliabue – EMBT Architects; BIG; BOLLES+WILSON; Camilo Rebelo; Casanova+Hernandez; CEBRA; Christian Kerez; CHYBIK + KRISTOF; CITYFÖRSTER; Coldefy; Davide Macullo Architects; DILLER SCOFIDIO + RENFRO; EAA Emre Arolat Architecture; Eduardo Souto De Moura; Elemental Architecture; Ensamble Studio; Estudi d’arquitectura Toni Gironès Saderra; GG-loop; Groupwork; Herzog & de Meuron; Kengo Kuma & Associates; KUEHN MALVEZZI; Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture; Mario Cucinella Architects; MASS STUDIES; MVRDV; NOA; OFFICE; OMA; OODA; Oppenheim Architecture; RCR Arquitectes; Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura; Sam Chermayeff Office; SelgasCano; Shigeru Ban Architects + Jean de Gastines; Stefano Boeri Architetti; Steven Holl Architects; Studio Fuksas; Studio Gang; Studio Precht; Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects; XDGA; Yashar Architects
venue: Arsenale

Pavilion of Argentina

The Argentine Pavilion showcases Siestario, an evocative installation by Rosario-based architects Juan Manuel Pachué and Marco Zampieron. Selected through an open competition organized by the Argentine Foreign Ministry and the Argentine Chamber of Urban Developers (CEDU), the project reimagines the iconic silobag, an agricultural storage innovation from Argentina’s countryside, as a space of collective relaxation and contemplation. Highlighted for its conceptual coherence and material ingenuity, the installation invites visitors to pause, rest, and dream amidst the dynamic environment of the Biennale. The silobag, widely repurposed in Argentina as improvised roofs, summer pools, and animal shelters, transforms here into an architectural statement that contrasts its industrial origins with the elegant, historic setting of the pavilion. 

The Argentine Pavilion at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale | image by Brian Ejsmont

name: Siestario

commissioners: Ambassador Alejandra Pecoraro

curators: Juan Manuel Pachué, Marco Zampieron

exhibitors: Juan Manuel Pachué, Marco Zampieron

venue: Arsenale, Sale d’Armi

Pavilion of Armenia

At the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, Armenia unveils Microarchitecture Through AI: Making New Memories with Ancient Monuments, an exploration of cultural memory and architectural preservation in the digital age. Curated by Marianna Karapetyan, the show rethinks traditional notions of heritage by asking how artificial intelligence can document the past and also actively reimagine it. 

Bringing together architects, researchers, and technologists from Electric Architects, TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, CALFA, and MoNumEd, the exhibition navigates the intersection of tradition and innovation. Contributors such as Sipana Tchakerian and Chahan Vidal-Gorène (CALFA / MoNumEd), Hulé Kechichian, Pegor Papazian, and Marie Lou Papazian (TUMO), alongside architects Karen Badalian and Varuzhan Kochkoyan (Electric Architects), offer a radical rethinking of how monuments are remembered, interpreted, and projected into the future. 

image via @tumocenter

name: Microarchitecture through Al: Making New Memories with Ancient Monuments
commissioner: Svetlana Sahakyan, Director of the Department of Modern Art in the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport
curator: Marianna Karapetyan
exhibitors: Electric Architects, TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, Ari Melenciano, CALFA, and Monumed
venue: Tesa 41, Arsenale di Venezia, Fondamenta Case Nuove 2738/C

Pavilion of Australia

The Australian Pavilion presents HOME, an immersive and sensory-driven exhibition by First Nations design team Dr. Michael Mossman, Emily McDaniel, and Jack Gillmer. Commissioned by the Australian Institute of Architects, HOME celebrates Australia’s natural environment and Indigenous knowledge systems through a participatory design that fosters dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities on a global stage.

Exploring themes of sustainability, cultural safety, and material circularity, the pavilion showcases First Nations methodologies as pathways toward reimagining architectural practices. Through storytelling, performance, and hands-on cultural exchanges, HOME invites visitors to engage deeply with Aboriginal perspectives, offering a space for cultural learning and connection to Country. This landmark pavilion also responds to Australia’s ongoing conversations about self-determination and cultural agency in the aftermath of the national referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

HOME Australia Pavilion

name: HOME

commissioners: Australian Institute of Architects

curators: Dr. Michael Mossman, Emily McDaniel, Jack Gillmer

exhibitors: Dr Michael Mossman, Emily McDaniel, Jack Gillmer, Kaylie Salvatori, Clarence Slockee, Bradley Kerr and Elle Davidson

venue: Giardini

Pavilion of Austria

The Austrian Pavilion unveils Agency for Better Living, curated by Professor Michael Obrist from TU Wien, Sabine Pollak, and Lorenzo Romito. This exhibition addresses one of Europe’s most pressing global issues: the future of housing and living. Apart from affordable housing, the pavilion seeks solutions for a holistic vision of a better life through a combination of top-down models and bottom-up approaches. By exploring these two models through architecture, the exhibition aims to provide valuable insights into sustainable and community-focused housing solutions.

Agency for Better Living focuses on global housing questions, such as affordability, sustainability, and the reuse of abandoned buildings, particularly in Italy’s capital, Rome, where the potential of urban regeneration is explored. The concept is centered around the idea that housing is not only a functional need but a societal and emancipatory question. The pavilion features four distinct ‘living settings,’ each contributing to an experiential exploration of new ways to approach living. These include an open-air reception hall, a natural saltwater pool surrounded by a wooden deck, a living room designed for film projections, and a kitchen laboratory for reimagining better living solutions.

Sonnwendviertel neighbourhood, one of the new city districts in Vienna | image by Paul Sebesta

name: Agency for Better Living

commissioners: The Arts and Culture Division of the Federal Ministry for Art, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport of Austria

curators: Professor Michael Obrist, Sabine Pollak, Lorenzo Romito

venue: Giardini

pavilion of AZERBAIJAN (REPUBLIC OF)

Equilibrium. Patterns of Azerbaijan marks the Republic of Azerbaijan’s inaugural participation in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Curated by Nigar Gardashkhanova and commissioned by Rashad Aslanov, the exhibition is organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, with support from the Azerbaijani Embassy in Italy. 

Three main projects illustrate this vision: the Baku White City Project by the Azerbaijan Development Company, a large-scale urban regeneration effort transforming a former industrial zone into a model of sustainable development; Victory Park by Simmetrico Architettura, a contemporary public space in Baku blending historical memory with forward-looking design; and the restoration of the Zangilan Mosque by Adalat Mammadov, which reinterprets traditional Karabakh architecture with modern sensibilities. The Pavilion also honors the 900th anniversary of medieval architect Ajami Nakhchivani, celebrating his enduring influence on the region’s architectural heritage.

Zangilan Mosque | image by Adil Yusifov

name: Equilibrium. Patterns of Azerbaijan
commissioner: Ambassador Rashad Aslanov
curator: Nigar Gardashkhanova
exhibitors: ADEC – Azerbaijan Development Company, Simmetrico Architettura, Adalat Mammadov, Novruz Mammadov
venue: Arsenale, Campo della Tana, Castello 2127/A

Pavilion of Belgium

The Belgian Pavilion reveals its theme, Building Biospheres, exploring the potential of plant intelligence in shaping the future of architecture. Led by a team consisting of landscape architect Bas Smets and biologist Stefano Mancuso, this exhibition delves into how architecture can evolve to integrate plants in ways that foster sustainability and livability.

Building Biospheres proposes a new way of thinking about buildings as artificial microclimates, where plants play a pivotal role in purifying the air, cooling spaces, and contributing to overall environmental resilience. Drawing on cutting-edge research in plant intelligence, the project envisions urban spaces that are more sustainable and better equipped to cope with climate change and urban heat islands.

name: Building Biospheres

commissioners: Flanders Architecture Institute

curators: Bas Smets, Stefano Mancuso

exhibitor: Bureau Bas Smets (Bas Smets, Eva De Meersman, Luka Cockx, Erik De Waele), University of Ghent (Kathy Steppe), Plant AnalytiX (Dirk De Pauw), Elmēs, Maud Gerard Goossens, Henri Uijtterhaegen, Panta, Lisa Mandelartz and Steven Schenk with Lisa De Visscher and Petrus Kemme

venue: Giardini

Pavilion of Brazil

The Brazil Pavilion presents (RE)INVENTION, a theme that investigates the intersection of ancestral knowledge and contemporary urban infrastructure. Curated by Luciana Saboia, Matheus Seco, and Eder Alencar of the Plano Coletivo group, the project reflects on recent archaeological discoveries in the Amazon to reconsider the socio-environmental challenges of modern cities.

Divided into two acts, (RE)INVENTION first examines how Indigenous peoples shaped their landscapes more than 10,000 years ago, developing infrastructures in sync with nature. The second act shifts to contemporary Brazil, exploring design strategies that reinterpret existing urban spaces with sustainability and adaptability in mind. The exhibition showcases inventive approaches, such as the Garden-Platform, which transforms a linear structure into a seasonal, self-sustaining landscape. Designed with minimal intervention, the exhibition reconfigures the Brazil Pavilion’s spaces using CLT panels, steel cables, and stone counterweights—materials that can be reused post-exhibition.

Restaurante Coati by Lina Bo Bardi and João Filgueiras Lima, 2014 | image courtesy of Joana França

name: (RE)INVENTION

commissioner: Andrea Pinheiro, Fundação Bienal de São Paulo
curators: Luciana Saboia, Eder Alencar and Matheus Seco (Plano Coletivo)

venue: Giardini

pavilion of bulgaria

Bulgaria introduces PSEUDONATURE, an architectural experiment that challenges our perception of control over the environment. Using a solar-powered snowmaking system to create an artificial winter, the project unfolds in a paradox: as snow accumulates, it buries the very panels that generate it, halting production until the snow melts. This self-defeating cycle highlights the fragile balance between technology and nature, exposing the limits of human intervention. By staging an elemental contradiction, the project invites visitors to rethink their relationship with the natural world and consider the unintended consequences of technological progress.

image via @bulgarian.pavilion

name: Pseudonature
commissioner: Alexander Staynov
curator: Iassen Markov
exhibitors: Technobeton, Rosie Eisor
venue: Sala Tiziano, Centro Culturale Don Orione Artigianelli, Fondamenta Delle Zattere Ai Gesuati 919

pavilion of canada

At the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, Canada Pavilion unveils Picoplanktonics, an exploration of architecture’s relationship with biology, digital fabrication, and ecological systems. Led by the Living Room Collective, this pavilion reimagines the built environment as an active participant in natural processes. By working at the intersection of technology and the living world, the team envisions a future where architecture is not merely constructed but cultivated.

Curated by bio-designer Andrea Shin Ling, alongside core team members Nicholas Hoban, Vincent Hui, and Clayton Lee, Picoplanktonics brings together architects, scientists, artists, and educators to explore alternative design methodologies. 

Robotic biofabrication platform, ETH Zurich, 2024 | image by Beda Schmid

name: Picoplanktonics
commissioner: Canada Council for the Arts
curator/exhibitor: Living Room Collective (Andrea Shin Ling, Nicholas Hoban, Vincent Hui and Clayton Lee)
venue: Giardini

pavilion of chile

The Chilean Pavilion features Reflexive Intelligences, an exhibition that interrogates the territorial and material realities behind Artificial Intelligence. Curated by Serena Dambrosio, Nicolás Díaz, and Linda Schilling, the exhibition asks: who truly gets to shape our technological future, and whose voices are left unheard?

The pavilion transforms the idea of a worktable into a space for open, collective deliberation. It highlights the hidden ecological and social costs of AI, from mineral extraction to water consumption, and invites visitors to rethink the infrastructures that sustain technology. Through a critical lens rooted in the Global South, Reflexive Intelligences imagines new models of environmental dialogue, territorial justice, and shared intelligence for a more equitable future. ‘Artificial intelligence, like any infrastructure, depends on vast amounts of water, energy, and land,’ explains the curatorial team. ‘This leads to a pressing question: who has the power to decide where and under what conditions these structures are built?’

image via @inteligencias_reflexivas

name: Reflective Intelligences

commissioner: Cristóbal Molina (Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage of Chile)

curators: Serena Dambrosio, Nicolás Díaz Bejarano, Linda Schilling Cuellar

venue: Arsenale

Pavilion of Cyprus

The Cyprus Pavilion presents To the Stones – We Lent You Our Breath and You Whispered It Back to the Earth, an exhibition that explores the ancient art of drystone construction and its relevance in today’s world. Curated by Sevina Floridou, Nicola Mitropoulou, Clara Zinecker, Aaron Gatt, and the Fisherwomxn collective (Miriam Gatt, Ioulita Toumazi, Seta Astreou-Karides), the show delves into the interconnections between ecological practices, cultural heritage, and communal land stewardship. The exhibition focuses on how the act of building with stones reflects a long history of sustainable practices that resist modern systems of ecological degradation. The project involves collaboration with local artisans from TERRACT Salamiou, bringing together architects, stonemasons, curators, and the public in a participatory process of building and reinterpreting the significance of these practices.

image by Demetris Loutsios

name: (To the Stones) We Lent You Our Breath and You Whispered It Back to the Earth

commissioners: Petros Dymiotis, Cultural Officer at the Department of Contemporary Culture of the Deputy Ministry of Culture

curators: Sevina Floridou, Nicola Mitropoulou & Clara Zinecker, Fisherwomxn (Seta Astreou Karides, Miriam Gatt, Ioulita Toumazi) and Aaron Gatt

exhibitor: Terract Salamiou (Argyris Panayiotou, Panayiotis Panayiotou, Vasiliki Petropoulou-Panayiotou), Aaron Gatt, Fisherwomxn (Seta Astreou Karides, Miriam Gatt, Ioulita Toumazi), Sevina Floridou, Nicola Mitropoulou & Clara Zinecker

venue: Associazione Culturale Spiazzi, Castello 3865

Pavilion of Denmark

The Danish Pavilion features Build of Site, a live, dynamic exhibition by architect Søren Pihlmann. Collaborating with leading institutions such as the Royal Danish Academy, the University of Copenhagen, and ETH Zurich, the exhibition transforms the pavilion into a real-time case study on material reuse and sustainable design.

Build of Site demonstrates how advanced techniques and bio-based binders can revitalize materials from the existing building, challenging the notion of waste in construction. By integrating local resources and cutting-edge methods, the exhibition highlights the potential of existing materials to shape future architectural practices. ‘We’ve already created everything we need. That’s why we must be better at understanding and finding value in what already exists,’ Pihlmann emphasizes. Through a combination of sensory experiences, technical innovation, and philosophical reflection, the pavilion aims to serve as a call to action for architects, designers, and builders around the world to rethink how we can use what we already have to create a more sustainable built environment. Through the Danish pavilion’s transformation into a live construction site, visitors witness firsthand how this new approach can shape the future of architectural practice.

image by Hampus Berndtson

name: Build of Site

commissioners: Kent Martinussen, Danish Architecture Centre

curators: Søren Pihlmann

exhibitor: Søren Pihlmann

venue: Giardini

pavilion of egypt

The Pavilion of Egypt brings forth Let’s Grasp the Mirage, an interactive investication of balance, preservation, and progress for the Architecture Biennale 2025. Drawing inspiration from the fragile ecosystems of Egypt’s oases, the pavilion transforms these landscapes into a metaphor for global sustainability challenges. Following this year’s theme, through artificial, natural, and collective intelligence, the exhibition invites visitors to engage in a game of equilibrium—where every action influences the relationship between tradition and transformation. Curated by Salah Zikri, Ebrahim Zakaria, and Emad Fikry Fouad, Let’s Grasp the Mirage reimagines architecture as a living system that responds to environmental and societal pressures.

image via Egyptian Pavilion Venice Biennale 2025

name: Let’s Grasp the Mirage – A Game of Delicate Balance from a Small Egyptian Oasis to a Big Planet
commissioner: Egyptian Ministry of Culture – Academy of Egypt
curators/exhibitors: Salah Zikri, Ebrahim Zakaria, Emad Fikry
venue: Giardini

Pavilion of Estonia

At the upcoming Venice Architecture Biennale, Estonia showcases Let Me Warm You, a thought-provoking installation and exhibition exploring the deeper implications of insulation-driven renovations. Curated by architects Keiti Lige, Elina Liiva, and Helena Männa, the pavilion questions whether such renovations are merely a bureaucratic necessity or an opportunity to enhance both spatial and social aspects of mass housing.

Set against the backdrop of Venice’s historic architecture, the installation clads a Venetian facade with insulation panels, mirroring the widespread renovation practices in Estonia. Meanwhile, an indoor exhibition space wrapped in plastic film explores the social forces shaping these decisions, highlighting the tensions between ambitious climate policies and the lived realities of residents.

Tartu Annelinn © Andres Tarto collection Estonian Architecture Museum

name: Let me warm you

commissioner: Johanna Jõekalda

curators: Keiti Lige, Elina Liiva, Helena Männa

exhibitor: Keiti Lige, Elina Liiva, Helena Männa

venue: Castello 1611, Riva dei Sette Martiri

pavilion of finland

Finland presents The Pavilion – Architecture of Stewardship, examining the often-overlooked labour that sustains our built environment. Curated by architects Ella Kaira and Matti Jänkälä, the project highlights the collective efforts behind architecture—from the initial vision of designers and engineers to the hands-on care of construction workers, restoration experts, and maintenance staff.

Set within the iconic Pavilion of Finland, originally designed by Alvar and Elissa Aalto, the exhibition seeks to challenge the myth of the solitary architectural genius. Instead, it casts a spotlight on the many contributors who have ensured the Pavilion’s continued presence since its construction in 1956. Through an immersive audio-visual installation by Merle Karp and Jussi Hertz, visitors are invited to experience the layered stories of stewardship embedded in the building’s walls.

image by Ywe Jalander, courtesy of Alvar Aalto Foundation

name: The Pavilion – Architecture of Stewardship
commissioner: Katarina Siltavuori, Archinfo – Information Centre for Finnish Architecture
curators: Ella Kaira, Matti Jänkälä
exhibitors: Merle Karp, Jussi Hertz, Antti Auvinen, Samuli Saarinen
venue: Giardini

Pavilion of France

The JAKOB+MACFARLANE agency represents France with its project Vivre avec / Living with. The exhibition explores architecture’s potential to respond to contemporary challenges such as climate change, conflicts, and global instability. The concept invokes three intelligences: nature, human, and artificial intelligence. Vivre avec / Living with aims to create a spatial device that engages with the surroundings while complementing the ongoing restoration of the French Pavilion.

The curatorial team proposes a lightweight, reusable structure imagined as an inclusive shelter—an open laboratory that doubles as a space for exhibitions, meetings, and discussions. This structure, made from repurposed materials, interacts with the immediate surroundings, promoting a new form of architectural engagement with its context.

Due to major renovation works on the French Pavilion, the national participation is presented as an exterior project, deployed around the pavilion rather than within. The project is framed as a collective research effort, with each participating architecture team proposing ongoing or built projects that align with the theme of Vivre avec—a new kind of architecture that embraces collaboration with its environment and emphasizes sustainability.

perspective exterior courtesy of JAKOB+MACFARLAN

name: Living with / Vivre avec

commissioners: Institut français, operator of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture

curators: Dominique Jakob and Brendan MacFarlane, Éric Daniel-Lacombe, Martin Duplantier

exhibitor: Jakob+MacFarlane Architects, Silvio d’Ascia, RMC; Éric Daniel Lacombe, Martin Duplantier Architectes; AIR Architectures, mahl gebhard konzepte, Assemble, BC Architects & Studies & Materials, Ostrowski Demuyter Architectes, Atelier Pascal Gontier, l’AUC, Fagart&Fontana, Mosbach Paysagistes, Beirut Urban Lab, Boonserm Premthada (Bangkok Project Studio), La Cabina de la Curiosidad, Corinne Vezzoni et Associés, Khoury Arquitetura, Ehsan Baharlou, David Carr, Ji Ma (University of Virginia), Guinée*Potin Architectes, Hérault Arnod Architectures, INterland, Atelier Iris Chervet, Urban Water, Kashef Chowdhury/Urbana, Collectif Make It Rain, Les Marneurs, MCBAD architecture & urban design, Andrés Jaque/Office for Political Innovation + Miguel Mesa del Castillo, redhouse studio, Kamau Architects, Renewal Development, Philippe Rahm architectes, Ro3kvit urban coalition for Ukraine, Zotov&Co, Big City Lab & Pulpa, MRIIA, Greenpeace, Studio Paola Viganò, atelier philippemadec / (apm) & associés, Richez_Associés, Franck Boutté Consultants, ruée, Salima Naji, Studio Gang, tectone architectes urbanistes, terrain: integral designs, archibrand, Thibaud Babled Architectures, THINK TANK architecture paysage urbanisme, TITAN, Jacques Rougerie, Sempervirens, Toyo Ito, Hideaki Katsura, Kaoru Suehiro, Masashi Sogabe, Toyo Ito & Associates, Office of Kumiko Inui, Sou Fujimoto Architects; Akihisa Hirata Architecture Office, SANAA, Riken Yamamoto & Field Shop, o+h, Klein Dytham architecture, Contemporaries, Tetsuo Kondo Architects, Fumio Uchida, Hideo Nishiyama, Michiko Okano Architects, EIKA studio, PERSIMMON HILLS architects, Kaori Shikichi, Ayaka Matsuda, Kohei Kudo & Associates, Kazuyo Sejima , Trung Mai / Ad hoc Practice, Triptyque, Duncan Lewis Architectes, WZMH Architects, École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Paris-La Villette, École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Marseille, Kharkiv School of Architecture, Ain Shams University, Université Française d’Égypte, Prince Sultan University, Southern California Institute of Architecture, École Africaine des Métiers de l’Architecture et de l’Urbanisme

venue: Giardini

Pavilion of Germany

Confronting one of the most pressing challenges of our time, the German Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale unveils STRESSTEST: Adapting to Extreme Heat—an exhibition that delves into the growing threat of climate-induced overheating. Developed by curators Elisabeth Endres, Gabriele G. Kiefer, Daniele Santucci, and Nicola Borgmann, the project brings together expertise from architecture, urbanism, and environmental research to explore how rising temperatures are reshaping life for humans, animals, plants, and cities alike.

Inside the Pavilion, visitors encounter a series of sensory and spatial installations that examine the impacts of extreme heat—from strained infrastructure and urban discomfort to broader ecological stress. Drawing on scientific insight and design innovation, STRESSTEST presents adaptive strategies including climate-responsive materials, shaded public realms, and nature-integrated architecture. Commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development, and Building, the exhibition positions architecture as both witness to and agent in the climate emergency.

thermal image Munich 2024 © STRESSTEST by Gustav Goetze

name: STRESSTEST

commissioners: Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building

curators: Nicola Borgmann, Elisabeth Endres, Gabriele G. Kiefer, Daniele Santucci

exhibitor: A24 Landschaft, ADEPT, Agence Ter, Atelier Descombes Rampini, atelier le balto, Atelier Loidl, Barkow Leibinger, bgmr Landschaftsarchitekten, Christoph Brech, capattistaubach urbane landschaften, Christoph Hesse Architects, David Chipperfield Architects, EMF landscape architects, Foster + Partners, GemüseheldInnen Frankfurt, Glück Landschaftsarchitektur, GROSS.MAX. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, Grüntuch Ernst Architects, gruppe F | Freiraum für alle, Henning Larsen, IN SITU – Paysages et urbanisme, Hanns Joosten, Karres en Brands, Landschaftsarchitektur+, LOLA Landscape Architects, MAN MADE LAND, MTD Landschapsarchitecten, MVRDV, POLA Landscape Architects, raderschallpartner, rajek barosch landschaftsarchitektur, relais Landschaftsarchitekten, RMP Stephan Lenzen Landschaftsarchitekten, Julian Rosefeldt, Sauerbruch Hutton, Schønherr, Site Practice, SLA, Stefan Tischer | Landscape Architect, Studio Vulkan Landschaftsarchitektur, TOPOTEK 1, Uniola, Valentien + Valentien, Vogt Landscape Architects, Wagon Landscaping, WES LandschaftsArchitektur, ZUS [Zones Urbaines Sensibles]

venue: Giardini

Pavilion of Grenada

Marking its continued presence on the global stage, Grenada returns to the Venice Architecture Biennale with Echoes of Knowledge: Reawakening the National Library, a deeply resonant project that reflects both a cultural reckoning and a hopeful act of renewal. Presented by the Grenada Arts Council and commissioned by Dr. Susan Mains, the exhibition centers on the long-awaited restoration of the Grenada Public Library and National Archives—an iconic institution left unusable since Hurricane Ivan struck in 2004.

Curated by Fulvio Caputo and Luisa Flora, the pavilion brings together architectural research, community engagement, and cultural memory to envision a future-forward library rooted in local context. In line with the Biennale’s 2025 theme, the project reimagines the library not just as a building, but as a shared intellectual commons—an embodiment of inclusive intelligence shaped by its people.

Hosted within the book-lined walls of La Toletta Spazioeventi in Venice, the exhibition unfolds across two interwoven threads: Meta-project and Symbol. The first, led by Grenadian architect Irina Kostka Da Silva, explores architectural responses to Grenada’s climate, community, and cultural heritage. The second, developed by Italian scholars Giulia Conti and Alessandro Virgilio Mosetti, delves into the symbolic weight of public architecture and its role in shaping collective identity.

name: Echoes of Knowledge: Reawakening the National Library
commissioner: Susan Mains
curators: Luisa Flora e Fulvio Caputo
exhibitors: Irina Kostka, Giulia Conti and Alessandro Virgilio Mosetti
venue: La Toletta Spazioeventi, Fondamenta Borgo, 1134

holy see pavilion

For the first time in its history, the Holy See Pavilion will be hosted within the Santa Maria Ausiliatrice Complex in Castello, Venice, during the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Titled Opera Aperta, the initiative is led by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, which, in collaboration with the City of Venice, will transform the site into a vibrant cultural hub throughout the Biennale.

Curated by architect and researcher Marina Otero Verzier and Giovanna Zabotti, artistic director of Fondaco Italia, the project engages two acclaimed international practices—Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO and MAIO Architects —known for their work on socially conscious, collaborative architecture. The concept for Opera Aperta positions the pavilion as a live construction site, not only physically but also socially—where building repair and community healing happen simultaneously.

Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Commissioner of the Pavilion, describes it as a ‘pavilion-parable’—a metaphorical and material restoration project that embodies the principles of Laudato si’, the papal encyclical on ecological and social justice. 

complex of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, image courtesy of the Holy See Pavilion

name: Opera aperta
commissioner: Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Culture and Education
curators: Marina Otero Verzier, Giovanna Zabotti
exhibitors: Tatiana Bilbao Estudio, MAIO Architects
venue: Complesso di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, Fondamenta S. Gioacchin, Castello 450

Pavilion of Hungary

With a wink and a warning, Hungary’s contribution to the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale arrives under the title There Is Nothing to See Here. Far from empty, the exhibition probes deep questions about the purpose and limits of architectural practice today. Curated by Márton Pintér and presented by the Ludwig Museum – Museum of Contemporary Art in Budapest, the pavilion challenges the assumption that architects must always build—inviting us instead to consider architecture as a broader cultural force.

Inside the walls of a once-active architecture studio, now reclaimed as exhibition space, the show reveals an alternative vision of the profession—one where architects apply their training to activism, education, design theory, and community work. Through the research of Júlia Böröndy, András Graf, and Ingrid Manhertz, and a bold visual identity by Gergely Lukács Szőke, the exhibition becomes a layered narrative of refusal, reinvention, and resistance to market-driven norms.

An RGB-coded system threads through the installation: red for architects who have stepped away from conventional practice, green for their alternative projects, and blue for student commentaries reflecting on the evolving identity of the discipline. The result is both playful and pointed, echoing the Biennale’s central theme Intelligens by celebrating intelligence that resists commodification.

Abandoned Workstation

name: There is Nothing to See Here

commissioners: Julia Fabényi, Director Ludwig Museum – Museum of Contemporary Art, Budapest

curators: Márton Pintér

exhibitor: Attila Bujdosó, Dániel Gryllus, Vilmos Gryllus, Máté Győrffy, Péter Janesch, Csaba Kelemen, Áron Losonczi, Péter Pozsár, Balázs Radványi, Balázs Rajcsányi, Krisztina Regős, Imre Rimóczi, Ernő Rubik, Ádám Somlai-Fischer and family, Balázs Tompa, Judit Varga, Pál Varsányi

venue: Giardini

Pavilion of Iceland

Making its debut at the Venice Architecture Biennale, Iceland enters the international stage with Lavaforming: Harnessing the Power of Lava—a visionary exhibition that turns the island nation’s geological reality into a bold architectural proposition. Curated by Arnhildur Pálmadóttir and Arnar Skarphéðinsson of s.ap architects (find designboom’s conversation with the architects here) and commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture, the pavilion invites us to imagine a future shaped not by scarcity, but by the creative rethinking of natural forces.

Set in the year 2150, Lavaforming presents a speculative yet grounded scenario in which molten lava—once feared for its destructive power—is reengineered as a regenerative material. Drawing parallels to Iceland’s historic embrace of geothermal energy, the exhibition positions lava as a potential cornerstone for sustainable urbanism. Here, the earth’s most primal energy becomes a tool for renewal, offering alternatives to extractive mining and carbon-intensive construction.

Lavaforming proposal for the Venice Architecture Biennale | rendering © s.ap architects

name: Lavaforming

commissioners: Halla Helgadóttir, Iceland Design and Architecture

curators: Arnhildur Pálmadóttir

exhibitor: s.ap architects

venue: Castello 2125 (Ramo de la Tana)

Pavilion of Ireland

Ireland’s contribution to the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale takes shape through Assembly—a multisensory installation that reimagines how we come together. Curated by Cotter & Naessens Architects and selected through an open call by Culture Ireland in partnership with the Arts Council, the project expands the meaning of ‘assembly’ beyond the physical to encompass the political, poetic, and participatory.

At the heart of the exhibition is a reflection on Ireland’s Citizens’ Assembly—an internationally recognized model of inclusive democratic dialogue. Drawing on this precedent, the pavilion explores the architecture of gathering: What kinds of spaces foster real connection? How can built environments support collective decision-making, openness, and care?

Assembly unfolds as a richly layered collaboration. Architects Cotter & Naessens work alongside sound artist David Stalling, poet Michelle Delea, and curator Luke Naessens to create an immersive spatial experience shaped by voice, rhythm, and resonance. Visitors enter a carefully tuned environment where spoken word and spatial form interact in call-and-response, echoing both Irish oral traditions and the Venetian cori spezzati.

image by Janice O’Connell, courtesy of Cotter & Naessens Architects

name: Assembly

commissioners: Culture Ireland in partnership with the Arts Council of Ireland

curators: Cotter & Naessens Architects

exhibitor: Cotter & Naessens Architects with Luke Naessens, David Stalling, Michelle Delea and Alan Meredith

venue: Arsenale

Pavilion of Italy

Italy’s national contribution to the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale navigates the shifting edge between land and water with TERRÆ AQUÆ. Italy and the Intelligence of the Sea. Curated by Guendalina Salimei, the exhibition sets its sights on the Mediterranean and surrounding oceans—not as borders, but as active agents in shaping culture, architecture, and climate-conscious transformation.

Through this lens, TERRÆ AQUÆ challenges traditional notions of territory, inviting a redefinition of coastlines as spaces of flux, exchange, and resilience. Anchored in Italy’s deep maritime heritage, the pavilion aligns with global conversations around sustainability, proposing new architectural approaches for coastal cities and fragile ecosystems facing the pressure of rising seas and environmental change.

name: Terræ Aquæ. L’Italia e l’intelligenza del mare

commissioners: Angelo Piero Cappello

curators: Guendalina Salimei

venue: Arsenale

Pavilion of Japan

Japan steps into the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale with IN-BETWEEN – A Future with Generative AI, an exhibition that probes the evolving relationship between human imagination and machine intelligence. Curated by architect Jun Aoki and presented by The Japan Foundation, the pavilion explores the Japanese concept of ma—a subtle space of pause, tension, and potential—as both a design philosophy and a framework for collaboration with generative AI.

Informed by the contributions of a multidisciplinary team including designers Asako Fujikura, Takahiro Ohmura, and SUNAKI, the project reimagines the pavilion itself as a site of experimentation. Renovated through AI-assisted processes, the structure becomes a living prototype, where the boundaries between authorship and algorithm blur.

The exhibition invites visitors to consider how architecture might evolve in tandem with artificial intelligence—not as a tool for efficiency alone, but as a creative partner that opens new realms of possibility. Positioned within the broader theme of Intelligens, Japan’s pavilion proposes an architecture of coexistence, where generative systems expand the space between intuition and innovation.

concept image of renovation of the Japan Pavilion in Venice | courtesy of Asako Fujikura + Takahiro Ohmura

name: In-Between

commissioners: The Japan Foundation

curator: Jun Aoki

exhibitors: Tamayo Iemura, Asako Fujikura + Takahiro Ohmura, SUNAKI (Toshikatsu Kiuchi and Taichi Sunayama)

venue: Giardini

Pavilion of kosovo

The Pavilion of the Republic of Kosovo exhibits Lulebora nuk çel më. Emerging Assemblages, an immersive installation by architect and curator Erzë Dinarama, rooted in fieldwork with farmers across Kosovo. Through a sensorial approach, the show examines how ecological and epistemic ruptures, caused by climate shifts, are reconfiguring agricultural rhythms and embodied knowledge. As staple crops falter and unfamiliar ones emerge, farmers grapple with a collapsing sense of seasonal time. This disorientation is translated into the pavilion through tactile and olfactory media including a floor layered with contrasting soils from Kosovar plains and a scent-based calendar that maps farming cycles through smell rather than date, sensory cues that resist quantification yet carry deep ecological meaning.

Emerging Assemblages foregrounds the affective and material consequences of a transforming landscape, inviting visitors to attune to what eludes measurement. The soils reflect more than fertility, they index the lived experience of environmental uncertainty, shaped by regional and seasonal variances. At the heart of the pavilion, the olfactory calendar forms a relational archive of change, marking thresholds like vanishing crops or delayed bloom. By centering hyperlocal knowledge and intimate sensing practices, the exhibition posits rupture not only as loss but as a site for reorientation. 

research material for the Kosovo Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition | image courtesy of Erzë Dinarama

name: Lulebora nuk çel më. Emerging Assemblages

commissioner: National Gallery of Kosovo

curator/exhibitor: Erzë Dinarama

venue: Arsenale

Pavilion of Kuwait

Marking its sixth participation at the Venice Architecture Biennale, Kuwait presents Kaynuna, an exhibition commissioned by the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Literature (NCCAL). Positioned within the 2025 edition’s overarching theme of Intelligens, the pavilion reflects on the layered interplay of space, time, and materiality in shaping Kuwait’s built environment—one shaped as much by cultural heritage as by rapid modernisation.

Kaynuna examines the tensions between preservation and progress, where vernacular traditions risk erasure amid a preference for demolition over adaptation. Through an analytical and speculative lens, the pavilion charts Kuwait’s architectural trajectory, proposing a framework for reclamation that merges sustainable practice with deeply rooted cultural values.

Curated as a process rather than a static display, the exhibition introduces a hybrid methodology that redefines architectural identity beyond surface aesthetics. Instead, it offers a model for resilient, intentional growth—one that positions local knowledge, adaptive reuse, and socio-political consciousness at the centre of future development.

Mohammad Kassem, Assembling Assemblies, 2025. Digital Vector Drawing, 30 x 30 cm, courtesy Mohammad Kassem

name: Kaynuna
commissioner: Abdulaziz AI-Mazeedi (Head of Design and Planning Division of the NCCAL
curators: Hamad Alkhaleefi, Naser Ashour, Rabab Raes Kazem, Mohammad Kassem
exhibitors: Ahmad Almutawa, Alya Aly, Batool Ashour, Dalal AlDayel, Dana AlMathkoor, Danah Alhasan, Danah El-Madhoun, Essa Alfarhan, Fatemah Alzaid, Fatima Alsulaiman, Hasan Almatrouk, Haya Alfadhli, Haya Alnibari, Hussain Alkazemi, Khaled Alanjery, Khaled Mohamed, Noor Abdulkhaleq, Nour Alkheder, Nour Jafar, Qutaiba Buyabes, Sakinah Muqeem, Sulaiman Al-Bader, Yasmeen Abdal, Zahra Al-Mahdi, Zainab Murtadhawi
venue: Tesa 42, Arsenale di Venezia, Fondamenta Case Nuove 2738/C

Pavilion of Latvia

The Latvian Pavilion presents LANDSCAPE OF DEFENCE, a thought-provoking exhibition that explores the complex intersection of geopolitical tensions, military infrastructure, and the lived experiences of those along NATO’s eastern border. Curated by Liene Jākobsone and Ilka Ruby, and designed by Sampling and Nomad architects, the exhibition offers a rare spatial and social perspective on Latvia’s fortified frontier with Russia and Belarus.

In a time of escalating border fortifications due to geopolitical conflicts, LANDSCAPE OF DEFENCE interrogates how military strategies reshape landscapes, communities, and notions of security. The exhibition invites visitors to engage in a dialogue between architectural discourse and military planning, bringing to light the poetic yet disquieting presence of defence structures such as anti-tank hedgehogs and dragon’s teeth.

‘It’s about transforming fear into reassurance,’ says Jākobsone. ‘National defence is a continuous process that must be understood and embraced.’ Ruby further reflects, ‘Borders leave lasting marks on cities and landscapes. In Latvia, we see how fortifications are actively shaping contemporary spatial and social realities,’ drawing comparisons to Berlin’s post-Cold War urban transformation. 

Girls | image by Elīna Kursīte

name: Landscape of defence

commissioners: Jānis Dripe, The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia

curators: Liene Jākobsone & Ilka Ruby

exhibitor: SAMPLING (Manten Devriendt, Liene Jākobsone) & NOMAD (Marija Katrīna Dambe, Florian Betat)

venue: Arsenale

Pavilion of lebanon

For its participation in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, Lebanon unveils The Land Remembers, a critical and speculative project that repositions architecture as a tool for environmental resistance. Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture and organized by the Lebanese Federation of Engineers, the pavilion responds to the theme of Intelligens with an activist approach rooted in land, memory, and healing.

Curated by the Collective for Architecture Lebanon (CAL), The Land Remembers introduces a fictional institution—the Ministry of Land Intelligens—tasked with documenting, resisting, and healing the layered violences inflicted on Lebanon’s landscape. Against a backdrop of war, pollution, and state neglect, the pavilion asserts that before architecture, there is land, and before rebuilding, there must be repair.

Structured around four conceptual departments—Ecocide Reports, Counter-Mapping, Endemic Species, and Strategic Healing—the exhibition mobilizes tools of investigation, preservation, and regeneration. Each space acts as both archive and proposition, confronting visitors with the scale of destruction while offering tangible frameworks for restoration rooted in indigenous knowledge and ecological care. Materialized through bricks made of compacted soil and wheat seeds—symbols of both memory and resilience—the pavilion transforms over time, literally sprouting new life. 

The Land Remembers

name: The Land Remembers
commissioner: Jad Tabet (Ministry of Culture) 
curators: Collective For Architecture Lebanon (CAL): Edouard Souhaid, Shereen Doummar, Elias Tamer, Lynn Chamoun
exhibitors: Karim Emile Bitar, Rami Zurayk, Public Works Studio, Green Southerners, Mohamed Choucair Earth Preservation Project, Aude Abou Nasr, Munira Khayyat, Jala Makhzoumi, The Other Dada, Leila Darwish, Jouzour Loubnan, Amy Chiniara, Charbel Samuel Aoun, Beirut Urban Lab, Nathalie El Mir
venue: Arsenale – Sala d’Armi First Floor 

Pavilion of Lithuania

Departing from conventional narratives of sustainability, Architecture of Trees: From Indigenous Roots is Lithuania’s contribution to the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Curated by architect Gintaras Balčytis and commissioned by researcher Jūratė Tutlytė, the project is organized by the Architects’ Association of Lithuania and examines how architecture can coexist with—and even grow from—living ecosystems.

Anchored in the principles of the European Green Deal and the New European Bauhaus, the exhibition critiques greenwashing while advocating for design rooted in indigenous knowledge and ecological care. It reframes trees not as obstacles to construction but as co-authors of the built environment.

Through spatial and audiovisual interventions by Lina Pranaitytė, Urtė Pakers, and Vika Pranaitytė, the pavilion immerses visitors in speculative futures where architecture is shaped in dialogue with existing landscapes. In doing so, it proposes a reimagining of urban development that prioritizes biodiversity, community memory, and long-term planetary wellbeing.

image via @aiaftlchapter

name: Architreetecture

commissioners: Jūratė Tutlytė

curators: Gintaras Balčytis

exhibitors: Albinas Čepys, Algimantas Lėckas, Ona Lozuraitytė, Petras Išora, Gabrielė Ubarevičiūtė, Giedrius Mamavičius, Gabrielė Černiavskaja, Gintaras Balčytis, Lina Pranaitytė & Urtė Pakers (‘Bionics’), Paulius Vaitiekūnas, Andrius Pukis, Kęstutis Lanauskas

venue: Santa Maria dei Derelitti, Ospedaletto Complex, Barbaria delle Tole – Castello 6691

Pavilion of Luxembourg

Reorienting architectural discourse toward the auditory, Sonic Investigations is Luxembourg’s official contribution to the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Conceived by Mike Fritsch, Alice Loumeau, and Valentin Bansac, the project delves into the sonic landscape of Luxembourg’s territory, using sound as a medium to examine the Anthropocene and its spatial consequences.

Unanimously selected by the jury, the exhibition moves beyond the visual, inviting visitors to experience architecture through immersive listening. Drawing inspiration from John Cage’s 4’33”, it proposes an altered way of perceiving place—one that captures ecological, geological, and anthropogenic rhythms.

The pavilion offers an uncanny, embodied experience that redefines the boundaries of space and perception. Through field recordings and acoustic mappings, Sonic Investigations calls for a heightened sensitivity to soundscapes, challenging visitors to engage with architecture not as a static form, but as an evolving, resonant field.

image courtesy of Valentin Bansac

name: Sonic Investigations

commissioners: Kultur | lx- Arts Council Luxembourg and luca – Luxembourg Center for Architecture, on behalf of the Luxembourg Ministry of Culture

curators: Valentin Bansac, Mike Fritsch, Alice Loumeau

exhibitor: Valentin Bansac, Ludwig Berger, Mike Fritsch, Alice Loumeau, Peter Szendy

venue: Arsenale, Sale d’Armi

Pavilion of Montenegro

Montenegro presents Terram intelligere: INTERSTITIUM by Ivan Šuković, Dejan Todorović, and Emir Šehanović at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale 2025. The project responds to the theme ‘Understanding the Land’ by exploring Montenegro’s cultural concept of međe—traditional spatial boundaries.

Floating polycarbonate structures form a speculative landscape between art and science, populated with bacteria sampled from local sites. These living forms act as mediators between species, systems, and timeframes, offering a space for intergenerational and interspecies dialogue. Positioned as both installation and research platform, the project imagines architecture as a responsive organism—one that listens, learns, and grows from the unseen processes of the land.

image via @montenegropavilion

name: Terram intelligere: INTERSTITIUM
commissioner: Mirjana Đurišić
curator: Miljana Zeković
venue: ArteNova Campo San Lorenzo 5063

pavilion of nordic countries (FINLAND, NORWAY, SWEDEN)

The Nordic Countries Pavilion introduces Industry Muscle: Five Scores for Architecture at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale 2025. Created by performance artist Teo Ala-Ruona and a multidisciplinary team, the exhibition uses the trans body as a lens to critique architecture’s entanglement with fossil-fueled norms.

Set within Sverre Fehn’s iconic modernist pavilion, Industry Muscle unfolds as five speculative scores—performative, critical, and future-oriented. Each one invites visitors to reconsider the built environment as a stage where power, identity, and material legacy intersect.

Nordic Countries Pavilion | image by Åke E:son Lindman

name: Industry Muscle

commissioners: Carina Jaatinen, Architecture & Design Museum Helsinki (Finland)

curators: Kaisa Karvinen

exhibitor: Teo Ala-Ruona and collaborators

venue: Giardini

Pavilion of Netherlands

At the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale, Nieuwe Instituut presents SIDELINED: A Space to Rethink Togetherness at the Dutch Pavilion. Developed with curator Amanda Pinatih and social designer Gabriel Fontana, the project reimagines the sports bar as a site to question how architecture reinforces or resists exclusion.

Hosted in the Rietveld Pavilion, SIDELINED flips the norms of competitive sport to open up space for empathy, solidarity, and new forms of coexistence. Fontana, along with a multidisciplinary team including designer Koos Breen and artist Jeannette Slütter, challenges the architectural systems that govern bodies and behaviors—asking how play can become a tool for collective rethinking.

Anonymous Allyship (2025) by Gabriel Fontana | image by Giovanni Pellegrini

name: SIDELINED: A Space to Rethink Togetherness
commissioner: Aric Chen, Nieuwe Instituut
curator: Amanda Pinatih
exhibitors: Gabriel Fontana with Alice Wong and Luca Soudant
venue: Giardini

Pavilion of OMAN (SULTANATE OF)

Oman makes its debut at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale with a national pavilion exploring the theme ‘Integrating Human and Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Architecture.’ Curated by engineer Majda Al Hana’ee and commissioned by Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, the project reflects Oman’s growing cultural presence on the global stage.

Presented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the pavilion highlights the country’s architectural identity, rich urban heritage, and ambition to engage with emerging technologies and global design discourse—aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and its broader goals in cultural diplomacy.

name: Integrating Human and Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Architecture
commissioner: Sayyid Saeed bin Sultan bin Yarub Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture
curator: Majda Al Hana’ee

Pavilion of Pakistan

The Pakistan Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, curated by a team of eight architects, designers, and educators, addresses the climate crisis through the theme (Fr)Agile Systems. Organized by Coalesce Design Studio (Karachi) and MAS/Architects (Lahore), the pavilion highlights Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and emphasizes the inequities of the global climate crisis.

Featuring rock salt as a central material, the pavilion symbolizes the endurance and fragility of natural systems under human-induced pressures. Through a suspended structure, it portrays the paradoxes of the climate crisis while advocating for localized, nature-based solutions.

name: (Fr)Agile Systems
commissioners: Muhammad Arif Changezi (Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners)
curators/exhibitors: Anique Azhar, Sami Chohan, Salman Jawed, Bilal Kapadia, Mustafa Mehdi, Madeeha Merchant, Arsalan Rafique, Ayesha Sarfraz
venue: Spazio 996/A

Pavilion of Peru

Andamio Vivo / Living Scaffolding, led by architect Alex Hudtwalcker, represents the Peruvian Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. The project combines ancestral knowledge and materials from the Uros community of Lake Titicaca with the legacy of the 1988 Uru Expedition, symbolizing a fusion of floating and navigating intelligence.

The exhibition emphasizes resilience, resourcefulness, and the potential of traditional practices in contemporary architecture. With support from architects Sebastián Cillóniz, Gianfranco Morales, and historian José Ignacio Beteta, Andamio Vivo highlights Peru’s rich cultural heritage and its relevance in modern architectural discourse.

image via @living_scaffolding

name: Living Scaffolding

commissioners: José Orrego
curators/exhibitors: Alex Hudtwalcker, Sebastián Cillóniz, Jose Ignacio Beteta, and Gianfranco Morales

venue: Arsenale, Sale d’Armi

Pavilion of Poland

The Polish Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, curated by architect Maciej Siuda, artists Krzysztof Maniak and Katarzyna Przezwańska, and historian Aleksandra Kędziorek, presents Lares And Penates: About Building a Sense of Security in Architecture.

The exhibition explores the intersection of safety and security in architecture, blending local Polish traditions with modern regulatory elements. It contrasts functional objects like fire extinguishers and cameras with centuries-old rituals, such as horseshoes and smudge sticks, highlighting their shared role in fostering resilience in an ever-changing world.

drawings by Maciej Siuda for the exhibition at the Polish Pavilion, courtesy of the artist

name: Lares and Penates: On Building a Sense of Security in Architecture

commissioners: Agnieszka Pindera

curator: Aleksandra Kędziorek

exhibitor: Krzysztof Maniak, Katarzyna Przezwańska and Maciej Siuda

venue: Giardini

pavilion of qatar

Qatar appoints Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh to design its permanent national pavilion at the Giardini for the Venice Architecture Biennale (read more here), marking the first newly constructed pavilion at the historic site in nearly three decades. In a two-part exhibition for 2025, Qatar previews the site with a bamboo community center designed by Yasmeen Lari, on view at the Giardini as a gesture toward architecture rooted in resilience and collective care.

Meanwhile, at ACP–Palazzo Franchetti, ‘Beyti Beytak. My home is your home. La mia casa è la tua casa’ brings together more than 30 architects—from iconic figures like Hassan Fathy and Raj Rewal to contemporary voices including Sumaya Dabbagh and Dima Srouji—to explore how domestic, religious, and civic spaces cultivate shared values across cultures and generations. Curated by Aurélien Lemonier and Sean Anderson, and organized by Qatar Museums, the exhibition reflects on hospitality as a global condition shaped by shifting planetary and social realities.

Yasmeen Lari, Community Center, Doha, 2024, © Qatar Museums

name: Beyti Beytak. My home is your home. La mia casa è la tua casa
commissioner: Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani
curators: Aurélien Lemonier, Sean Anderson
exhibitors: Nayyar Ali Dada, Anastas, Rifat Chadirji, Aziza Chaouni, DAAZ Office, Minette Da Silva, Sumaya Dabbagh, Michel Desvignes, Liz Diller, Michel Ecochard, Hassan Fathy, Roisin Heneghan & Shih-Fu Peng, Ibrahim Jaidah, Yasmeen Lari, New South, Office for Metropolitan Architecture, Sameep Padora, André Ravereau, Raj Rewal, Ahmed Saafan, Studio Sangath, Abeer Seikaly, Dima Srouji, Marina Tabassum, Jean-François Zevaco
venue: Giardini and Palazzo Franchetti San Marco 2847

Pavilion of Romania

Human Scale, curated by Cosmina Goagea, represents Romania at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice. A collaboration between artist Vlad Nancă and Muromuro Studio, the exhibition bridges visual arts and architecture, exploring the role of human presence in 20th-century architectural drawings and their relevance to the 21st century.

Nancă’s work transforms architectural sketches into human-scale sculptures, emphasizing the emotional and symbolic power of architecture. Through a chronological display of drawings and historical maps, the project examines how architecture shapes collective identity and reflects political power.

Muromuro Studio’s immersive installation blurs boundaries with translucent walls, inviting visitors to rethink their relationship with the built environment. Human Scale runs from May 10 to November 23, 2025, at the Romanian Pavilion and the New Gallery of the Romanian Institute of Culture and Humanistic Research.

Vasile Mitrea, drawing of the Veterinary Medicine Pavilion of the Agronomic Institute (Cluj), 1965

name: Human Scale

commissioners: Attila Kim

curators: Cosmina Goagea

exhibitor: Vlad Nancă & Muromuro Studio (Ioana Chifu, Onar Stănescu)

venue: Giardini e New Gallery of Istituto Romeno di Cultura e Ricerca Umanistica (Palazzo Correr, Campo Santa Fosca, Cannaregio 2214

Pavilion of Saudi Arabia

The National Pavilion of Saudi Arabia at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale showcases The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection, curated by Beatrice Leanza with assistance from Sara Almutlaq. This exhibition highlights the work of Syn Architects—founded by Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi—and the Um Slaim Collective, focusing on the displacement of Najdi architecture in central Riyadh.

By integrating oral, visual, and experimental documentation, the exhibition explores the layered histories of the city while fostering a new architectural education ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Addressing themes like climate change, resource management, and the social dimensions of urbanism, it advocates for participatory frameworks that integrate vernacular knowledge and push for sustainable urban futures.

The Pursuit of Site 2021 | image courtesy Syn Architects

name: The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection

commissioners: Architecture and Design Commission, Ministry of Culture

curators: Beatrice Leanza

exhibitor: Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi

venue: Arsenale, Sale d’Armi

pavilion of slovenia

Curated by Ana Kosi and Ognen Arsov, Master Builders at the Slovenian Pavilion examines the evolving relationship between architect, craftsman, and construction in the age of digital and robotic building technologies. The exhibition emphasizes the indispensable role of tacit knowledge—the embodied, intuitive intelligence of skilled craftspeople—in shaping high-quality architecture. Despite the rise of AI, 3D printing, and prefabrication, the pavilion argues that architecture’s material realization still hinges on human judgment, creativity, and manual dexterity on the construction site. ‘This year, the Slovenian pavilion reflects on our on-site experience. KIP (Kosi and Partners) is an architectural design studio, and when our projects go to the construction site so do we. We are on site every day, and our experience has shown that the quality and development of architecture depend on the presence of experienced craftspeople on the site,’ shares Ana Kosi. ‘At the time, when skilled craftsmen are denied their worth and place in architecture, the Slovenian pavilion calls for a different perspective. We believe that the work of master builders should be recognized as the key intelligence component in the construction process.’

The installation centers on four handcrafted totems, constructed in close collaboration between architects and master builders using real-world site processes and tools. Accompanied by a large-format documentary video, these totems serve as physical manifestations of craftsmanship and as symbols of mastery that transcend individual identity. Master Builders is further expanded through a richly layered catalogue and a symposium, offering a critical reflection on contemporary architectural production in Slovenia and proposing a renewed appreciation for the cognitive and cultural value of manual building practices.

image by Klemen Ilovar

name: Master Builders
commissioner: Maja Vardjan
curators: Ana Kosi and Ognen Arsov
venue: Arsenale

Pavilion of South Korea

The Korean Pavilion at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale celebrates its 30th anniversary with Little Toad, Little Toad: Unbuilding Pavilion. Curated by the Curating Architecture Collective (CAC)—Chung Dahyoung, Kim Heejung, and Jung Sungkyu—the exhibition invites reflection on the pavilion’s architectural evolution and its future.

The exhibition features new works by four artists and architects who reinterpret the space through site-specific installations. Each project explores the layered histories of the Korean Pavilion and its role within the context of La Biennale di Venezia, while also addressing broader themes of sustainability and transformation. Participating artists include Kim Hyunjong, Heechan Park, Young Yena, and Lee Dammy.

image courtesy of the Korean Pavilion

name: Little Toad, Little Toad: Unbuilding Pavilion

commissioners: Arts Council Korea

curators: CAC (Dahyoung Chung, Heejung Kim, Sungkyu Jung)

exhibitor: Hyunjong Kim (ATELIER KHJ), Heechan Park (Studio Heech), Yena Young (Plastique Fantastique), Dammy Lee (Flora and Fauna)

venue: Giardini

Pavilion of Spain

Curated by Roi Salgueiro and Manuel Bouzas, Internalities at the Spanish Pavilion explores the intersection of architecture, environment, and sustainability. The exhibition highlights how architecture can balance ecology with economy through projects that incorporate local, regenerative, and low-carbon materials like wood, stone, cork, clay, and plant fibers.

The exhibition is divided into five themes—materials, trades, energy, waste, and emissions—each connected to a different region of the Iberian Peninsula. Through 16 selected projects, Internalities traces the journey of these materials from their origins in forests, quarries, soils, and plantations to architectural spaces, offering insights into decarbonization practices.

TAKK | image © Jose Hevia

name: Internalities

commissioners: MIVAU (Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda), AECID (Spanish Agency for lnternational Development Cooperation), AC/E (Acción Cultural Española)

curators: Roi Salgueiro Barrio, Manuel Bouzas Barcala

exhibitors: Daniel Ibáñez, Carla Ferrer, María Azkarate, Aurora Armental, Stefano Ciurlo, Luis Díaz, Anna Bach, Eugeni Bach, Caterina Barjau, Lucas Muñoz, Ana Amado, Carles Oliver, David Mayol, Milena Villalba, Elizabeth Abalo, Gonzalo Alonso, Juan Carlos Bamba, José Fernando Gómez, Ane Arce, Iñigo Berasategui, Elisabet Capdeferro, Ramon Bosch, João Branco, Paula del Río, Josep Camps, Olga Felip, Emiliano López, Mónica Rivera, David Lorente, Josep Ricart, Xavier Ros, Roger Tudó, Juan Palencia, Marta Colón de Carvajal, Josep Ferrando, Pedro García, Mar Puig, Manel Casellas, Vincent Morales, Juan Antonio Sánchez, Pau Munar, Marta Peris, José Toral, Sergio Sebastián, Mireia Luzárraga, Alejandro Muiño, Irene Pérez, Jaume Mayol

venue: Giardini

Pavilion of Switzerland

The Swiss Pavilion at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale presents ‘Endgültige Form wird von der Architektin am Bau bestimmt’ (The final form is determined by the architect on-site), an exhibition curated by Elena Chiavi, Kathrin Füglister, Amy Perkins, Axelle Stiefel, and Myriam Uzor. Commissioned by the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, the exhibition reimagines the pavilion through the perspective of Lisbeth Sachs, a pioneering female architect. The focus is on reconstructing elements of Sachs’ 1958 SAFFA Pavilion to explore the role of women in shaping architectural history and the evolving notion of inclusivity in design.

The exhibition intertwines soundscapes created from field recordings and site-specific interactions, offering visitors an immersive sensory experience. This approach connects contemporary design with historical memory, reflecting on architecture’s collaborative and responsible role in advancing social and environmental equity. The project examines how design can contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future.

With the exhibition title, the curators quote a note that the architect Lisbeth Sachs made on a plan for her art gallery at the swiss exhibition | image © gta Archive ETH Zurich

name: Endgültige Form wird von der Architektin am Bau bestimmt

commissioners: Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia: Sandi Paucic, Rachele Giudici Legittimo

curators: Elena Chiavi, Kathrin Füglister, Amy Perkins, Axelle Stiefel, Myriam Uzor

exhibitors: Elena Chiavi, Kathrin Füglister, Amy Perkins, Axelle Stiefel, Myriam Uzor

venue: Giardini

pavilion of TOGO

The Togo Pavilion debuts with Considering Togo’s Architectural Heritage, an exhibition curated by Studio NEiDA, the architecture and research duo of Jeanne Autran-Edorh and Fabiola Büchele. Commissioned by Sonia Lawson, Founding Director of Palais de Lomé, the exhibition marks the Republic of Togo’s inaugural participation in the Biennale. It traces the country’s architectural trajectory from ancient techniques to post-independence modernist landmarks, opening a dialogue between indigenous building traditions, Afro-Brazilian influences, and colonial legacies. With a focus on both conservation and transformation, the exhibition repositions Togo’s built environment as a vital archive of memory and a source of design innovation.

Through documented case studies, the pavilion explores the layered materiality of West Africa’s architecture—from the sculptural forms of the Tatas Tamberma to the striking silhouettes of Hotel Sarakawa and the Bourse du Travail. Several structures remain in use, while others stand as haunting ruins of an optimistic era. These juxtapositions invite reflection on the challenges and opportunities of preservation in the face of rapid change. 

Hôtel de la Paix | image by Wody Yawo

name: Considering Togo’s architectural heritage
commissioner: Sonia Lawson
curators: Jeanne Autran-Edorh and Fabiola Büchele
exhibitors: Palais de Lomé
venue: Squero Castello, Salizada Streta 368

Pavilion of Türkiye

Under the theme Grounded, curated by Ceren Erdem and Bilge Kalfa, the Türkiye Pavilion delves into soil as an ecological and cultural archive. It highlights soil’s role as a living entity, an ecosystem, and a source of memory and knowledge. Through sensory experiences, scientific documentation, and interdisciplinary works, Grounded explores how soil can bridge past civilizations with future sustainable practices, blending traditional construction methods with innovative research.

Commissioned by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), the pavilion stands out for its interdisciplinary approach and focus on ecological intelligence. The Türkiye Pavilion’s participation is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with co-sponsorship from Schüco Türkiye and VitrA.

Baliktas Cave, (January 2025) & Karadere Mining Field (October 2023), from multimedia installation Gods of Latmos, (ongoing), Ali M. Demirel, archival pigment print

name: Grounded

commissioners: Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) 

curators: Ceren Erdem, Bilge Kalfa

venue: Arsenale, Sale d’Armi

pavilion of ukraine

Unveiled at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, DAKH (ДАХ): Vernacular Hardcore transforms the Ukrainian Pavilion into a poignant architecture of resistance and resilience. Curated by Bogdana Kosmina, Michał Murawski, and Kateryna Rusetska, the exhibition merges the ‘heritage vernacular’ of traditional Ukrainian village roofs with the raw, self-built ingenuity of wartime reconstruction. Anchored by a sculptural reinterpretation of a vernacular roof—DAKH—the pavilion draws from a 50-year multi-generational archive of Ukrainian domestic architecture, and embeds it with the grit of post-invasion survival. Each element of the installation—from an AI avatar of ethnographer Tamara Kosmina to the immersive Drone Canopy—threads together cultural memory, digital preservation, and grassroots adaptation.

DAKH is a living document of Ukraine’s ongoing reconstitution in the face of relentless aerial assault. The project frames the roof not just as shelter, but as battleground, target, and beacon of defiant continuity. Mykolaiv’s parched water systems, Chernihiv’s makeshift repairs, and Kyiv’s buzzing drone-makers converge in a spatial tapestry that blurs the boundaries between war, survival, and reconstruction. With its nomadic extension—Planetary Hardcore—the pavilion positions Ukraine as both subject and interlocutor in a global conversation on rebuilding amid conflict, foregrounding a new kind of architecture: one forged in crisis, sustained by solidarity, and driven by the urgent need to shelter not just bodies, but futures.

DAKH Vernacular Hardcore, pavilion concept, 2025, visualization | image courtesy of Bohdana Kosmina

name: DAKH (ДАХ): Vernacular Hardcore

commissioners: Tetyana Filevska (Creative Director of the Ukrainian Institute), Ukrainian Institute, RIBBON International

curators: Bogdana Kosmina, Michał Murawski, Kateryna Rusetska

co-curator: Kateryna Rusetska

exhibitors: Bogdana Kosmina, Oksana Kosmina, Tamara Kosmina, Yevgenia Belorusets, Ihor Okuniev, Vladyslav Sharapa, Kseniia Kalmus, Ada Wordsworth, Clemens Poole, Dmytro Vortman 

venue: Arsenale, Sale d’Armi

Pavilion of the United Arab Emirates

The Pavilion of the United Arab Emirates at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale features Pressure Cooker, curated by Emirati architect and scholar Azza Aboualam. This exhibition examines the evolving relationship between architecture and food production in the UAE, focusing on innovative, sustainable solutions for arid environments.

Through a research-driven approach, Pressure Cooker explores themes of self-sufficiency, reimagining the greenhouse for extreme climates, and tackling global food security challenges exacerbated by climate change.

The pavilion highlights existing food-growing infrastructures in the UAE, ranging from traditional methods to advanced technologies, and showcases a series of greenhouse models designed for integration into urban environments. The pavilion underscores how architecture, innovation, and sustainability can address critical issues such as food security. According to curator Azza Aboualam, Pressure Cooker invites visitors to consider how architecture can be mobilized to ensure greater food security, with the UAE serving as a case study for future solutions in similar climates.

Greenhouses in Hatta, Dubai. Pressure Cooker, 2024. Image courtesy of National Pavilion UAE – La Biennale di Venezia | image by Ola Allouz | @olaallouzstudio

name: Pressure Cooker

commissioners: Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation

curators: Azza Aboualam

venue: Arsenale, Sale d’Armi

Pavilion of the United Kingdom

The British Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale showcases GBR – Geology of Britannic Repair, exploring how architecture can reverse the colonial legacies of geological extraction through emerging practices of architectural repair. Curated by Kabage Karanja and Stella Mutegi from Cave_bureau, Owen Hopkins, and Professor Kathryn Yusoff, the exhibition centers on the Great Rift Valley, from southern Turkey to Mozambique. Installations by Cave_bureau, Mae-ling Lokko and Gustavo Crembil, Thandi Loewenson, and the Palestine Regeneration Team (Yara Sharif, Nasser Golzari, and Murray Fraser) highlight earth-based vernaculars that propose solutions for planetary repair and renewal.

British Pavilion | image by John Riddy

name: GBR: Geology of Britannic Repair

commissioners: Sevra Davis British Council

curators: Owen Hopkins, Kathryn Yusoff, Kabage Karanja, Stella Mutegi

exhibitor: cave_bureau, Palestine Regeneration Team (PART), Mae Ling Lokko & Gustavo Crembil, Thandi

venue: Giardini

Pavilion of the United States

The US Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, titled PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity, is commissioned by the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas, in collaboration with DesignConnects and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Curated by Peter Mackeith, Susan Chin, and Rod Bigelow, the exhibition invites architects, designers, artists, and creatives to examine the porch as a quintessential American architectural element, embodying social connection, environmental adaptability, and cultural hospitality.

The exhibition explores the porch’s multifaceted role in American architecture as both a social and environmental space, focusing on its tectonic, performative, and democratic characteristics. In alignment with the 2025 Biennale’s theme Intelligens: Natural. Artificial. Collective, it emphasizes architecture’s ability to address climate change and foster collective renewal. The pavilion features more than 50 installations, selected through a nationwide Open Call, that interpret the porch across various scales, regions, and histories.

PORCH exterior: new porch, canopy, seating, and activities in the courtyard of the US pavilion looking northeast into the Giardini della Biennale | rendering by Luxigon, courtesy the co-commissioners of the US pavilion

name: PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity

commissioner/curator: Peter MacKeith, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, University of Arkansas
exhibitors: Marlon Blackwell Architects (Marlon Blackwell, FAIA; Meryati Blackwell, AIA principals), D.I.R.T Studio TEN x TEN Studio (Julie Bargmann; Maura Rockcastle, ASLA; Ross Altheimer, ASLA / principals), Stephen Burks Man Made (Stephen Burks; Malika Leiper / principals), Jonathan Boelkins – AIA,Charlie Hailey- RA, Timothy Hursley, University of Arkansas Community Design Center, Places Journal and 50 individual exhibitors
venue: Giardini

pavilion of uruguay

The 53,86% Uruguay, Land of Water exhibition at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale investigates the profound connection between architecture, territory, and water in Uruguay, where maritime territory exceeds land territory. Curated by Katia Sei Fong, Ken Sei Fong, and Luis Sei Fong, the pavilion examines water not only as a natural resource but as a cultural and historical cornerstone of Uruguay’s development.

The exhibition addresses the growing challenges of water conservation and management in the age of the Hydrocene, a period where the way humanity interacts with water determines its future. By focusing on how architecture can address these challenges through sustainable infrastructure and urban planning, the pavilion highlights innovative design solutions that promote water conservation and efficient use. The immersive installation presents water as both a physical and metaphorical element, creating an environment that evokes the forces of nature through sound, visuals, and sensory experiences. Suspended water droplets, projected graphics, and recorded stories invite visitors to contemplate the role of water in shaping urban spaces and societies.

image courtesy of Katia Sei Fong, Ken Sei Fong, Luis Sei Fong

name: 53,86% Uruguay: Land of Water
commissioner: Facundo de Almeida
curators: Katia Sei Fong, Ken Sei Fong, Luis Sei Fong
exhibitor: SEI FONG
venue: Giardini

Pavilion of Uzbekistan

The A Matter of Radiance exhibition at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale showcases Uzbekistan’s modernist scientific legacy, focusing on the Sun Institute of Material Science near Tashkent. Curated by Ekaterina Golovatyuk and Giacomo Cantoni of GRACE, and commissioned by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), the pavilion explores the institute’s significance as one of only two large solar furnaces in the world for studying material behavior under extreme temperatures.

The show reflects on the dual nature of the institute—both a grand Soviet-era vision and an architectural and scientific landmark that never fully realized its potential. Rather than presenting this as a flaw, the pavilion reimagines its future role, examining its relevance to contemporary science, culture, and sustainability. The pavilion reconstructs key components of the institute through fragments transported from Uzbekistan and newly created installations, integrating them into a wider dialogue on preservation, reinterpretation, and cultural heritage.

Heliocomplex Sun, field of heliostats, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 2021

name: A Matter of Radiance

commissioners: Gayane Umerova, Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation

curators: GRACE (Ekaterina Golovatyuk, Giacomo Cantoni)

venue: Arsenale

collateral events

The 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale features eleven official collateral events, adding to the global dialogue of the exhibition. Hosted by international non-profit institutions, these events span diverse locations across Venice and bring fresh, often interdisciplinary perspectives to architecture’s evolving role in society. From Catalonia’s Water Parliaments to UNESCO’s exploration of visitor experiences at heritage sites, each contribution adds depth and nuance to the central exhibition. Dive into the full lineup of this year’s collateral events.

NON-Belief: Taiwan Intelligens of Precarity

At the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, Taiwan responds to a world shaped by speed, chips, and control with NON-Belief: Taiwan Intelligens of Precarity—a spatial investigation into how architecture can adapt to instability and resist dominant narratives of technological progress. Curated by Cheng-Luen Hsueh and a team from National Cheng Kung University, the exhibition is presented by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts at Palazzo delle Prigioni.

Referencing the Biennale’s theme and inspired by Robert Smithson’s idea of ‘non-sites,’ this collateral event explores Taiwan’s unique ‘non-beliefs’—its skeptical stance on high-speed development, chip-based economies, and rigid systems of control. Instead, it foregrounds a grounded, collective intelligence shaped by the island’s precarious geography and layered histories.

Structured around the concepts of lagoon, island, archipelago, and peninsula, the exhibition reimagines Taiwan’s built environment as a series of contact zones—ecological, cultural, and technological. A central ‘Island’ installation, illuminated with fragments of digital light and layered with sectional slices of Taiwan’s tectonic terrain, becomes a sensory map of survival, resistance, and transformation.

Surrounding this are twelve research-based models, exploring architecture’s response to climate justice, energy ethics, and geopolitical uncertainty. With contributions from designers, filmmakers, and researchers, NON-Belief positions Taiwan as both subject and agent in rethinking architecture’s role in a fractured world.

H2O Studio NON Belief in TECHisland (exhibition space) 2024 E-paper, Honeycomb Paper, Steel Structure Digital rendering and laser cutting | courtesy of National Taiwan Museum of Fine Art

what: Non-Belief: Taiwan Intelligens of Precarity
where: Palazzo delle Prigioni, Castello 4209, Venice
when: 10 May – 23 November 2025

Margherissima by the Aa and Nigel Coates

At the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale, the Architectural Association (AA) and Nigel Coates unveil Margherissima—a radical reimagining of Venice’s industrial outskirts as a thriving, collective neighborhood for the climate-conscious citizens of tomorrow. Set within the Polveriera Austriaca at Forte Marghera, the installation transforms a contaminated site known as I Pili into a walkable urban model, suspended above the floor on a 12-meter lightbox and brought to life through video, projections, and intricate architectural models at 1:250 scale. Created in collaboration with students and the experimental makers at Grymsdyke Farm, the models fuse industrial scrap, domestic objects, and handmade elements in glass, ceramic, and bronze—lit in a cycle that simulates the passing of time.

Responding to Carlo Ratti’s curatorial theme Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective., Margherissima explores how Marghera—currently defined by chemical plants and heavy infrastructure—might evolve into a ‘social battery’ for the Venetian lagoon. Rather than offering utopia or suburbia, the project proposes a grounded and provocative urban vision that values community over spectacle. Coates calls it both a physical model and a conceptual template for cities threatened by rising seas, while AA director Ingrid Schroder frames it as a powerful expression of the school’s collective imagination. The project is curated by Nigel Coates Studio with installation by (ab)Normal Studio, and is accompanied by a series of events at the Arsenale.

Margherissima Film Still Pili fication by John Maybury

what: Margherissima by the Architectural Association and Nigel Coates

when: 10 May – 23 November 2025

where: Polveriera Austriaca, Forte Marghera, Venice, Italy

unEarthed / Second Nature / PolliNATION

At the Giardini della Marinaressa, unEarthed / Second Nature / PolliNATION emerges as a pollinator-centered installation led by Virginia Tech Honors College and Cloud 9 Architecture for the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Curated by Dr. Enric Ruiz Geli and Dr. Anne-Lise Velez, the project draws from Venice’s ecological history and explores interspecies architecture as a strategy for restoring human-nature relationships. Ephemeral in form, the pavilion incorporates over 60 types of plants and 10 pollinator species to cultivate a living garden, transforming the lagoon city’s edge into a fertile testbed for biocentric design.

The installation is complemented by student-led research and design proposals on food security, urban development, and environmental justice, as well as Cloud 9’s recent international works exhibited at Palazzo Bembo. The initiative positions architecture as a mutagen—referencing Biennale curator Carlo Ratti’s call for transformative, ecological thinking—while a symposium moderated by Aaron Betsky invites voices like Elizabeth Diller, Olalekan Jeyifous, and Maria Lisogorskaya to speculate on the future of organic architecture. 

render of pavillion unEarthed / Second Nature / PolliNATION, by Honors student Failenn Aselta

what: unEarthed / Second Nature / PolliNATION
where: Giardini della Marinaressa, Riva dei Sette Martiri, Venice
when: 10 May – 23 November 2025

CATALONIA IN VENICE_WATER PARLIAMENTS: PROJECTIVE ECOSOCIAL ARCHITECTURES

The exhibition Water Parliaments: Projective Ecosocial Architectures explores the transformative potential of water in shaping the future of architecture and environmental governance. Presented by architects Eva Franch and Gilabert, Mireia Luzárraga, and Alejandro Muiño, this project investigates how water can be integrated into urban design, from materials and infrastructure to large-scale landscape interventions. Focusing on the Catalan, Balearic, and Valencian territories, the exhibition emphasizes water as a central element in architecture, politics, and ecological responsibility, calling for a collective reflection on the future of water governance and urban development.

Through a series of innovative design proposals and interactive installations, the exhibition showcases water as an active participant in architecture, pushing the boundaries of traditional design to propose ecosocial solutions for a more sustainable future. The project aims to redefine how we engage with water in the built environment, making it visible, relevant, and essential for future cities.

Eva Franch i Gilabert, Mireia Luzárraga, Alejandro Muiño Laboratoris de Futurs 2025 film 24×13.5 | image by 15L Films, Xavi Garcia Martinez, courtesy of Water Parliaments

what: Water Parliaments: Projective Ecosocial Architectures

where: Docks Cantieri Cucchini, Castello 40/A, Venice

when: 10 May – 23 November 2025

DEEP SURFACES. ARCHITECTURE TO ENHANCE THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE OF UNESCO SITES

Deep Surfaces: Architecture to Enhance the Visitor Experience of UNESCO Sites delves into the evolving role of architecture in enriching the visitor experience at UNESCO-designated sites worldwide. Curated in collaboration with UNESCO, this exhibition highlights over 50 visitor centres—from new constructions to converted historical buildings—that showcase multifunctional designs enhancing site accessibility, cultural interpretation, and environmental stewardship. With a focus on fostering sustainable development and global citizenship, the exhibition examines how architecture can serve as a tool for preserving heritage, supporting local economies, and promoting social inclusion across the globe.

Hosted at Palazzo Zorzi, the exhibition features interactive displays and immersive elements, including a Cloud installation symbolizing layers of inquiry into four key thematic areas: heritage interpretation, site management, accessibility and inclusion, and community engagement. Visitors explore how these centres integrate context-specific solutions and innovative materials, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. In addition to the physical displays, an online extension provides further insights, inviting audiences to discover how architecture can play a pivotal role in the conservation and interpretation of UNESCO World Heritage sites, with a particular focus on Hegra in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

image courtesy of UNESCO

what: Deep Surfaces. Architecture to Enhance the Visitor Experience of UNESCO Sites

where: Palazzo Zorzi, Castello 4930, Venice

when: 10 May – 23 November 2025

INTELLIGENS . TALENT – EUMIES AWARDS. YOUNG TALENT 2025

The Fundació Mies van der Rohe, in partnership with Creative Europe, has opened the call for the EUmies Awards Young Talent 2025, inviting architecture, urban planning, and landscape architecture schools from Creative Europe countries to nominate the best master’s degree projects from recently graduated students. The award seeks to recognize and support emerging talent, highlighting innovative and transformative design proposals that showcase the future of our built environment. Submissions are evaluated by a prestigious jury, with the finalists’ works exhibited during the Biennale Architettura 2025 in Venice.

The selected finalists are revealed in May 2025, and the winners are be announced during the EUmies Awards Day in Venice in June 2025. Three winners receive a diploma, €5,000 each, and recognition through a profile on World Architects. Their projects are also featured in the EUmies Awards Young Talent Traveling Exhibition. This initiative aims to provide a platform for the next generation of designers while contributing to the global dialogue around architecture and urban planning.

image courtesy of Fundació Mies van der Rohe

what: Intelligens . Talent – EUmies Awards. Young Talent 2025

where: Palazzo Mora, Cannaregio 3659, Venice

when: 10 May – 23 November 2025

PARALLEL WORLDS, EXHIBITION FROM MACAO, CHINA

The Macau Museum of Art is participating in the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale with its exhibition Parallel Worlds, which is part of the biennale’s parallel events programme. Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macau, the exhibition is on display throughout the duration of the Biennale. This exhibition explores the dynamic relationship between natural and artificial environments, contributing to the biennale’s overarching theme Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective, curated by Carlo Ratti. It joins a diverse range of global voices and perspectives that aim to broaden the biennale’s discourse on the future of architecture and urbanism.

Parallel Worlds is one of 11 selected events chosen by the biennale’s chief curator and approved by various non-profit organizations and institutions worldwide. It forms part of a rich programme of exhibitions, conferences, and discussions that enrich the Venice exhibition, which this year brings together 66 national representations. The exhibition showcases Macau’s unique approach to architecture and culture while engaging in broader conversations about ecological and technological issues in contemporary architectural practice.

what: Parallel Worlds, Exhibition from Macao, China

where: Arsenale, Campo della Tana, Castello 2126/A, Venice

when: 10 May – 23 November 2025

PROJECTING FUTURE HERITAGE: A HONG KONG ARCHIVE

Projecting Future Heritage: A Hong Kong Archive is Hong Kong’s official contribution to the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Fai Au, Ying Zhou, and Sunnie S.Y. Lau. Presented by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, the exhibition reframes the city’s unsung public infrastructures, municipal buildings, estate centres, market complexes, and vernacular villages, as vital blueprints for future urban resilience. Designed by SOSArchitecture and Urban Design Studio with renderings by Bobby Gangyi Zhou, the show responds to Carlo Ratti’s theme Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective by highlighting the collective intelligence embedded in postwar Hong Kong’s architecture.

Set across the indoor and outdoor spaces of Campo della Tana in Venice, the exhibition combines scaled models, archival photographs, measured drawings, and ephemera to construct an immersive urban archive. In the courtyard, a bamboo scaffold, built by Hong Kong shifu and designed with Architecture Land Initiative and BEAU Architects, pays tribute to a disappearing construction craft while connecting Hong Kong and Venice through their shared histories of trade, precarity, and urban ingenuity.

Choi Hung Road Municipal Services Building | image by Chris Lu, courtesy of Ying Zhou and Fai Au

what: Projecting Future Heritage: A Hong Kong Archive

where: Arsenale, Campo della Tana, Castello 2126, Venice

when: 10 May – 23 November 2025

ROOTED TRANSIENCE: ALMUSALLA PRIZE 2025

Rooted Transience reimagines the musalla—a sacred space for prayer—through a contemporary architectural lens. Curated by Faysal Tabbarah and presented by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the exhibition unfolds at the Abbazia di San Gregorio and features fragments from the winning AlMusalla Prize 2025 pavilion by EAST Architecture Studio in collaboration with artist Rayyane Tabet and structural engineers AKT II. Alongside it, proposals by AAU Anastas, the Office of Sahel AlHiyari, Dabbagh Architects, and Asif Khan explore how temporality, materiality, and spirituality intersect in Islamic architectural traditions.

Running parallel to the exhibition is a richly illustrated publication of the same name, edited by Prince Nawaf Bin Ayyaf and Tabbarah. The book brings together voices across the architectural and academic spectrum—Hanif Kara, Lina Ghotmeh, Nasser Rabbat, Azra Akšamija, and others—to reflect on the layered meanings and histories embedded within musalla spaces. Through archival material, spatial prototypes, and critical essays, Rooted Transience offers an evocative reading of sacred architecture as both rooted in tradition and open to transformation.

image courtesy of Diriyah Biennale Foundation

what: Rooted Transience: AlMusalla Prize 2025

where: Abbazia di San Gregorio, Dorsoduro 172, Venice

when: 10 May – 23 November 2025

THE NEXT EARTH: COMPUTATION, CRISIS, COSMOLOGY

Running from 10 May to 23 November 2025 at Palazzo Diedo, The Next Earth: Computation, Crisis, Cosmology showcases two transformative research initiatives — Antikythera’s Planetary Sapience and MIT Architecture’s Climate Work: Un/Worlding the Planet (find designboom’s coverage here). Curated by the Berggruen Arts & Culture Center, the exhibition explores the intersections of planetary computation, climate urgency, and architectural futures. Set across two floors, the show immerses visitors in a speculative exploration of how architecture can engage with the ecological transformation of the Earth.

On the lower floor, Antikythera’s installation draws on the ancient Antikythera mechanism to present Earth as a computational megastructure, blending historical artifacts, AI simulations, and cinematic media. Upstairs, MIT Architecture’s visionary proposals offer forty projects that address climate change, reimagining resilient infrastructures, energy-conscious construction, and alternative ecologies. These works challenge traditional architectural practices and provide bold alternatives for architecture’s role in navigating the Anthropocene, positioning design as a critical tool in confronting global crises.

Environment-Trouble by Mark Jarzombek | image courtesy of MIT Architecture

what: The Next Earth: Computation, Crisis, Cosmology

where: Palazzo Diedo – Berggruen Arts & Culture, Cannaregio 2386, Venice

when: 10 May – 23 November 2025

THE SKYWALK BY PLATFORM EARTH

SKYWALK serves as the architectural and conceptual centerpiece of 2030 Vision for Venice, proposing a new typology of public infrastructure that allows visitors to traverse the lagoon’s salt marshes without disturbing the delicate ecosystem beneath. Suspended above the water on lightweight, low-impact supports, the walkway winds through rewilded wetlands, offering elevated views of Venice’s shifting landscape while emphasizing the marshes’ ecological role as carbon sinks and buffers against rising sea levels. Its linear form echoes the natural geometry of tidal channels, inviting a slower, more contemplative experience of the lagoon.

Designed by RSHP in collaboration with Platform Earth, SKYWALK is more than a pedestrian path—it is a performative landscape intervention that fosters environmental literacy. Along the route, data collection nodes, educational signage, and open platforms transform the structure into a living lab for marine science, urban ecology, and citizen engagement. 

image courtesy of Platform Earth

what: The Skywalk by Platform Earth

where: Ocean Space, Campo San Lorenzo, Castello 5069, Venice

when: 10 May – 11 September 2025

THE FONDATION CARTIER POUR L’ART CONTEMPORAIN BY JEAN NOUVEL

Jean Nouvel’s vision for the Fondation Cartier’s future spaces is showcased at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice, coinciding with the 2025 Architecture Biennale (find designboom’s coverage here). The exhibition presents a large-scale sectional model of the new building, featuring five adjustable platforms that can be reconfigured to suit various layouts. Alongside this model, full-scale photographs, projections, plans, and prototypes highlight the flexibility of the design, with notable features such as retractable ceilings and shifting guardrails, illustrating how the space adapts to both natural light and city views.

As a continuation of Nouvel’s longstanding relationship with the Fondation Cartier, the exhibition emphasizes the dynamic connection between past and future architectural work. With the new Fondation Cartier building set to open in Paris in autumn 2025, the Venice exhibition offers a glimpse into the evolving role of museums as sites of architectural experimentation. A public program complements the exhibition, exploring how museums influence architectural practice, while a book documenting the design and challenges of Nouvel’s renovation project is revealed in conjunction with the Paris opening.

rendering of platform 1 looking onto the Rue de Rivoli | image © Jean Nouvel/ADAGP, Paris, 2024

what: The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain by Jean Nouvel

where: Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice

when: 10 May – 14 September 2025

around venice

FONDAZIONE PRADA PRESENTS ‘DIAGRAMS’ BY AMO/OMA

Opening during the 2025 Venice Biennale season, Fondazione Prada unveils Diagrams, an exhibition by AMO/OMA exploring the diagram as a cross-cultural and cross-temporal instrument of thought, communication, and control. On view from 10 May to 24 November at Ca’ Corner della Regina, the project brings together over 300 historical and contemporary artifacts—including rare manuscripts, printed matter, digital imagery, and film—spanning from the 12th century to today. The show reflects on the diagram’s pervasive presence across science, culture, and ideology, highlighting its role in shaping knowledge and worldviews, from South African proto-diagrams to Greenlandic carved maps and contemporary data visualizations.

Curated by Rem Koolhaas and Giulio Margheri with contributions from historian Sietske Fransen, the exhibition unfolds across the palazzo’s ground and first floors, organized around nine ‘now urgencies’: Built Environment, Health, Inequality, Migration, Environment, Resources, War, Truth, and Value. A central ‘meta-diagram’ room sets the conceptual tone, while lateral spaces delve deeper into subthemes through focused displays. Designed by AMO/OMA, the scenography mirrors the exhibition’s logic—layered, speculative, and analytical—inviting visitors to see diagrams as active agents in the construction of reality.

image courtesy of Fondazione Prada

what: Diagrams, a project by AMO/OMA

where: Ca’ Corner della Regina, Fondazione Prada, Venice

when: May 10 – November 24, 2025 

holcim teams up with elemental for sustainable housing

Holcim partners with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Alejandro Aravena and his Chilean practice ELEMENTAL to debut a model for sustainable and resilient housing at the 2025 Venice Biennale of Architecture. Unveiled as part of the Time Space Existence exhibition organized by the European Cultural Centre (ECC), the full-scale prototype will be on view from May 7 to November 23, 2025, at Marinaressa Gardens, Venice. The collaboration merges Aravena’s legacy in incremental, community-driven housing with Holcim’s cutting-edge low-carbon materials, including ECOPact concrete, an extensive range of low-emission concrete. Designed to address the global tension between the housing crisis and the climate emergency, the project proposes a scalable solution that aims to advance sustainable and resilient housing. ‘If we don’t build billions of square meters, the humanitarian crisis escalates; but if we build, we worsen the environmental crisis,’ notes Aravena. ‘That is why we are thrilled to partner with Holcim and test a prototype of their innovative carbon-neutral concrete solution, in an attempt to change gears towards a sustainable, human habitat.’

image courtesy of ELEMENTAL

what: Holcim x ELEMENTAL present new advance sustainable and resilient housing model

where: Marinaressa Gardens, Venice

when: May 7th to November 23rd, 2025

Time Space Existence 2025 by ecc returns to Venice

From 10 May to 23 November 2025, the European Cultural Centre (ECC) presents the seventh edition of Time Space Existence, a biennial exhibition that brings global architecture discourse back to Venice. Held across ECC’s venues — Palazzo Bembo, Palazzo Mora, and the Marinaressa Gardens — the show gathers 207 participants from 52 countries, forming a diverse mosaic of design responses to today’s most urgent challenges. 

This year’s theme, Repair, Regenerate, Reuse, prompts architects, artists, designers, and academics to reflect on the transformative power of architecture. Projects span built works, research, speculative proposals, and installations that interrogate how the discipline can contribute to ecological and social repair.

Tactile Textures by DLR Group | image by Dan Cronin

what: Time Space Existence 2025 – ECC’s international architecture exhibition 

where: Palazzo Bembo, Palazzo Mora, Marinaressa Gardens, Venice

when: 10 May – 23 November 2025 (Opening events: 8–9 May)

The Strange Life of Things by Tatiana Trouvé at Palazzo Grassi

Palazzo Grassi presents The Strange Life of Things, a major solo exhibition by Tatiana Trouvé that spans the artist’s sculptural and drawing practice across 30 rooms of the Venetian palazzo (find designboom’s coverage here). Organized by the Pinault Collection and curated by Caroline Bourgeois and James Lingwood, the exhibition traces Trouvé’s layered investigations into memory, navigation, and the inner worlds of lived experience.

With bronze-cast constellations, dreamlike installations, and everyday objects transfigured into poetic forms, Trouvé maps a journey through time, space, and emotion. Her sculptures—ranging from suspended unrest-era debris to intimate domestic scenes—draw from her personal history and the sociopolitical context of her life in Paris.

Highlights include Navigation Gate (2024), a monumental portal of sculpted roots and branches, and Sitting Sculpture (2024), which captures the aftermath of civic unrest through enlarged, suspended remnants. Upstairs, visitors encounter over 70 drawings from the artist’s studio and the introspective room L’inventario, a bronze-cast reimagining of Trouvé’s workspace. 

The Guardian, 2020 | photo by Florian Kleinefenn

what: The Strange Life of Things by Tatiana Trouvé

where: Palazzo Grassi, Campo San Samuele, Venice

when: April 6th, 2025 – January 6th, 2026

Thomas Schütte’s ‘Genealogies’ at Punta della Dogana

The Pinault Collection presents Thomas Schütte: Genealogies at Punta della Dogana—marking the artist’s first major solo exhibition in Italy (find designboom’s coverage here). Curated by Camille Morineau and Jean-Marie Gallais, the expansive show traces four decades of Schütte’s exploration of the human figure through 50 sculptures and over 150 previously unseen drawings.

From the looming bronze figures of Mann im Wind (2018) to the satirical busts of Fratelli (2012), the exhibition navigates a landscape of psychological intensity and physical vulnerability. Schütte’s grotesque male figures, often caught in moments of emotional collapse or existential fatigue, are counterbalanced by serene female forms—such as Aluminiumfrau Nr.17 (2009)—marked by calm, composure, and formal restraint.

Spanning diverse materials and scales, the exhibition defies chronology to emphasize Schütte’s ongoing experimentation with form and figuration. Monumental busts, hybrid bodies, and ambiguous faces cohabit in an immersive environment that reflects the drama of public life and the introspection of private emotion.

Thomas Schütte, Mann im Wind series, 2018 | image by Marco Cappelletti courtesy of Palazzo Grassi – Pinault Collection and Thomas Schütte, by SIAE 2025

what: Genealogies by Thomas Schütte

where: Punta della Dogana, Dorsoduro 2, Venice

when: April 6th – November 23rd, 2025

San Marco Art Centre (SMAC) launches in Piazza San Marco

Opening just before the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, SMAC San Marco Art Centre debuts as a permanent hub for global discourse on architecture, art, and design (find designboom’s coverage here). Housed in the newly restored Procuratie Vecchie — a 500-year-old landmark reimagined by David Chipperfield Architects — the 1,000-square-meter space overlooks Piazza San Marco and features 16 galleries with original Renaissance beams, terrazzo floors, and 4.5-meter-high ceilings. Founded by Anna Bursaux, David Gramazio, and David Hrankovic, SMAC aims to challenge conventions and inspire public engagement through boundary-pushing content and interdisciplinary programming.

The center’s inaugural exhibitions include Migrating Modernism: The Architecture of Harry Seidler, the architect’s first major European retrospective, and For All That Breathes on Earth, an international survey of Korean landscape designer Jung Youngsun. Both shows reflect SMAC’s ambition to explore transformative visions in design and culture. Opening week also hosts The World Around On Site: Venice Biennale 2025, a public symposium uniting global voices in design and technology, reinforcing SMAC’s role as a civic stage for ideas shaping the future.

Venice Procuratie | image © Mike Merkenschlager

what: SMAC San Marco Art Centre 

where: Procuratie Vecchie, Piazza San Marco, Venice

when: May 9, 2025

FOSBURY ARCHITECTURE – Design for ABC at Scuola Piccola Zattere and Gaëlle Choisne’s Cœur 

Scuola Piccola Zattere’s latest project, designed by Irene Calderoni and Victoria Mikhelson, introduces the ABC restaurant by Fosbury Architecture, marking a significant addition to a broader transformation. This reimagined space includes artist residency studios, educational spaces, a theater, and Andrea Canepa’s permanent installation. The design reinterprets Venetian tradition through local materials while creating an accessible and unified surface for events and cultural activities. The project reinforces the Foundation’s inclusive role in the city, connecting past and present.

Gaëlle Choisne’s Cœur also debuts in Venice’s Scuola Piccola Zattere as part of her ongoing Temple of Love project, focusing on the themes of love, collaboration, and affection. This chapter places Haiti at the center, creating a dialogue between Choisne’s works and Haitian Saint-Soleil art. The exhibition blends personal memory with mystical symbolism, offering an immersive experience that explores the deep connection between home, heart, and hospitality.

image courtesy of Scuola Piccola Zattere

what: ABC Zattere and Cœur by Gaëlle Choisne 
where: Scuola Piccola Zattere, Fondamenta Zattere, Dorsoduro 1401, 30123 Venice 
when: Opening Thursday, May 8, 2025

two exhibitions unfold across Ocean Space

Ocean Space becomes a site of layered storytelling, ecological speculation, and Caribbean futurity through two interlinked exhibitions: otras montañas, las que andan sueltas bajo el agua and Echoes of the Sanctuary. Together, they engage the Ocean not just as subject or setting, but as method, metaphor, and movement.

Curated by Yina Jiménez Suriel, otras montañas, las que andan sueltas bajo el agua features new commissions by artists Nadia Huggins and Tessa Mars that draw from the tectonic, spiritual, and political landscapes of the Caribbean. Through video, sound, and painting, their works channel improvisation and freestyle as tools for reimagining life beneath and beyond colonial frameworks. Huggins’s underwater installation explores interspecies transformation through the metaphor of shipwreck, while Mars’s layered mountain scenes evoke fugitive temporalities and forms of becoming that resist capture.

Running in parallel in the Research Room, Echoes of the Sanctuary—curated by Louise Carver—presents TBA21–Academy’s ongoing collaboration with Jamaica’s Alligator Head Foundation. Rooted in a decade of artistic residencies and marine conservation, the exhibition foregrounds ‘convivial conservation,’ an ecological approach centered on justice, community, and multispecies care. Through soundscapes, interviews, and archival material, the installation offers an intimate sonic and theoretical journey into Jamaica’s land-sea entanglements and the collective work of regeneration.

Nadia Huggins, A shipwreck is not a wreck, 2025. Exhibition view of ‘otras montañas, las que andan sueltas bajo el agua’ [other mountains, adrift beneath the waves], Ocean Space, Venice. Commissioned by TBA21–Academy | image by Jacopo Salvi

what: otras montañas, las que andan sueltas bajo el agua and Echoes of the Sanctuary

where: Ocean Space, Campo S. Lorenzo, Venice

when: April 5th – November 2nd, 2025

FORTUNY + CHAHAN 2025

Fortuny and Chahan Minassian unveil the second edition of their ongoing creative dialogue at the historic Fortuny Palazzina. This year’s installation explores the dynamic interplay of design, space, and materiality, blending Minassian’s refined curation with Fortuny’s iconic textiles. The exhibition highlights architectural elements, transforming the Palazzina into an immersive environment where art and design converge. Notable pieces include the ARMONIA collection, designed by Minassian in collaboration with Fortuny’s creative director Mickey Riad, alongside Pierre Sabatier’s rare sculptural walls.

image courtesy of Fortuny

what: Fortuny + Chahan 2025

where: Fortuny, Giudecca 805, 30123 Venice

when: Opening Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Golden Goose’s HAUS Artistic Experiences by Marco Brambilla

Golden Goose presents Altered States, an artistic experience by Marco Brambilla, curated by Jérôme Sans. The work unfolds within HAUS, the experimental space of the brand, located in Marghera, Venice. Known for his kaleidoscopic video collages and cinematic aesthetics, Brambilla invites guests into a dreamlike sequence of image and sound, where reality is reassembled through a surreal, hyper-saturated lens.

image courtesy of Jérôme Sans

what: Altered States — an immersive installation by Marco Brambilla

when: Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, promptly at 7:30 PM

where: Via dell’Atomo 8, Marghera , Venice

Nicoletta Fiorucci Foundation transforms historic building

The Nicoletta Fiorucci Foundation unveils the transformation of a historic Venetian building, once home to painter Ettore Tito, into a new cultural space in the heart of Dorsoduro. Launching with the site-specific installation ‘to love and devour’ by Georgian artist Tolia Astakhishvili, curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, the exhibition marks the Foundation’s debut during the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Astakhishvili’s intervention occupies the entire building, altering its architectural structure through a mix of drawing, text, and sculptural elements. The work explores the emotional and existential imprints of space, infusing the edifice with themes of fragmentation and transience. Having lived and worked onsite during the first months of 2025, the artist developed the work in direct dialogue with the building, exploring its emotional and existential imprints. The installation reflects Astakhishvili’s ongoing interest in fragmentation, transience, and the blurring of authorship, between artist, environment, and collaborators.

Eight artists were invited by Astakhishvili to contribute to the installation, creating a layered, polyphonic composition. These include Ketuta Alexi-Meskhishvili, Zurab Astakhishvili, Thea Djordjadze, Heike Gallmeier, Rafik Greiss, Dylan Peirce, James Richards, and Maka Sanadze. ‘This unique project at the Nicoletta Fiorucci Foundation exemplifies Tolia Astakhishvili’s ability to create a complete installation –a Gesamtkunstwerk, but one which is not overpowering, imposing or didactic, but rather allows the viewer multiple entry points,’ notes Obrist.

image by Marco Cappelletti

what: Nicoletta Fiorucci Foundation presents Tolia Astakhishvili, curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist

where: Nicoletta Fiorucci Foundation, Dorsoduro 2829, Venice

when: 7 May – 23 November 2025

CULTIVATING THE LANDSCAPE SHOW BY MIMI LAUTER

Mimi Lauter’s Cultivating the Landscape exhibition at Barbati Gallery showcases her signature oil and pastel works, which evoke abstract narratives inspired by mythology, literature, politics, and personal memories. Lauter’s technique of layering and incising pastels creates a vivid, physical quality to her pieces, reflecting her connection to the transcendental act of gardening. The works explore the tension between life and death, internal and external worlds, monumental and intimate experiences.

image courtesy of Mimi Lauter

what: Cultivating the Landscape Show by Mimi Lauter at Barbati Gallery

where: Barbati Gallery, Palazzo Lezze, Campo Santo Stefano, 2949, 30124 Venice 

when: Opening Saturday, May 10, 2025

BancaStato Swiss Architectural Award 2024 exhibition

The BancaStato Swiss Architectural Award 2024 exhibition opens its doors from May 9 to October 5, 2025, at the Teatro dell’architettura Mendrisio, offering an international survey of architectural innovation with a sharp eye on social and environmental impact. This year’s edition showcases the work of 31 architects and studios from 17 countries, selected for their ability to engage with contemporary challenges through thoughtful, context-sensitive design. Held in the scenic setting of Mendrisio’s architectural auditorium, the exhibition places a special spotlight on the winner of the 2023–2024 award, while framing their work within a rich global dialogue of architectural practices.

Curated to reflect the diversity and depth of architectural approaches today, the roster includes high-profile studios like Assemble, SO-IL, Lina Ghotmeh, and Anna Heringer, alongside rising collectives such as La Cabina de la Curiosidad and RAW Robust Architecture Workshop. Visitors can trace the lines between cultural specificity and global discourse across a wide range of projects—from urban interventions to rural reimaginings—by names like Carles Enrich (Spain), VÃO arquitetos, and LUO Studio. 

Al Borde, Biblioteca comunitaria Yuyarina Pacha, Huaticocha, Provincia de Orellana, Ecuador, 2023-2024 | image by JAG Studio

what: BancaStato Swiss Architectural Award 2024 exhibition

where: Auditorium of the Teatro dell’architettura Mendrisio, Switzerland

when: May 9 – October 5, 2025

MATTHIAS SCHALLER CAPTURES VENICE’S IMPERILED PALAZZOS

Through 28 large-scale photographs, German photographer Matthias Schaller brings the faded interiors of Venice’s historic palazzos into sharp focus in Controfacciata, a solo exhibition presented by Berggruen Arts & Culture and curated by Mario Codognato. On view from April 5 to November 23, 2025, at Casa dei Tre Oci on Giudecca Island, the show unveils the once-opulent private spaces of the city’s most influential noble families—now silently crumbling under the weight of time and the looming threats of climate change. Schaller’s lens captures the haunting beauty of interiors from Palazzo Querini Benzon, Palazzo Papadopoli, and Ca’ Rezzonico, revealing intricate frescoes, Neoclassical flourishes, and weathered grandeur rarely seen by the public.

The exhibition invites viewers into these storied environments, not as static artifacts, but as living monuments on the brink. With each photograph, Schaller bears witness to the subtle violence of rising tides, salt-laced air, and structural neglect. The ornate salons and frescoed chambers once animated by the likes of Lord Byron and Giambattista Tiepolo now whisper of fragility and disappearance. 

Palazzo Papadopoli by Matthias Schaller

what: Controfacciata by Matthias Schaller

where: Casa dei Tre Oci, Giudecca Island, Venice, Italy — the European center of the Berggruen Institute.

when: 5th April – 23rd November 2025

formafantasma’s ‘The Shape of Things to Come’ in Negozio Olivetti

Design studio Formafantasma reactivates Carlo Scarpa’s iconic Negozio Olivetti in Piazza San Marco with The Shape of Things to Come, an exhibition curated by Bartolomeo Pietromarchi. On view from May 8 to September 28, the show revisits and expands the duo’s acclaimed 2017 project Ore Streams, investigating electronic waste and the tech industry’s role in environmental collapse. Set within Scarpa’s modernist showroom for Olivetti—a brand once celebrated for its durable, socially conscious design—the exhibition sets up a stark contrast between objects made to endure and systems engineered to fail.

Formafantasma uses design objects, 3D animations, and documentary films to examine the deliberate obsolescence baked into modern technology. Framed by Scarpa’s meticulous interiors, The Shape of Things to Come underscores how today’s throwaway tech culture diverges from the material intelligence and long-term thinking embodied by Olivetti and Scarpa alike. 

image courtesy of Formafantasma

what: The Shape of Things to Come
where: FAI Negozio Olivetti | @negozioolivetti, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy

when: May 8th to September 28th, 2025

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Milan Design Week 2025 is just around the corner, and designboom is here to guide you through this year’s most exciting events, exhibitions, and must-see installations! From April 8th to 13th, 2025, the world’s biggest design event once again transforms the streets of Milan into a celebration of creativity. Anchored by the prestigious Salone del Mobile, the week promises an electrifying mix of design, architecture, and innovation spread across the city.

Born in Milan in 1999, designboom remains at the forefront of sharing creative culture and insights from the city to the global design scene. This year, we continue our tradition of exclusive activations, kicking off with an Instagram takeover by Philippe Starck on April 7, where the legendary designer will guide us through his favorite Milan spots, latest projects, and collaborations. We’re also teaming up with Highsnobiety’s Not In Milan for a special designboom showcase at MAGMA. Meanwhile, at Giardino delle Arti, MCM and Pet Therapy debut a whimsical, pet-friendly furniture collection, with designboom hosting a panel discussion on design, pets, and human connection. RSVP to mcm@emanuelaschmeidler.com to join us on Wednesday, April 9, at 2PM.

From immersive experiences and installations to exclusive talks and pop-ups, read through our ultimate guide to Milan Design Week 2025 below to make sure you won’t miss a thing. We’ll be updating this guide in real time, so stay tuned for the latest news, and don’t forget to follow our LIVE coverage on @milan.design.week.

illustration by Hara Nika

highlights by designboom

kicking off the week with starck!

Time for a reunion! Continuing with our beloved tradition, designboom and Philippe Starck will kick off Milan Design Week 2025 with an exclusive Instagram takeover. Starting on Monday, April 7, at 9:30 AM, the iconic designer will take us around Milan through designboom’s Instagram stories, making stops at his favorite places to visit in the city and introducing us to his latest projects and collaborations.

what: Philippe Starck x designboom at Milan Design Week
when: 7 April 2025 (9:30 AM)
where: all across Milan

image courtesy of Starck

designboom Joins Not In Milan by Highsnobiety

Classics Reinvented by Highsnobiety for Not In Milan is a celebration of design’s enduring power—where timeless objects are reimagined, reinterpreted, and placed on a cultural pedestal. The exhibition brings together a diverse group of partners, each exploring the emotional resonance of design by transforming iconic pieces into sculptural centerpieces within a gallery-inspired setting.

Blending heritage with contemporary culture, Classics Reinvented by Highsnobiety creates a dialogue between past and present—honoring the craftsmanship, materials, and stories that shape design legacies. Through playful, unexpected reinterpretations, partners challenge conventional narratives and expand the meaning of design classics.
Rooted in the spirit of Milan Design Week, this exhibition transforms icons of the past and future into cultural artifacts—where design, storytelling, and relevance converge against a distinctly Milanese backdrop.

The contributors include Bar Basso, Bloc Studios, Calcetto Eleganza, Cara Davide, designboom, Fila, L’Artisan Parfumeur, Levi’s, Mycoaudi, NM3, Parasite 2.0, Plastic, Slam Jam x Public Possesion, SMART, The Attico, UGG x Reese Cooper & Zanotta.

designboom presents different takes on the table lamp, spanning historical reissues, reinvented icons, and contemporary approaches in lighting design. Bringing together pieces by Milanese and international designers, the showcase focuses on a single, fundamental typology, exploring how each designer has chosen to interpret it through their unique creative lens. 

what: Not In Milan by Highsnobiety | RSVP here 
when: 8-11 April 2025 (11:00AM – 6:00PM) 
where: MAGMA, Via Vezza D’Oglio 14, Milan

image courtesy of Highsnobiety

MCM X PET THERAPY

MCM and Pet Therapy unveil a whimsical collection of sculptural, pet-friendly poufs shaped like cats and dogs. Crafted from MCM Visetos and outdoor fabric, these playful yet functional pieces merge luxury, design, and companionship. Set in Giardino delle Arti, an immersive installation transforms the space into a dreamlike fusion of furniture and art. Designed by 11-year-old Altea Biagetti with Atelier Biagetti, the collection reimagines home design with joy and nostalgia. Under Sung-Joo Kim’s creative direction, this collaboration blurs boundaries between play, emotion, and craftsmanship.

The launch will be accompanied by a special panel discussion moderated by designboom on Wednesday, April 9th at 2PM, exploring the evolving relationship between design, pets, and human connection. RSVP at mcm@emanuelaschmeidler.com to join us!

what: MCM X Pet Therapy – a design and fashion collaboration for pets
when: 7 April 2025 (preview by invitation), 8-13 April (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
where: Giardino delle Arti, Via Palestro 8
RSVP for designboom’s panel discussion on April 9 at 2PM: mcm@emanuelaschmeidler.com

image courtesy of MCM X Pet Therapy

CASSINA AND FORMAFANTASMA AT Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber

Formafantasma presents Staging Modernity, an installation and theatrical performance at Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber for Cassina. Directed by Fabio Cherstich, the project celebrates 60 years of Cassina’s production of the Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand Collection. Blending design, philosophy, and performance, the installation questions the dissonance between Modernist ideals and contemporary ecological thinking. Throughout the week, professional actors will perform texts by philosopher Emanuele Coccia, architect Andrés Jaque, and artist Feifei Zhou, creating an immersive exploration of modernity’s ideological and material impact.

what: Staging Modernity by Formafantasma for Cassina
when: 8-13 April 2025 (10:30AM-7:30PM)

where: Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber, Via Larga 14, Milan

Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber | image courtesy of Formafantasma

SAINT LAURENT – CHARLOTTE PERRIAND

Curated by Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent – Charlotte Perriand is an exclusive Milan Design Week exhibition showcasing four rare furniture designs by Charlotte Perriand, created between 1943 and 1963. Previously existing only as single editions or sketches, these historic pieces have been meticulously reissued for the first time. Conceived to revive Perriand’s forgotten works, the project brings these masterpieces from private collections and archives into the public eye. Each design will be available as a made-to-order limited edition.

what: Saint Laurent – Charlotte Perriand
when: 8-13 April 2025
where: Padiglione Visconti, Via Tortona 58, Milan

image courtesy of Saint Laurent

Philippe StarcK – WAR FLAGS

As part of Interni Cre-Action, Philippe Starck (with Babinet & Co) presents WAR FLAGS, an immersive installation at the Orto Botanico di Brera. Anticipating a future shaped by shifting global conflicts, Starck envisions a collection of insignias, flags, and armbands for the warriors of tomorrow. Oscillating between reality and dystopia, the project is a radical commentary on the forces shaping the emerging world order.

what: WAR FLAGS by Philippe Starck
when: 7-17 April 2025
where: Orto Botanico di Brera, Milan

image courtesy of Starck

Hermès

On the occasion of Milan Design Week 2025, Hermès presents a new setting at La Pelota, designed by Charlotte Macaux Perelman, architect and artistic director of the Hermès interior collections, with Alexis Fabry. The new creations can be discovered in suspended, almost colorless structures that cast a luminous glow on the floor.
Initially, the objects reveal themselves as emotions through the immateriality of their aura. The scenography is a discovery of the object, of the luminous vibration that makes it familiar.

when: 7-13 April 2025
where: La Pelota Jai Alai, Via Palermo 10, Milan

image courtesy of Hermès

The Balvenie x Samuel Ross – TRANSPOSITION

The Balvenie makes its debut at Milan Design Week 2025 in collaboration with Dr. Samuel Ross MBE and his atelier SR_A, presenting TRANSPOSITION—an immersive sculptural environment at The Old Foundry, Isola. Exploring the future of hospitality, TRANSPOSITION merges industrial craft with natural elements, reinterpreting The Balvenie Fifty Collection through bold, sculptural design. Elevated copper sculptures reflect the art of distillation, while mist, shadow, light, and sound create an unfiltered sensory journey. A sculptural copper bar serves The Balvenie’s finest expressions, enhancing the experience with bespoke glassware and personalized serves.

what: TRANSPOSITION by The Balvenie in collaboration with Dr. Samuel Ross and SR_A
when: 8-13 April 2025
where: Historic Foundry, Isola District, Via Genova Thaon di Revel 21, Milano

The Balvenie x Samuel Ross Render Preview | image courtesy of The Balvenie

PRADA FRAMES – in transit 

Now in its fourth edition, Prada Frames returns as a thought-provoking symposium exploring the intersection of design, culture, and society. Curated by Formafantasma, the 2025 edition, In Transit, investigates infrastructure as a fluid system that shapes movement—whether of people, goods, data, or power. Discussions take place in historically significant locations tied to mobility: the Arlecchino train, a 1950s design icon restored by Fondazione FS Italiane, and the Padiglione Reale, a former royal waiting area within Milan’s Central Station. Speakers include Paola Antonelli, Hito Steyerl, Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian, Metahaven, and others, offering multidisciplinary perspectives on global logistics, digital revolutions, and the paradoxes of hypermobility.

what: Prada Frames 2025 – In Transit
when: 6-8 April 2025
where: Padiglione Reale & Arlecchino train, Milan’s Central Station, Piazza Luigi di Savoia 1

image courtesy of Prada

DRIFT x Audi – Drift Us

After a decade, DRIFT returns to Milan Design Week in collaboration with Audi to unveil Drift Us, an experiential installation at Audi House of Progress. Set in the courtyard of Portrait Milano Hotel, the site-specific installation explores the transformative power of wind, immersing visitors in a moving, interactive space that highlights the continuous dialogue between humanity and nature.

what: Drift Us by DRIFT and Audi 
when: 7-13 April 2025 
where: Portrait Milano Hotel, Corso Venezia 11 (Main entrance) / S. Andrea 10 (Side entrance), Milan

image courtesy of DRIFT

Architonic Reimagined

Architonic is stepping into a new era, and DAAily platforms (designboom, Architonic, and ArchDaily) are kicking it off with an unforgettable party at Milan Design Week. Join industry leaders, creatives and design lovers at Vapore 1928 on 8 April for a night of inspiration, networking and celebration. With limited spots available, pre-registration is the only way to guarantee entry. Don’t miss this exclusive gathering of industry leaders, creatives and design lovers. Secure your ticket now and celebrate the future of design with us!

what: Architonic Reimagined – Celebrate with us! 
when: 8 April 2025 (22:00PM-02:00PM) 
where: VAPORE 1928, 20154

image courtesy of Architonic

FAIRS AND GROUP SHOWS

SALONE DEL MOBILE

The 63rd edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano returns with an exploration of the profound connections between humanity and design. Taking place from April 8th to 13th, 2025, this year’s fair spotlights Euroluce, the biennial lighting exhibition, alongside installations, conferences, and workshops aimed at transforming perceptions of space and interiors. A standout feature of the 2025 edition is Mother, an installation by acclaimed artist Robert Wilson, known for blending light with diverse art forms. Additionally, the fair launches the new Thought for Humans communication campaign, featuring evocative photography by Bill Durgin that highlights the intimate relationship between human bodies, materials, and design.

what: Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025
when: 8-13 April 2025
where: Fiera Milano Rho, 20017 Rho MI

image courtesy of Salone del Mobile.Milano

fuorisalone

Fuorisalone 2025 embraces Mondi Connessi (Connected Worlds), a theme exploring the interactivity and immersion of design in a hyper-connected era. This edition delves into how design fosters relationships—between physical and digital realms, diverse cultures, humans and the environment, and individuals within communities. Through immersive installations, AI-driven experiences, and multidisciplinary collaborations, Fuorisalone 2025 highlights how design can shape inclusive, sustainable, and interconnected futures.

what: Fuorisalone 2025 – Mondi Connessi (Connected Worlds)
when: 8-13 April  2025
where: Various locations across Milan

image by Silvia Badalotti courtesy of Fuorisalone 

BRERA DESIGN DISTRICT

For its 16th edition, Brera Design District aligns with Connected Worlds, the theme of Fuorisalone 2025. With over 290 events, including 204 permanent showrooms and new openings, Brera continues to be a key destination during Milan Design Week.

what: Brera Design Week 2025 – Connected Worlds
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Brera Design District, Milan

image courtesy of Brera Design Week

moscapartnerS variations

For Milan Design Week 2025, MoscaPartners returns with Moscapartners Variations at the historic Palazzo Litta. This year’s theme explores migrations as a force for connection and cultural innovation, emphasizing the exchange of ideas, traditions, and knowledge that drive design forward.

As part of Moscapartners Variations 2025, MoscaPartners presents Nobody Owns the Land: Earth, Forest, Mahk, a site-specific installation by South Korean architect Byoung Soo Cho in the Main Courtyard. The work examines the relationship between humans and the earth through three interconnected elements: Earth, a suspended platform of red earth contrasting with the Milanese sky; Forest, abstract paintings blending earth and ink across the courtyard’s columns; and Mahk, an expression of Korean imperfection through handcrafted Mahksabal ceramics. Each component reflects a different design variation, from material experimentation to artistic abstraction, reinforcing the dialogue between nature, culture, and contemporary design.

what: Moscapartners Variations 2025 featuring Nobody Owns the Land by Byoung Soo Cho
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Palazzo Litta, Corso Magenta, Milan

image courtesy of MoscaPartners

ISOLA DESIGN FESTIVAL

Isola Design Festival 2025 returns for its 9th edition at Milan Design Week. This year’s theme, Design is Human, explores the vital role of people in the design process, emphasizing well-being for humans and the planet. The festival showcases international designers, studios, and makers, highlighting social impact, environmental responsibility, and the fusion of digital and artisanal techniques. BasicVillage, a revitalized factory, becomes a creative hub hosting exhibitions curated by Isola’s team: Conscious Objects, Isola Design Gallery, and Openspace. Isola also presents Rasa – The Indian Collective at VIAFARINI. The festival transforms the Isola neighborhood into a dynamic design hub featuring talks, workshops, guest exhibitions, and installations.

what: Isola Design Festival 2025
when: 7-13 April  2025
where: BasicVillage, Via dell’Aprica 12, Milan

image courtesy of Isola Design Festival

Masterly – The Dutch in Milano

Returning to the heart of Milan, Masterly – The Dutch in Milano showcases the best of Dutch design, artisan craftsmanship, and innovation. Set within the historic Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, the Dutch Pavilion presents a curated selection of design, fashion, and photography, highlighting the Netherlands’ creative identity.

what: Masterly – The Dutch in Milano 2025
when: 8-13 April  2025
where: Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, Piazza del Duomo, Milan

image courtesy of Masterly – The Dutch in Milano

ALCOVA

For its ninth edition, Alcova expands across four extraordinary locations in Varedo, transforming historic and industrial spaces into a dynamic platform for contemporary design. Alongside Villa Borsani and Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, this year introduces the former SNIA Factory and Pasino Glasshouses, where nature and architecture intertwine to create immersive, site-specific installations.

what: Alcova 2025
when: 7-13 April  2025
where: Villa Borsani, Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, Former SNIA Factory, Pasino Glasshouses – Varedo, Milan

Pasino Glasshouse | image by Piergiorgio Sorgetti

5vie

For its 12th edition, 5VIE Design Week presents Invisible Harmonies, an immersive exploration of the unseen forces that shape form, meaning, and intuition in design. This year, the event redefines beauty beyond aesthetics, viewing design as a language of resonance—where objects become nodes in a hidden network of balance and connection. Continuing its role as both a design district and cultural producer, 5VIE curates eight original productions in collaboration with international creatives, alongside exhibitions from independent studios, companies, and designers. A major highlight of 2025 is the expansion of its exhibition itinerary to Cavallerizze at the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology, enriching its historic venues at Palazzo Correnti and SIAM.

what: 5VIE Design Week 2025 – Invisible Harmonies
when: 8-13 April  2025
where: 5VIE District, Milan

image courtesy of 5VIE Design Week

DOPPIA FIRMA – DOUBLE SIGNATURE PROJECT 2025

Now in its ninth edition, Doppia Firma – Double Signature Project continues to celebrate the fusion of design innovation and master craftsmanship. By pairing designers and artists with expert artisans, the project creates unexpected, one-of-a-kind works that bridge contemporary creativity and traditional savoir-faire.

what: Doppia Firma – Double Signature Project 2025
when: 8-13 April 2025
where: Villa Mozart, Via Mozart 9, Milan

ARTEMEST – L’APPARTAMENTO AT PALAZZO DONIZETTI

For its third edition, L’Appartamento by Artemest moves to the historic Palazzo Donizetti, opening its doors to Milan Design Week for the first time. This immersive showcase of Italian craftsmanship brings together six visionary designers—Brigette Romanek, Meyer Davis, Nebras Aljoaib, Simone Haag, 1508 London, and Champalimaud—who reinterpret tradition through bespoke designs.

what: L’Appartamento by Artemest
when: Milan Design Week 2025
where: Palazzo Donizetti, Via Donizetti 48, Milan

Palazzo Donizetti | image courtesy of Artemest

capsule plaza

Returning for its third edition, Capsule Plaza continues to redefine Milan Design Week with an expanded global reach. Co-curated by founder Alessio Ascari and architect Paul Cournet, the 2025 edition explores Expanded Living—a vision of design as a total experience, reshaping domesticity and lifestyles through hybrid habitats. Set across Spazio Maiocchi and two new satellite venues in Porta Venezia, the exhibition features leading names such as HEM feat. Formafantasma, STONE ISLAND feat. Friendly Pressure, HUMANRACE feat. USM Haller, PAN x NIKE, and special projects by Konstantin Grcic and Harry Nuriev & Tyler Billinger, among others. Alongside installations, Capsule Plaza hosts a dynamic program of talks, workshops, and pop-ups, transforming design into a multisensory cultural experience.

what: Capsule Plaza – Expanded Living
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Spazio Maiocchi, Via Achille Maiocchi 3–5–7–8, Milan – Satellite Venue 1, Via Achille Maiocchi 23, Milan – Satellite Venue 2, Piazza Risorgimento 8, Milan

image courtesy of Capsule Plaza

House of Switzerland Milano

Returning for its third edition, House of Switzerland Milano celebrates collaboration as a driving force in design. Showcasing Swiss creativity through a collective exhibition, it brings together independent designers, studios, universities, brands, and institutions to highlight how partnership shapes both the creative industry and Switzerland’s identity.

what: House of Switzerland Milano 2025
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Casa degli Artisti, Corso Garibaldi 89/A, Via Tommaso da Cazzaniga, Milan

image courtesy of House of Switzerland Milano

events, exhibitions and installations

Alessi – The Last Pot

Alessi’s Il Tornitore Matto, conceived by Alberto Alessi and Giulio Iacchetti, returns to Fuorisalone with The Last Pot, a collection of funeral urns designed by leading international creatives, including Michael Anastassiades, Audrey Large, David Chipperfield, Daniel Libeskind, Naoto Fukasawa, Philippe Starck, and more. Curated by Studio Giulio Iacchetti, the exhibition offers a reflective space, accompanied by a book published by Corraini, edited by Federica Sala, and art-directed by Studio Marziale—exploring themes of life, remembrance, and continuity.

what: The Last Pot by Alessi
when: 8-12 April 2025 (10:00AM – 19:00 PM)
where: Biblioteca Ostinata, Via Osti 6, Milan

image courtesy of Alessi

IKEA – DO SOMETHING. CHANGE EVERYTHING.

Celebrating 30 years at Milan Design Week, IKEA returns with Do Something. Change Everything., an immersive exhibition exploring how small actions drive meaningful change. Designed in collaboration with architect Midori Hasuike and spatial designer Emerzon, the showcase also marks the official unveiling of the new STOCKHOLM collection—blending high-quality Scandinavian design with affordability.

what: IKEA – Do Something. Change Everything.
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Tehona, Via Vigevano 18, Milan

the IKEA exhibition space, Tehona, Via Vigevano 18 | image courtesy of IKEA

Google – Making the Invisible Visible

Google debuts Making the Invisible Visible at Milan Design Week, an immersive exhibition exploring the intersection of light, space, and technology. Co-created by Ivy Ross, Google’s Chief Design Officer of Consumer Devices, and artist Lachlan Turczan, the installation transforms abstract concepts into multisensory experiences, challenging perceptions of form and materiality. Through sculpted light, the exhibition reimagines a future where design is shaped by energy and perception rather than physical mass.

what: Making the Invisible Visible by Google and Lachlan Turczan
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Garage 21, Milan

image courtesy of Lachlan Turczan

MIU MIU LITERARY CLUB – A WOMAN’S EDUCATION

Returning for its second edition, the Miu Miu Literary Club 2025 explores themes of girlhood, love, and sex education through the works of Simone de Beauvoir and Fumiko Enchi. Over two days, interdisciplinary female voices will engage in conversations and live performances, reinterpreting these literary icons while reinforcing Miu Miu’s commitment to contemporary thought and culture.

what: Miu Miu Literary Club 2025 – A Woman’s Education
when: 9-10 April 2025
where: Circolo Filologico Milanese, Via Clerici 10, Milan

image courtesy of Miu Miu

LAVAZZA – SOURCE OF PLEASURE

Lavazza, in collaboration with Brazilian architect Juliana Lima Vasconcellos, presents Source of Pleasure, a multi-sensory installation exploring the essence of coffee. Taking center stage in the courtyard of Palazzo del Senato, this evocative experience celebrates Lavazza’s 130th anniversary. Set against the historic colonnade, Vasconcellos’ monumental 18-meter structure evokes the depth and warmth of coffee tones, immersing visitors in a collected, almost sacred atmosphere. Through Source of Pleasure, Lavazza intertwines its heritage and future, offering an artistic and sensorial journey into the world of coffee.

what: Source of Pleasure by Lavazza
when: 6–13 April 2025
where: Palazzo del Senato, Milan

image courtesy of Lavazza

Aesop – The Second Skin

As the official Sensory Patron of Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025, Aesop presents The Second Skin, an immersive installation exploring the connection between dermis and design. Set within the atmospheric Chiesa del Carmine, the installation draws inspiration from Milanese entryways and the skin’s protective properties. Using Aesop’s Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm as a conceptual mortar, the space is infused with an intriguing clove-based scent, creating a multisensory experience.

what: Aesop – The Second Skin
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Chiesa del Carmine, Milan

image courtesy of Aesop

Yves Salomon

Yves Salomon introduces Yves Salomon Editions, a new design initiative led by Marcellin Boyer. Following a 2024 collaboration with Pierre Chapo Créations, the 2025 edition brings two visionary partnerships to Salone del Mobile in Milan. The event marks the start of this major launch with the reveal the inaugural chapter of a long term collaboration with Milanese design duo Dimorestudio, who unveil a collection inspired by some of the most striking original pieces by Carlo Bugatti. Yves Salomon Éditions also presents a collection of shearling intarsia objects with the French decorator Pierre Marie.

what: Yves Salomon Éditions and Pierre Marie

when: 7-9 April 2025 

where: Via Santo Spirito 7, Milan

what: Yves Salomon Éditions and Dimorestudio

when: 7-12 April 2025 

where: Teatro Arsenale, via Cesare Correnti 11, Milan

image courtesy of Yves Salomon

OBJECTS OF COMMON INTEREST – SOFT HORIZONS AT ALCOVA 

Set within the newly unveiled Glasshouses of Alcova, Soft Horizons is an immersive installation by Objects of Common Interest that reimagines Greek marble in a space of light and transparency. Exploring material memory and transformation, the installation presents marble fragments reshaped and reassembled, floating with unexpected lightness and responding to human presence. Suspended above, a luminous disc connects the installation to its geological origins, evoking the marble’s journey of dissolution, crystallization, and rebirth. This initiative, supported by Enterprise Greece and the Greek Marble Association, promotes the legacy of Greek marble under the brand Greek Marble | Then. Now. Forever., showcasing its enduring strength and evolving craftsmanship. The installation is also supported by leading Greek marble producers and exporters, listed in alphabetical order: Dionyssomarble, FHL | Kiriakidis , Iktinos Hellas, John Papagiannoulis Bros, Marble Sachanas , Marmyk Iliopoulos, and Stonegroup International.

what: SOFT HORIZONS by Objects of Common Interest
when: 07-13 April 2025 (11AM-7PM) 
where: Alcova, Passino Glasshouses

image by Yiorgos Kaplanidis

Romantic Brutalism: A Journey into Polish Craft and Design

Presented by Visteria Foundation and curated by Federica Sala, Romantic Brutalism explores the evolution of Polish craft and design, blending historical influences like brutalism, romanticism, and folk traditions with contemporary creativity. Featuring 23 designers, the exhibition highlights materials such as wood, glass, ceramics, and textiles in a theatrical setting by Zuza Paradowska (Paradowski Studio). Organized with support from the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, the exhibition debuts at Milan Design Week before traveling to Warsaw’s Gawroński Villa, the future home of Visteria Foundation.

what: Romantic Brutalism 
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Viale di Porta Vercellina 11, Milano

MDW2025 Project Set up by Zuza Paradowska of Paradowski Studio | image courtesy of Paradowski Studio

MycoWorks at Labò Cultural Project

MycoWorks unveils an exclusive design collection crafted with Reishi, a luxurious mycelium-based material. Showcasing the work of Studio Tooj and Fanny Perrier, the exhibition aligns with this year’s theme, Crafting Tomorrow, Rising Ideas, exploring the future of sustainable materials in design.

what: MycoWorks Reishi design collection debut
when: 6-11 April 2025 (10:00 AM – 19:00PM)
where: Fondazione Rodolfo Ferrari, Via Biella 6, Milan

Pol Rebaque for MycoWorks Creative Studio

101010 by LAYER at 10 Corso Como

LAYER, the internationally acclaimed design studio led by Benjamin Hubert, launches an immersive exhibition titled 101010. This landmark exhibition celebrates LAYER’s 10-year anniversary with a curated retrospective of the studio’s decade-long work, alongside the thought-provoking 101010 collection. The new collection features six innovative social design prototypes created in collaboration with leading design and fashion brands that LAYER has partnered with over the past decade, including RAEBURN, Kvadrat, Muuto, and Andreu World. 

what: 101010 – LAYER x 10 Corso Como
when: 7-13 April 2025 (10:30am- 8:30pm)
where: 10 Corso Como Project Room, Milan

image courtesy of LAYER

Studio Yellowdot and Eggs Milano – BREAKING THE SHELL

Studio Yellowdot and Eggs Milano team up for Breaking the Shell, an immersive culinary-meets-design experience at Milan Design Week 2025. Known for their playful yet functional approach, Studio Yellowdot transformσ Eggs Milano—Chef Barbara Agosti’s celebrated restaurant dedicated to egg-based cuisine—into a living installation. The collaboration debuts the Hatch floor lamp, a large-scale piece crafted from recycled eggshells, alongside a new seasonal menu inspired by the same concept of sustainability and reinvention. 

what: Breaking the Shell – Studio Yellowdot x Eggs Milano
when: 7-13 April 2025 
where: Eggs Milano, Via Solferino, 35, 20121 Milan

image courtesy of Studio Yellowdot x Eggs Milano

Christofle x Charlotte Chesnais – CARROUSEL

Christofle partners with jewelry designer Charlotte Chesnais to unveil CARROUSEL, a flatware collection and case. Seamlessly blending Chesnais’ sculptural aesthetic with Christofle’s centuries-old savoir-faire, the collection transforms jewelry-inspired curves into a shared dining experience. CARROUSEL redefines tableware, bridging tradition and contemporary elegance.

what: CARROUSEL by Christofle x Charlotte Chesnais 
when: 7 April 2025 (14:00 PM-19:30 PM)
where: Sant Ambroeus, Corso Giacomo Matteotti 7, Milan

Range Rover – Futurespective: Connected Worlds

For the first time, Range Rover debuts a landmark installation at Milan Design Week, celebrating its 55-year design legacy. In collaboration with California-based design studio NUOVA, Futurespective: Connected Worlds is an immersive experience set within the 18th-century Palazzo Belgioioso, exploring the brand’s evolution from 1970 to today. This two-part installation juxtaposes a 1970s dealership with a contemporary vision of Range Rover, visually narrating its journey through time. Featuring bespoke scents by Aeir, custom-designed furniture, and an integrated soundscape, the experience reimagines luxury through a cinematic lens.

what: Futurespective: Connected Worlds by Range Rover x NUOVA
when: 7–11 April 2025
where: Palazzo Belgioioso 2, Milan

image courtesy of Range Rover

Vans Presents Checkered Future: Frequency Manifest – An installation from OTW by Vans and Willo Perron

Designed by Willo Perron, with sound by Tim Hecker, CHECKERED FUTURE: Frequency Manifest is an immersive installation that seamlessly transports guests from Vans storied past to a visionary future. The experience highlights the brand’s global influence and commitment to innovation at the intersection of culture and industry.

The installation explores the visual architecture of sound, presenting the physical manifestation of invisible elements such as frequencies, waves, and vibrations. These elements directly inspire the creation of the Old Skool 36 FM—OTW’s latest offering and the debut release in the ‘Future Make’ platform. Featuring a reinterpreted waffle pattern, componentized cupsole construction, lofted engineered-knit upper and tongue, and 3D-injected TPU structural side stripe, it’s a future forward evolution of the original.

what: Vans Presents Checkered Future: Frequency Manifest – An installation from OTW by Vans and Willo Perron
when: 7-13 April 2025 (10:30 AM-9:00 PM – last admission 8:00 PM)
where: Triennale Milano, Viale Emilio Alemagna, 6, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

image courtesy of Vans

Atelier de Troupe – INTERMEZZO

Atelier de Troupe collaborates with studioutte to present INTERMEZZO, an exhibition that explores presence and absence through a cinematic yet understated narrative. Featuring a new collection, a carpet designed with cc-tapis, and artworks by Truls Blaasmo, the space invites visitors into a liminal world where process and completion converge. Through light, texture, and storytelling, INTERMEZZO transforms design into an immersive experience.

what: INTERMEZZO by Atelier de Troupe 
when: 4-13 April 2025
where: Foro Bonaparte 69, Milan

image courtesy of Atelier de Troupe

Es Devlin- Library of Light

Es Devlin presents Library of Light, a kinetic sculpture at the Pinacoteca di Brera. The 18-meter rotating structure, filled with over 2,000 illuminated books, creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Inspired by Umberto Eco’s view of libraries as ‘the compass of the mind,’ the installation invites visitors to browse books and contribute to a growing archive on the theme of Thought for Humans. Daily readings and cultural events accompany the installation, offering a space for reflection and dialogue.

what: Library of Light by Es Devlin
when: 7-21 April 2025 (9:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
where: Pinacoteca di Brera – Cortile d’Onore, Milan

image courtesy of Salone del Mobile.Milano

GLO FOR ART – MICHELA PICCHI INSTALLATION

glo returns to Brera Design Week 2025 with glo for art, featuring an immersive installation by Michela Picchi at Palazzo Moscova 18. The space becomes the glo Creative Hub, hosting events and activities for adults. Inspired by the theme of Connected Worlds, the installation blends pop and surrealist influences with interactive elements, using color and technology to create a sensory experience.

what: glo for art 
when: 7-13 April 2025

where: Palazzo Moscova 18, Milan

image courtesy of Brera Design Week 2025 

Homo Faber Fellowship

As part of the Homo Faber Fellowship, 23 master-apprentice duos present their collaborative creations at Milan Design Week 2025. Over six months, these emerging talents and master artisans have crafted unique objects inspired by Art Deco, blending craftsmanship, art, and design. The exhibition titled TODAY’S MASTERS MEET TOMORROW’S TALENTS celebrates the future of craft as a career, showcasing the power of mentorship and collaboration.

what: TODAY’S MASTERS MEET TOMORROW’S TALENTS 
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: House of Switzerland Milano, Casa degli Artisti, Via Tomasso da Cazzaniga, Corso Garibaldi, 89/A, Milan

WonderGlass x Calico Wallpaper – POETICA

WonderGlass, in collaboration with Calico Wallpaper, presents POETICA—an immersive installation at Istituto dei Ciechi featuring new works by Vincent Van Duysen and Ronan Bouroullec, alongside a special contribution by Officine Saffi Lab.

Blurring the lines between material and memory, POETICA reinterprets glass and paper as vessels for storytelling and imagination. The installation explores the interplay of craftsmanship and perception, where objects transcend their physical form to evoke emotion, history, and meaning.

what: POETICA by WonderGlass x Calico Wallpaper
when: 8-12 April 2025
where: Istituto dei Ciechi – Via Vivaio 7, Milan

Vetrofuso Spazio (behind the scenes) by Ronan Bouroullec x WonderGlass

Dropcity

Opening on April 3, 2025, Dropcity transforms reclaimed industrial tunnels behind Milan’s Central Station into a dynamic space for architectural research and experimentation. The launch features two key exhibitions: Prison Times: Spatial Dynamics of Penal Environments, a deep dive into global prison spaces, and Bruther.fbx, an interactive showcase of socially engaged work by the Paris-based Bruther studio.

The event runs from April 3–13, 2025, with a programme including public talks, panel discussions, radio installations, and the Architectural Review Annual Prize on April 9.

what: Dropcity Opening & Exhibitions
when: 3-13 April 2025

ecal x Karimoku New Standard x Presence Switzerland 

A unique collaboration between ECAL Master Product Design, Karimoku New Standard, and Presence Switzerland, the Designed in CH, Made in JP exhibition brings together Swiss innovation and Japanese craftsmanship. As part of the Swiss Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka, ECAL students were challenged to design a stackable wooden chair, resulting in ten distinctive models. Among them, HUG—a circular, inversely stackable chair by Jacob Kouthoofd Martensson & Min Xiyao—was selected for production by Karimoku Furniture, a leader in Japanese woodworking. The exhibition, presented at the House of Switzerland by Pro Helvetia and Presence Switzerland, showcases all ten chair designs in a scenography that explores the cultural symbolism and shared values of Swiss and Japanese craftsmanship.

what: Designed in CH, Made in JP
when: 8–13 April 2025 (10AM–8PM)
where: House of Switzerland, Casa degli Artisti, Corso Garibaldi 89A, Milan

image courtesy of ECAL

Hannes Peer X Margraf – CRASH

CRASH, designed by Hannes Peer Architecture for Margraf at Spazio BIG Santa Marta, redefines marble, shifting it from a symbol of perfection to one of rupture and revelation. The installation explores collision as both a physical and conceptual force, challenging expectations. Destruction and transformation intertwine, with each mark bearing the memory of its origin. Marble, once static, becomes a metaphor for the fleeting and fragile beauty of existence. Through this dynamic contrast, CRASH invites reflection on impermanence and the power of transformation.

what: CRASH
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Spazio Big Santa Marta, Milan

image courtesy of Hannes Peer Architecture and Margraf

Luca Trazzi x FAN Europe Lighting – Graffito di Luce

Architect Luca Trazzi and FAN Europe Lighting present Graffito di Luce, a luminous tribute to Bramante, installed in the small cloister and Sacristy of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Drawing inspiration from a floral graffito discovered in the cloister’s original plaster, Trazzi reimagines these elements into radiant, flower-shaped lamps with golden sunburst structures.

In the garden, the interplay of light and shadow weaves between columns and foliage, creating a theatrical atmosphere. Inside the Sacristy, a ceremonial path is defined by two parallel rows of floral floor lamps. The recurring use of the number eight—seen in the lamps’ 32-ray design—recalls symbolic numerology dear to Bramante, referencing the Resurrection and spiritual renewal.

what: Graffito di Luce
when: 6 – 13 April 2025 (10:00 AM – 10:30 PM)

where: Chiostro e Sacrestia del Bramante, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Caradosso 1, Milan

image courtesy of Luca Trazzi

OBJECT CARPET – MEDITERRANEO

OBJECT CARPET presents new designs from the MEDITERRANEO outdoor carpet collection by Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez at Trilocale – La Casa dell’Architetto, an installation with Marie Claire Maison Italia at GAM -Galleria d’Arte Moderna. Inspired by Mediterranean heritage, natural elegance, and vibrant color accents, the carpet collection blends past and present. The installation, set within 18th-century monochromatic spaces, explores home as a fluid, emotional experience that adapts to life’s transformations. A pure, conceptual space, Trilocale redefines the idea of ‘feeling home’ beyond physical constraints, offering a timeless interpretation of contemporary living.

what: OBJECT CARPET presents MEDITERRANEO outdoor carpet collection by Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez
when: 8-13 April 2025
where: GAM Galleria d’Arte Moderna, Via Palestro 16

image courtesy of OBJECT CARPET

 Noritake X Faye Toogood at Alcova

During Milan Design Week 2025, Noritake embarks on a bold new chapter with the unveiling of the Noritake Design Collection at ALCOVA, Villa Borsani. Under the creative direction of Yuichiro Hori, this initiative brings together globally renowned designers to reinterpret Noritake’s 120-year legacy of craftsmanship, blending traditional artistry with contemporary vision. Among the featured designers, Faye Toogood presents Rose, a limited-edition series inspired by Noritake’s rich archives. Toogood also curates the exhibition space, setting the stage for an immersive experience where past and present converge. Other contributors include Yabu Pushelberg, Marc Newson, and Ed Ng, alongside collections inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s original Imperial Hotel designs. Further enhancing the showcase, Yamagiwa, a century-old pioneer of Japanese lighting, joins the presentation, offering a modern perspective on ‘the art of lighting’ with a nod to Wright’s architectural philosophy.

what: Noritake Design Collection
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Villa Borsani, Alcova, Milan

image courtesy of Faye Toogood

Tarkett – Beauty of Circularity at Masterly

Tarkett debuts presents Beauty of Circularity—an immersive exhibition that redefines waste as a resource. In collaboration with design futures consultancy FranklinTill, the showcase highlights the transformative potential of discarded materials, elevating off-cut flooring into a thought-provoking experience. Through a tactile and sensory journey, Beauty of Circularity explores Tarkett’s ReStart® program, which recovers, breaks down, and repurposes materials to create new, high-quality flooring solutions. 

what: Beauty of Circularity – An immersive exhibition celebrating material circularity in design and architecture.

when: April 8-13, 2025 (Press Preview: April 7, 3-7 PM)

where: Room 4, Masterly The Dutch in Milano, Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, Piazza del Duomo, Milan

image courtesy of Tarkett

ROCKWELL GROUP – CASA CORK

Rockwell Group, in collaboration with Cork Collective and Corticeira Amorim, presents Casa Cork—an immersive installation, events program, and student competition dedicated to sustainable design. The space showcases cork’s versatility through interiors, furnishings, lighting, and innovative student prototypes. At its heart, a monumental cork tree, crafted from reclaimed virgin cork bark, symbolizes the deep connection between material and nature. 

what: Casa Cork by Rockwell Group, in collaboration with Cork Collective and Corticeira Amorim
when: 8–9 April 2025 (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM), 10 April 2025 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM), 11-12 April 2025 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
where: Via Solferino 31, Milan

image courtesy of Rockwell Group

MUJI x Studio 5•5

MUJI and Studio 5•5 present MUJI MUJI, a vision of adaptable, sustainable living. First unveiled at Paris Design Week 2024, the project features a Manifesto House—a minimalist micro-architecture inspired by Japanese living—alongside a 12-piece DIY collection of upcycled MUJI objects. Set in Pippa Bacca Garden, Brera, this energy-efficient home is built with biosourced and repurposed materials, a heat-resistant white roof, and a rainwater collection system. Modular and adaptable, it reimagines urban living with sustainability at its core.

what: MUJI x Studio 5•5 – Manifesto House & MUJI MUJI Collection
when: 8-13 April 2025
where: Pippa Bacca Garden, Via Tommaso da Cazzaniga, 20121 Milan

image courtesy of MUJI

FROZEN BY TOKUJIN YOSHIOKA

Japanese designer and artist Tokujin Yoshioka presents the Frozen exhibition in collaboration with Grand Seiko Europe. Yoshioka’s latest piece Aqua Chair creates an immersing installation at Palazzo Landriani, a historical building located in the Brera district. 

what: Frozen 
when: 8-13 April 2025, 11am – 9pm
where: Palazzo Landriani, Via Borgonuovo, 25, 20121 Milan

image courtesy of Tokujin Yoshioka

STRATA Exhibition – Tim Vranken, Middernacht & Alexander, and Linde Freya Tangelder

The STRATA exhibition brings together designers Tim Vranken, Middernacht & Alexander, and Linde Freya Tangelder (Destroyers/Builders). The exhibition is set within a cohesive scenography that allows their distinct practices to interact, showcasing the layering of their work while leaving space for individual expression. STRATA explores the overlaps and contrasts that define each designer’s approach, creating a dynamic dialogue between the pieces and the space.

what: STRATA Exhibition
when: April 7-13, 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
where: Via Rutilia 10/9, Milan

image © Tijs Vervecken

BUDAPEST SELECT – A VVOVEN VIEW

The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency presents Budapest Select – A VVoven View, an exhibition showcasing 24 Hungarian designers blending tradition with technology. Divided into three spaces—heritage, innovation, and their fusion—it explores sustainability, AI, and craftsmanship. Floating white paper sheets symbolize the evolving dialogue between human creativity and artificial intelligence.

what: Budapest Select – A VVoven View
when: 7-13 April 2025

where: Via Santa Marta 21, 5VIE district, Milan

image courtesy of Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency

Anonima/Luci – LIGHTSCAPES

Anonima/Luci presents LIGHTSCAPES, an artistic installation at Kave Home. This project explores the dynamic interaction between light and space, transforming the environment into a constantly evolving living landscape.Through reflections and shifting illuminations, furniture takes center stage, no longer static but fluid and ever-changing, shaped by the interplay of light. Curated by Beatrice Rossetti Studio, this immersive experience redefines perception, where design and light merge seamlessly.

what: LIGHTSCAPES by Anonima/Luci
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Kave Home, Via Santa Margherita 10, Milan

image courtesy of Anonima/Luci

showrooms

Fornasetti Presents – House of Imagination

Fornasetti unveils House of Imagination, a project reinterpreting the domestic interior, inspiring a new look for the Corso Venezia store. Throughout Design Week, visitors can explore the store’s transformed spaces, evoking the surreal charm of the Fornasetti family home. The entrance, study, living room, and dining area display recent collections, iconic pieces, and vintage designs, while the mezzanine floor presents new furniture, accessories, scented candles, and two exclusive collaborations with Poltrona Frau.

what: House of Imagination by Fornasetti
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Fornasetti Store, Corso Venezia, Milan

image courtesy of Fornasetti

GUCCI – BAMBOO ENCOUNTERS

Gucci presents Bamboo Encounters, an exhibition celebrating the enduring role of bamboo in the House’s design identity. Curated by 2050+ and Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli, the exhibition features seven contemporary designers reimagining bamboo through bold and unexpected interpretations. Set within the historic Chiostri di San Simpliciano, the installation highlights Gucci’s pioneering use of this material while exploring its cultural and aesthetic significance in contemporary design.

what: Bamboo Encounters by Gucci 
when: 8-13 April 2025
where: Chiostri di San Simpliciano, Piazza Paolo VI, 6, Milan

image courtesy of Gucci 

FISCHBACHER 1819 X MARCEL WANDERS – THE ANCIENT MEMORIES COLLECTION

Fischbacher 1819 and renowned Dutch designer Marcel Wanders introduce Ancient Memories, a collection of interior textiles that weave history, craftsmanship, and sustainability into contemporary design. Inspired by the passage of time, the collection explores how materials can evoke both memory and emotion. Developed in collaboration with textile artist Caterina Roppo, the fabrics are made with natural fibers like hemp, jute, and wood-based materials, creating rich textiles with a timeless aesthetic. These fabrics and carpets reveal a sense of history and enduring beauty to visitors at the Fischbacher 1819 Showroom.

what: Fischbacher 1819 x Marcel Wanders: The Ancient Memories Collection
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Fischbacher 1819 Showroom, Via del Carmine 9, Milano

image courtesy of Fischbacher 1819

BUCCELLATI – NATURALIA

Buccellati unveils Naturalia, an immersive installation at its historic Via Brisa 5 headquarters, exploring the poetic harmony between nature and craftsmanship. Curated by Balich Wonder Studio, the experience guides visitors through landscapes of mountains, forests, and the sea, where video projections and soundscapes bring Buccellati silver to life. Botanical installations by Studio Mary Lennox enhance the dreamlike setting, while the Furry Animals collection showcases masterful modellato and ornato engraving techniques, transforming silver into delicate fur and feathers.

what: Naturalia by Buccellati
when: 8-13 April 2025
where: Buccellati, Via Brisa 5, Milan

image courtesy of Buccellati

TIME & STYLE – 2025 COLLECTION

Time & Style introduces its 2025 collection, a refined dialogue between tradition and modernity where artisans shape time into objects of lasting beauty. Crafted from Japan’s finest materials, the collection features furniture and lighting that seamlessly integrate into contemporary spaces while preserving the essence of traditional craftsmanship. The collection includes collaborations with international designers such as OEO Studio, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Drill Design, Kensaku Oshiro, and more, highlighting a shared commitment to exceptional design.

what: Time & Style 2025 collection
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Time & Style Milan Showrooms, Largo Claudio Treves 2 – Via Eugenio Balzan 4 – Via San Marco 13, Milan

image courtesy of Time & Style

ISSEY MIYAKE – TYPE-XIII

ISSEY MIYAKE introduces TYPE-XIII, a project by A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE in collaboration with atelier oï. The project explores the combination of metal wire and fabric to create innovative lighting designs.

what: TYPE-XIII by ISSEY MIYAKE
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: ISSEY MIYAKE Store, Via Bagutta 12, Milan

image courtesy of ISSEY MIYAKE

FLOS – SUPERWIRE BY FORMAFANTASMA

Formafantasma presents a site-specific installation of Superwire at the Flos showroom, offering insight into both its creative process and technical innovation. This subtle yet striking intervention highlights the designers’ dual focus on product and exhibition design, emphasizing the interplay between aesthetics and engineering. Visitors can explore how the lamp’s form evolves alongside its technological development.

what: Superwire by Formafantasma
when: 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 April 2025 (10:00 AM – 7:30 PM), 10 April 2025  (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
where: Flos Professional Space, Corso Monforte 15, Milan

Seletti x Tracey Snelling – Hotel Voyeur

Seletti debuts Hotel Voyeur, a collaboration with artist Tracey Snelling, powered by Samsung Galaxy. This immersive project features a table lamp replicating a hotel façade, with six illuminated windows playing cinematic sequences. Visitors can personalize their lamps with custom videos, making each piece unique. A large-scale installation on the Seletti flagship store façade at Corso Garibaldi 117 expands the concept, turning the building into a dynamic, illuminated spectacle.

what: Hotel Voyeur by Seletti and Tracey Snelling
when: 8–12 April 2025 (9:30 AM – 7:30 PM)
where: Seletti Flagship Store, Corso Garibaldi 117, Milan

image courtesy of Seletti

UNIMATIC x MIGRATING LINES

UNIMATIC unveils a limited collection of leather straps, created in collaboration with digital artist Migrating Lines. The artist brings his unique artistic vision to the straps, creating exclusive artwork that adorns each piece. The collection will be available in very limited quantities, making it a rare and collectible addition for UNIMATIC fans.

what: UNIMATIC x  Migrating Lines leather strap collection
where: UNIMATIC, Via Meravigli 18, Milan

Marsèll x Objects of Common Interest – Adaptive Ground

Marsèll presents Adaptive Ground, an installation by Objects of Common Interest at its Via della Spiga flagship store. The project explores materiality and spatial relationships, blending Marsèll’s footwear craftsmanship with innovation in furniture design. Spanning two levels, Adaptive Ground reimagines the store’s architectural elements—marble, walnut, and Brenta River stone—through sculptural seating, tubular light formations, and inflatable structures. The installation invites visitors to engage with shifting forms and textures, redefining perceptions of space and material.

what: Adaptive Ground by Objects of Common Interest 
when: 8-13 April 2025
where: Marsèll Milano Spiga, Via della Spiga 42, Milan

image courtesy of Objects of Common Interest 

POLTRONA FRAU – THE FIVE SEASONS COLLECTION

Poltrona Frau unveils The Five Seasons Collection, an exploration of the colors, forms, and emotions of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—culminating in a personalized ‘fifth season.’ The showcase features a special edition of Gio Ponti’s Dezza armchair for its 60th anniversary, alongside exclusive collaborations with Fornasetti and Leica, and new designs by Six n.Five, Ludovica Serafini + Roberto Palomba, and Kensaku Oshiro.

what: The Five Seasons Collection by Poltrona Frau
when: 8-13 April 2025 (10 AM–7 PM)
where: Poltrona Frau, Via Alessandro Manzoni 30, Milan

image courtesy of Poltrona Frau

SCHINDLER X8 – NEW ELEVATOR ERA

Schindler unveils the world premiere of the Schindler X8, a pioneering innovation redefining vertical mobility. The Schindler X8 is designed and engineered to break free from conventional building constraints, unlocking new creative possibilities in modern architecture and welcoming a new elevator era. Set within an exclusive showroom at Via Tortona 31, in the heart of Milan’s technological district, this showcase invites visitors to explore the future of elevators.

what: Schindler launches a new elevator era at Milan Design Week 2025
when: 7-12 April 2025
where: Via Tortona 31, L’Opificio – Tortona District

image courtesy of Schindler

Dimorestudio x Hosoo – Hemispheres Collection at Osanna Visconti

Dimorestudio, in collaboration with the Japanese textile brand Hosoo, presents the Hemispheres Collection, a new interpretation of their fabrics, which will be used to upholster some of Osanna Visconti’s bronze furniture pieces.

what: Hemispheres Collection by Dimorestudio and Hosoo
when: from 2 April 2 2025 (9:00 AM-12:00 PM)
where: Osanna Visconti Atelier, Via Santa Marta 13, Milan

image courtesy of Dimorestudio, Hosoo and Osanna Visconti

GUFRAM – ITALIAN RADICAL DESIGN

Gufram returns to Milan Design Week 2025 with new creations and fresh takes on its most iconic pieces. Featured highlights include the Mano sculptural seat by Cinzia Ruggeri, the Sculpted Mirror by Snarkitecture, and the Boring Cactus® by Drocco and Mello—now humorously reimagined in an ‘ordinary’ gray. Part of the Italian Radical Design Pavilion, the Gufram booth is designed by (AB)NORMAL Architecture Firm.

what: Italian Radical Design by Gufram
when: 8-13 April 2025 (9:30 AM–6:30 PM)
where: Rho Fiera Milano, Hall 22P – Booth B30, Milan

image courtesy of Gufram

FROMM.lab – Design for a Changing World: Bridging Cultures

Join FROMM.lab on April 10 for Design for a Changing World: Bridging Cultures, a full day of workshops and a panel hosted at FROMM. showroom in Via Savona 35. The program features hands-on sessions interactive led by with Ruya Aykol, Etienne Bastormagi, and Abdulrahman Al-Muftah, followed by a panel discussion with Giulio Cappellini, Joseph Grima, Fahad Al Obaidly, and Alia Rachid. The day concludes with the launch of FROMM.lab’s first international design competition for emerging designers. 

what: Design for a Changing World: Bridging Cultures
when: Thursday, 10 April 2025
where: FROMM. Showroom, Via Savona 35

image courtesy of FROMM.

VALCUCINE – CONNECTED SCENARIOS 

For Brera Design Week 2025, Valcucine presents Connected Scenarios, an exploration of smart home tech, design, and cultural dialogue. The Valcucine Milano Brera showroom becomes a hub for discussion, featuring the Speakers’ Corner, where industry leaders explore sustainability, digital integration, and inclusive design. In collaboration with e15, Rakumba, and top architects like Neri&Hu, i29, and ARRCC, the event redefines the kitchen as a space of interaction and innovation. Confirmed speakers include Nicola Ricciardi (miart), Alessandro Mininno (Flatmates), Silvia Badalotti, and Luca Molinari.

what: Connected Scenarios by Valcucine
when: 7-13 April 2025
where: Valcucine Milano Brera Showroom, Brera Design District, Milan

image courtesy of Valcucine

ETEL – Audacious Modernism: Oscar Niemeyer in Italia

ETEL presents Audacious Modernism, an exhibition dedicated to Oscar Niemeyer’s work in Italy. In collaboration with the Oscar Niemeyer Foundation, the show presents research by Francesco Perrotta-Bosch, revealing Niemeyer’s original sketches and drawings of both realized and unrealized projects in Italy. The display also features the re-edition of Niemeyer’s furniture, including the rare Praiana chaise longue, exclusively by ETEL.

what: Audacious Modernism by ETEL
when: 7-12 April 2025
where: Via Maroncelli 13, Milan

image courtesy of ETEL

Tacchini x Objects of Common Interest – Tact & Trace Mirrors and Refract Vases

Tacchini collaborates with Objects of Common Interest to present Tact & Trace Mirrors and Refract Vases, a collection of resin objects inspired by the fluidity of memory. Drawing from the shifting colors and reflections of a kaleidoscope, the collection blends prismatic forms with semi-transparent resin to create dynamic light and shadow effects. Rooted in personal recollections, Tact & Trace Mirrors reinterpret the crystalline shapes of the past into contemporary reflective pieces. Refract Vases extend this vision, crafted sustainably by repurposing resin from the mirror production process. Together, these designs offer a tactile exploration of memory’s fleeting beauty.

what: Tact & Trace Mirrors and Refract Vases

when: 8-12 April 2025 (10:00 AM – 08:00 PM), 13 April 2025 (10:00 AM – 05:00 PM)
where: Tacchini Showroom, Largo Treves 5

image by Yiorgos Kaplanidis

ARCLINEA – 100 YEARS, 100 INGREDIENTS

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Arclinea presents 100 Years, 100 Ingredients, a tribute to nature and Italian culinary heritage through a striking photographic series by Amélie Ambroise. Showcasing 100 unique ingredients, the exhibition highlights the deep connection between food and design. The showcase also features iconic kitchen designs by Antonio Citterio and culminates in a commemorative book.

what: 100 Years, 100 Ingredients by Arclinea
when: 8-13 April 2025 (Tuesday, Wedensday, Friday, Saturday 10AM—9PM, Thursday 10AM—7PM , Sunday 10AM—6PM)
where: Arclinea, Via Durini 7, Milan

image courtesy of Arclinea

GROHE Aqua Gallery

The GROHE Aqua Gallery invites you to a unique exhibition showcasing a selection of products as both functional objects and crafted artifacts — bridging the relationship between humans, water, and the environment.

what: Grohe Aqua Gallery
when: 8-9 April 2025 (10:00AM-7:00PM), 10 April 2025 (10:00AM-4:00PM), 11-12 April 2025 (10:00AM-9:00PM), 13 April 2025 (10:00AM-6:00PM)
where: Garden Senato, Via Senato 14, Milan

image courtesy of GROHE

MASERATI x GIORGETTI

Maserati and Giorgetti present a collaboration, combining automotive innovation with interior design expertise. The Giorgetti Maserati Edition Interior Collection, inspired by Maserati’s Trident emblem, reflects a balance of craftsmanship and contemporary design, drawing from the elements of sea and wind. Alongside this, the Maserati Giorgetti Edition Grecale Folgore One-Off, a fully electric SUV developed through Maserati’s Fuoriserie customization program, features bespoke finishes and an interior crafted with Giorgetti’s premium materials. 

what: Maserati x Giorgetti Collaboration
when: 8–13 April 2025
where: Maserati Milan Showroom, Viale di Porta Vercellina 16, Milan and Giorgetti Spiga Showroom, Via della Spiga 31, Milan

Giorgetti Maserati Edition, sketch by Giancarlo Bosio

Foscarini – CAOS PERFETTO

Foscarini presents CAOS PERFETTO, an exhibition showcasing the work of Italian artist Bennet Pimpinella at its city center showroom. Known for his intricate storytelling etched on film strips, Pimpinella explores themes of memory, perception, and chaos through a unique visual language.

what: CAOS PERFETTO by Foscarini
when: 8-13 April 2025
where: Showroom Foscarini Spazio Monforte, Corso Monforte 19, Milan

image courtesy of Bennet Pimpinella

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

NILUFAR – REPERTORIO

Nilufar presents Repertorio, a dual-location exhibition under the curatorship of founder Nina Yashar, exploring scenography, craftsmanship, and the dialogue between past and future. At Nilufar Depot (Viale Lancetti), a five-act journey unfolds, featuring a striking metal-focused installation by Fosbury Architecture to mark the 10th anniversary of the space. New releases from Nilufar Edition are showcased in a dedicated display by Andrea Mancuso. Meanwhile, Nilufar Via della Spiga (Via della Spiga 32) hosts vintage masterpieces by George Nakashima alongside contemporary works by Andrea Mancuso, Maximilian Marchesani, and Etienne Marc, presented with new textiles by Colombian atelier Hechizoo. The exhibition meditates on humanity’s connection to nature, fragility, and resilience, using organic forms and earthy textures to create a tactile dialogue between material and meaning.

what: Repertorio by Nilufar
when: 7-13 April 2025 (Nilufar Depot) and 8-13 April 2025 (Nilufar Via della Spiga)
where: Nilufar Depot, Viale Lancetti 34 and Nilufar Via della Spiga, Via della Spiga 32, Milan

image courtesy of Nilufar

FONDAZIONE PRADA – typologien

Fondazione Prada presents Typologien, a comprehensive study dedicated to 20th-century German photography. Curated by Susanne Pfeffer, the exhibition examines the concept of ‘typology’ in photography, a principle drawn from botany, which groups and categorizes objects based on shared characteristics. Through this lens, the exhibition showcases over 600 works by 25 influential German photographers, including Bernd and Hilla Becher, Andreas Gursky, Thomas Ruff, and Gerhard Richter, among others.

what: Typologien: Photography in 20th-Century Germany
when: 3 April 3-14 July 2025
where: Fondazione Prada, Largo Isarco 2, Milan

Heinrich Riebesehl, Menschen Im Fahrstuhl, 20.11.1969 [People in the Elevator, 20.11.1969] 1969 Kicken Berlin © Heinrich Riebesehl, by SIAE 2025

Fondazione Prada – NADA

Fondazione Prada also presents NADA, a monographic exhibition by Belgian artist Thierry De Cordier, conceived for the Cisterna’s three spaces in Milan. The project brings together ten large-scale paintings from the NADA series, created between 1999 and 2025. Initially intended to erase the image of the crucifixion, these works evolved into an exploration of what De Cordier calls the ‘greatness of nothingness.’ The nearly monochrome paintings form a pictorial void, with NADA replacing the historical INRI inscription seen in depictions of the crucifixion. The exhibition’s spatial design transforms the Cisterna into a contemplative setting, with monumental triptych-like structures framing the works. At its center, Gran Nada (2007–12) invites reflection, reinforcing the series’ meditation on emptiness and the sublime.

what: NADA by Thierry De Cordier
when: 3 April – 29 September 2025
where: Fondazione Prada, Largo Isarco 2, Milan

image by Agostino Osio courtesy of Fondazione Prada

FONDAZIONE PRADA OSSERVATORIO – A Kind of Language

Fondazione Prada Osservatorio presents A Kind of Language, an exhibition curated by Melissa Harris exploring the creative process behind filmmaking through over 800 storyboards, moodboards, annotated scripts, and sketches from the late 1920s to today. Featuring works by directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, Wes Anderson, Federico Fellini, Alfred Hitchcock, Hayao Miyazaki, and Martin Scorsese, the exhibition highlights storyboarding’s role in visual storytelling. Designed by Andrea Faraguna (Sub), the exhibition recreates storyboard artists’ workspaces, with drawing desk-inspired displays dedicated to individual films. A parallel film program at Fondazione Prada’s Cinema Godard and an accompanying publication in the Quaderni series complement the project.

what: A Kind of Language: Storyboards and Other Renderings for Cinema
when: 30 January – 8 September 2025

where: Fondazione Prada Osservatorio, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

image by Piercarlo Quecchia – DSL Studio courtesy of Fondazione Prada

Palazzo Citterio – La Grande Brera. A Community of Arts and Sciences

La Grande Brera. A Community of Arts and Sciences explores the evolution of Milan’s Brera complex over five centuries. Curated by Luca Molinari and set in Palazzo Citterio, the exhibition presents restored artworks, architectural history, and immersive installations. Designed by Francesco Librizzi, it highlights Brera’s cultural and intellectual legacy through collaborations with key Milanese institutions.

what: La Grande Brera. A Community of Arts and Sciences
when: until 13 April 2025
where: Palazzo Citterio, Via Brera 12, Milan

image courtesy of Palazzo Citterio

TRIENNALE – ETTORE SOTTSASS: ARCHITECTURES, LANDSCAPES, RUINS

Triennale Milano presents ETTORE SOTTSASS: ARCHITECTURES, LANDSCAPES, RUINS, an exhibition exploring Ettore Sottsass’s vision of architecture through a selection of drawings and sketches focused on architecture, landscapes, and ruins. Featuring works from his post-Memphis period, the exhibition is enriched with excerpts from his 1992 text Ruins, emphasizing his philosophy of prioritizing inhabited spaces over visual aesthetics. Set in Sala Sottsass, home to the permanent installation of Casa Lana, a faithfully reconstructed 1960s interior, the exhibition offers a deep dive into the architect’s artistic and conceptual approach.

what: ETTORE SOTTSASS: ARCHITECTURES, LANDSCAPES, RUINS
when: until 13 April 2025
where: Triennale di Milano, Viale Emilio Alemagna 6, Milan

image courtesy of Triennale Milano

ADI DESIGN MUSEUM – BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: ITALY

ADI Design Museum presents Best of Both Worlds: Italy. Art and Design in Italy 1915 – 2025, an exploration of the enduring synergy between art and industry. Curated by Stefano Casciani, with exhibition design and graphics by Piero Lissoni/GraphX, the show traces Italian design’s cultural evolution—from Futurism to Pop, Radical movements to contemporary expressions. Featuring never-before-seen materials and iconic works, the exhibition highlights the continuous dialogue between design and the arts.

what: Best of Both Worlds: Italy by ADI Design Museum
when: Milan Design Week 2025
where: ADI Design Museum, Milan

image courtesy of ADI Design Museum

Pirelli HangarBicocca – ICARUS

Pirelli HangarBicocca hosts ICARUS, the first major European retrospective of Japanese artist Yukinori Yanagi, from March 27 to July 27, 2025. Featuring key works from the 1990s to today, the exhibition recontextualizes Yanagi’s monumental installations within the vast industrial spaces of the venue. Through dynamic, evolving compositions, ICARUS explores themes of nationalism, governance, and societal paradoxes, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of contemporary culture.

what: ICARUS by Yukinori Yanagi
when: 27 March – 27 July 2025
where: Pirelli HangarBicocca, Via Chiese 2, Milan

image courtesy of Pirelli HangarBicocca

PALAZZO REALE – FROM CINDY SHERMAN TO FRANCESCO VEZZOLI. 80 contemporary artists

Premiering internationally at Palazzo Reale, Milan, FROM CINDY SHERMAN TO FRANCESCO VEZZOLI presents the contemporary section of the Giuseppe Iannaccone Collection, featuring 80 artists, including Cindy Sherman, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Nan Goldin, Nicole Eisenman, Kiki Smith, Marc Quinn, Lisetta Carmi, and Francesco Vezzoli. The exhibition explores themes of identity, the body, multiculturalism, and the intersection of Eastern and Western perspectives, offering a compelling dialogue on pressing social issues. Organized by the Municipality of Milan, Palazzo Reale, and the Giuseppe Iannaccone Foundation, with executive production by Arthemisia, the exhibition is curated by Daniele Fenaroli with the scientific support of Vincenzo De Bellis.

what: FROM CINDY SHERMAN TO FRANCESCO VEZZOLI. 80 contemporary artists
when: until 4 May 2025
where: Palazzo Reale, Piazza Del Duomo 12, Milan

image courtesy of Palazzo Reale

Carpenters Workshop Gallery & Vincenzo De Cotiis Gallery

Carpenters Workshop Gallery and Vincenzo De Cotiis Gallery introduce Je Marchais Pieds Nus Dans L’Étang, an immersive installation exploring materiality, light, and nature. Inspired by Monet’s late water lily landscapes, the exhibition transforms the concept of a pond into a sculptural environment where organic forms and shifting reflections create a fluid, dreamlike space. Featuring cast white bronze and hand-painted Murano glass, the installation blurs the boundaries between sculpture and environment.

what: Je Marchais Pieds Nus Dans L’Étang by Carpenters Workshop Gallery and Vincenzo De Cotiis Gallery 
when: 7 April – 7 August 2025
where: Vincenzo De Cotiis Gallery, Via Privata Fratelli Gabba 1A, Milan

image by Martin Morrell

As always, we’re teaming up with Architonic and ArchDaily to bring you comprehensive coverage of Salone del Mobile 2025 and the many city-wide events of Milan Design Week. From key highlights at the fair to must-see exhibitions and installations, we’ll keep you updated with curated insights, interviews, and standout designs from this year’s edition.

The post designboom’s ultimate guide to milan design week 2025 appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Art and design lovers from around the globe are heading to Florida for Miami Art & Design Week, one of the coastal city‘s most coveted annual events. From December 1st — 8th, Art Basel Miami Beach and Design Miami take center stage, opening their doors to collectors and enthusiasts alike. With perfect weather in the forecast and a lineup that blends world-class art fairs, public activations, exhibitions, and parties, the Magic City transforms into the ultimate creative hub. Whether you’re here for the fairs, the city-wide art installations, or the museum exhibitions, this guide has everything you need to make the most of Miami Art & Design Week 2024.

image © Kian Lem

Design Miami

Design Miami returns to Miami Beach for its 20th edition. Curated by Glenn Adamson under the theme Blue Sky, this event brings together over 45 leading galleries to explore the transformative potential of imaginative, boundary-pushing design. The theme celebrates design as an optimistic and collective endeavor, showcasing works that reflect bold innovation, material ingenuity, and a shared global perspective. This edition marks a year of significant expansion for Design Miami, following successful fairs in Los Angeles, Basel, and Paris.

Gallery highlights include The Future Perfect’s presentation of nearly 100 new works from emerging and established designers such as Anina Major, Chris Wolston, and Vikram Goyal, who makes his U.S. debut. Inspired by the interplay of day and night under a singular sky, their booth balances contemporary design with artisanal craftsmanship. Through the lens of Blue Sky, the fair reaffirms its role as a platform for visionary design, celebrating two decades of showcasing the best in historic and contemporary creativity.

what: Design Miami
where: Convention Center Drive & 19th St., Miami Beach
when: December 4th (VIP preview), December 5th— 8th, 2024 (public)

image courtesy Design Miami

Art Basel Miami Beach

Art Basel Miami Beach returns under the new direction of Bridget Finn. This year’s edition features 286 galleries from 38 countries, with over two-thirds hailing from the Americas, reflecting its unique position at the cultural crossroads of Miami Beach. Exhibitors will present an array of exceptional Modern and contemporary works across six sectors, including the main Galleries section, thematic Kabinett presentations, and specialized areas like Nova for recent works, Positions for emerging talent, and Survey for historical art predating 2000. Complementing the fair is a public ‘Conversations’ program, offering talks with leading voices in the art world.

Marking its fifth anniversary, the Meridians sector, curated by Yasmil Raymond, highlights large-scale, institutionally ambitious projects at the south end of the show floor. Featuring seventeen works by international artists, many created this year, Meridians explores themes of transformation, democracy, and climate change under the title State of Becoming. Projects range from monumental sculptures to conceptual installations, showcasing art that evokes crossing boundaries and embracing change. Raymond describes the works as embodying formal regeneration, entropy, and transcendence, offering a dynamic exploration of contemporary artistic practice.

what: Art Basel Miami Beach

where: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach

when: December 4th — 5th, 2024 (VIP preview), December 6th — 8th, 2024 (public) 

image courtesy Art Basel

Alcova Miami

Alcova returns to Miami for its second international edition, taking over the historic River Inn in the South River Drive Historic District of East Little Havana. Built in 1908, the River Inn is Miami’s oldest hotel, featuring pastel-colored Victorian timber mansions preserved in their original charm. This unique setting — near the Miami River and accessible from both Miami Beach and downtown — offers a backdrop for Alcova’s mission of transforming historically rich spaces into dynamic showcases for cutting-edge contemporary design.

The 2024 edition will bring a lineup of exhibitions highlighting innovative work from designers, companies, and collectives worldwide. True to its roots, Alcova will feature both established and emerging voices, pushing boundaries in materials, systems, and living environments.

what: Alcova

where: River Inn, 437 SW 2nd Street, Miami

when: December 3rd — 8th, 2024

image courtesy Alcova

NADA Miami

For its 22nd edition, NADA Miami 2024 brings together over 150 galleries, art spaces, and nonprofit organizations from 37 countries and 66 cities to showcase a vast, global perspective. The fair highlights the dynamic art scenes of cities like Buenos Aires, Lagos, Shanghai, and Pittsburgh, presenting a mix of established names and fresh voices. Notably, this year welcomes 59 first-time exhibitors, including april april, Gallery COMMON, and Eugster II Belgrade, alongside innovative participants in the NADA Projects section like Romance and Louis Reed.

Highlights include the return of Curated Spotlight, organized by Jasmine Wahi in collaboration with TD Bank, which offers a focused platform for select galleries. NADA Presents, the fair’s signature conversation series, will feature dialogues with global art and culture leaders.

what: NADA Miami

where: Ice Palace Studios, 1400 N Miami Ave, Miami

when: December 3rd — 7th, 2024

Untitled Art Fair

The 13th edition of Untitled Art returns to Miami Beach in 2024 with its largest presentation yet, featuring 176 exhibitors. Founded in 2012, the fair remains committed to encouraging collaboration and supporting the broader art ecosystem. This year’s program emphasizes diversity and representation, guided by the curatorial theme East Meets West, with guest curators Kathy Huang and Jungmin Cho shaping a dialogue between global contemporary art practices.

The fair will be held on Miami Beach within a custom-built, air-conditioned structure featuring curated presentations, live events, and artist performances.

what: Untitled Art Fair

where: South Beach at 12th Street and Ocean Drive

when: December 4th — 8th, 2024

image courtesy Untitled Art Fair

SCOPE Art Show

Celebrating its 23rd edition, SCOPE Art Show returns to its iconic pavilion on the sands of South Beach, continuing its tradition of presenting the cutting-edge trends and innovative voices shaping the art world. Known for its forward-thinking approach, SCOPE provides a platform for alternative and nomadic gallery models, showcasing artists who challenge the boundaries of technology, culture, and society.

This year’s theme of interdependence highlights the power of collaboration and the interconnectedness of individuals, communities, and the global landscape. Large-scale installations will dominate the show, including Lua Brice‘s ethereal light and sound installation ‘Folding Light,’ Esther Mahlangu’s monumental solo exhibition ‘Ukuthula Makube Nawe,’ and ‘Blessed Be the Fruit,’ Lucy Sparrow‘s farmers market installation of over 6,000 individually handmade felt fruits.

what: SCOPE Art Show

where: South Beach, 801 Ocean Drive between 8th and 10th Street

when: December 3rd — 8th, 2024

image courtesy SCOPE Art Show

Lexus

Lexus is teaming up with design studio Crafting Plastics and ICA Miami to present Liminal Cycles, a multi-sensory installation debuting during Miami Art & Design Week 2024. Inspired by the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Lexus LF-ZC concept car, the central sculpture, crafted from bioplastic materials, highlights Lexus’ innovations in sustainable design and personalization.

The installation explores the concept of Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs), emphasizing adaptability and customization through responsive materials and technology. The centerpiece features UV-sensitive bioplastic that changes color with light variations, while satellite sculptures transform elements of the LF-ZC into interactive sensory experiences. Viewers can engage with tactile, auditory, and olfactory responses, including a new Lexus fragrance by dilo. 

what: Liminal Cycles by Lexus and Crafting Plastics

where: Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami)

when: December 2nd — 8th, 2024

Crafting Plastics, samples, image © Lexus

Faena Art

Faena Art announces its Miami Art Week 2024 programming featuring ‘Seletega (run, see if people are coming/corre a ver si viene gente),’ a monumental site-specific installation by Tlingit/Unangax̂ artist Nicholas Galanin on Faena Beach. Supported by Chase Sapphire Reserve, the 30-foot-tall work partially buries the masts, sails, and rigging of a Spanish galleon in the sand, evoking the irreversible act of scuttling ships during Cortés’s 1519 expedition to Mexico. This act symbolized a point of no return, tying the occupation of Indigenous lands to the initial colonization of the Americas.

Spray-painted on the sails in English and Spanish are urgent questions: ‘What are we going to give up to burn the sails of empire? What are we going to build for our collective liberation?‘ Galanin’s installation challenges viewers to reflect on what must be relinquished to advance toward collective freedom and a more equitable future.

what: Seletega (run, see if people are coming/corre a ver si viene gente)

where: Faena Beach

when: December 3rd — 8th, 2024

image courtesy Faena Art

The ReefLine

The ReefLine, a major seven-mile-long underwater sculpture park off Miami Beach, debuts Carlos Betancourt‘s Miami Reef Star during Miami Art & Design Week. Spearheaded by Ximena Caminos in collaboration with BlueLab Preservation Society and OMA/Shigematsu, the project blends art, architecture, and marine science to create a snorkel trail and artificial reefs, enhancing biodiversity and coastal resilience. Betancourt’s 60-ft prototype, created with architect Alberto Latorre, features 46 star-shaped modules, previewing larger underwater installations. The masterplan includes environmentally functional artworks and site-specific pieces like Leandro Erlich’s Concrete Coral and OMA’s staircase-inspired reef. The ReefLine combines cultural innovation and environmental stewardship, engaging the community while addressing climate change.

what: The ReefLine: Miami Reef Star
where: South Beach shoreline
when: December 3rd — December 8th, 2024

image courtesy The ReefLine

Pearl Lam Galleries x LPM Restaurant & Bar

LPM Restaurant & Bar Miami is partnering with Pearl Lam Galleries to present the works of Paris-based artist Michal Korman during Miami Art Week. The restaurant will feature Korman’s vibrant oil paintings, blending food and art to create a memorable, immersive experience. This collaboration underscores LPM’s commitment to art, with a special cocktail menu, Recipes For Our Friends, inspired by Jean Cocteau, further enhancing the cultural atmosphere of the space.

Korman’s exhibition, The Flower Narrative, explores the sensory connections between nature, food, and leisure. The series includes Blue Parrakeet, a large-scale heptaptych displayed in the main dining room, which evokes cinematic moments and reflects Korman’s love for the Art Nouveau movement. His use of color and graphic oil painting mirrors LPM’s Mediterranean spirit.

what: LPM Restaurant & Bar Miami x Pearl Lam Galleries
where: LPM Restaurant & Bar, 1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami
when: November 29th — December 28th, 2024

image © Michal Korman

Ruinart x Henrique Oliveira

Maison Ruinart returns to Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 with its Champagne Lounge and a new chapter of the ‘Conversations with Nature’ series, featuring Brazilian artist Henrique Oliveira as part of the Carte Blanche 2024 collective. Oliveira’s project, inspired by the underground chalk caves of Champagne, is a life-sized freestanding tree sculpture made from recycled plywood. The twisting, labyrinth-like branches evoke the caves where Ruinart ages its champagne. Now permanently displayed in the Garden of Artists at Ruinart’s historic address in Reims, the work reflects the Maison’s commitment to sustainability and reconnection with nature in the face of climate change. 

what: Henrique Oliveira x Maison Ruinart

where: Ruinart Lounge, Art Basel Miami Beach

when: December 5th — 8th, 2024

image courtesy Maison Ruinart

D’Puglia at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach

D’Puglia, an international cultural initiative celebrating the rich heritage of Puglia, partners with L’Officiel to present Flags for Future and Antonio Aricò’s Magna Grecia Collection at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach. Flags for Future, co-curated by UTÖPIA and ISTANBUL ’74, debuts the theme Va’ dove ti porta il vento (‘Go Where the Wind Takes You’), featuring an impactful exhibition of upcycled flags by forty artists. These vibrant flags line the hotel’s garden pathways, symbolizing unity, transformation, and environmental stewardship while raising awareness for Save the Olives.

Centered on themes of preserving Puglia’s seas, ancient olive trees, and architectural heritage, the exhibition unveils four new flags that embody the strength of Sparta, the grace of Helena, the boldness of Byzantine culture, the sensuality of Roman influence, and the mystique of the Alchemists. Carried by the wind, each flag serves as a powerful connection to the environment and humanity, representing hope and progress.

Complementing this cultural celebration, Antonio Aricò presents his Magna Grecia Collection through a SELETTI installation, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design inspired by the ancient Greek colonies of southern Italy.

what: Flags for Future + Antonio Aricò’s Magna Grecia Collection
where: The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
when: December 1st — Sunday, December 8th, 2024

image © D’Puglia

Parley for the Oceans

At Art Basel Miami Beach 2024, Parley for the Oceans will debut its presence in the Collectors Lounge, inviting attendees to engage with the beauty and vulnerability of our oceans through art and storytelling. The activation aims to communicate the urgency of the environmental crisis. A highlight of Parley’s exhibition will be a limited-edition Pierre Paulin Chirac Sofa, crafted in collaboration with Paulin Paulin Paulin. The sofa is upholstered with red polypropylene ropes repurposed from Christo and Jeanne-Claude‘s monumental L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped (1961–2021), reinforcing Parley’s commitment to upcycling and recycling.

What’s more, Parley will showcase artist-designed surfboards by Jenny Holzer and Keiichi Tanaami, alongside exclusive works from leading contemporary artists who advocate for environmental awareness.

what: Parley for the Oceans at Art Basel Miami Beach

where: Collector’s Lounge, Miami Beach Convention Center 

when: December 6th — 8th, 2024

Surfboard by Jenny Holzer

Jaguar

Jaguar is set to unveil its bold new Design Vision Concept during Miami Art & Design Week on December 2, 2024, introducing its dramatic creative philosophy, ‘Exuberant Modernism.’ Teased with an image showcasing striking rear details, the concept embodies the brand’s vision of bold forms and exuberant proportions. Showcased across two curated gallery spaces, the debut aligns with Jaguar’s ‘Copy Nothing’ ethos, rooted in founder Sir William Lyons’ legacy of fearless originality since 1935. Collaborating with emerging artists, Jaguar aims to celebrate creativity that defies convention, positioning the concept as a design milestone.

what: Jaguar’s Design Vision Concept reveal

first location: One Herald Plaza, NE 14th Street & Biscayne Bay, Miami
second location: Jungle Plaza, 3801 NE 1st Ave, Miami (through Thursday)

IKEA Sleepeasy

IKEA U.S. is bringing its ‘Sleepeasy’ pop-up to Miami Art Week 2024, showcasing innovative solutions for better sleep through six essentials: comfort, light, temperature, sound, air quality, and decluttering. This free event offers interactive experiences, live art, a silent disco, giveaways, and new product previews like the VÅGSTRANDA mattress and SANELA comforter set. IKEA will also launch the 2025 Style Guide featuring ‘Moody Modernism’ and ‘Sunny Scandinavian’ designs, and host a panel with the National Sleep Foundation to discuss the science of sleep.

‘At IKEA, we’re committed to helping everyone discover their unique sleep solutions,’ said Paul Anderson, IKEA U.S. Home Furnishing and Retail Design Leader. ‘With The IKEA Sleepeasy, we aim to xbring a sense of fun back to sleep, especially in a city famous for its vibrant nightlife.’ See designboom’s coverage of its visit to IKEA’s headquarters in Älmhult, Sweden! 

what: IKEA Sleepeasy

where: 391 NW 24th Street, Miami

when: December 6th — 8th, 2024

image courtesy IKEA

Roham Shamekh ‘Pharrell’s Echoes’

Dubai-based designer Roham Shamekh will unveil his collection Pharrell’s Echoes at Design Miami 2024, from December 4th to 8th. Drawing inspiration from pivotal moments in his life, especially his encounter with Pharrell Williams, the collection explores the power of manifestation and the profound impact of our thoughts and actions. Roham invites viewers to reflect on how we unknowingly shape each other’s lives, with the belief that everyone has the potential to be a ‘guardian angel’ in someone else’s journey.

The heart of Pharrell’s Echoes lies in sculptural pieces like the Universe chair, crafted in white resin to represent the collective human experience, while the Manifestation chair features cherubs to symbolize hope and transcendence. A limited-edition bronze version, Angel, transforms the chair into a subject of contemplation. The collection emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people, illustrating how intentional actions and goodwill can shape both personal destinies and the collective human experience.

what: Pharrell’s Echoes

where: Design Miami

when: December 3rd — 8th, 2024

Pharrell’s Echoes, Roham Shamekh – 2024 © Rudolf Azzi

Jaime Hayon ‘bestial’

Spanish artist Jaime Hayon debuts Bestial, a solo exhibition at Mindy Solomon Gallery that marks a pivotal exploration of his work. Celebrating twenty-five years of creative experimentation, the show unveils Hayon’s large-scale paintings and sculptures, blending fantastical forms with vivid colors and introspective symbolism. Featuring surreal creatures, strange flora, and monumental pieces like Walking Punk Bird and The Castle of Transgressions, Bestial reflects on humanity’s relationship with nature through playful yet intricate narratives. Highlights include hand-blown Murano glass busts, showcasing Hayon’s mastery of diverse materials and techniques.

what: Jaime Hayon: Bestial

where: Mindy Solomon Gallery, 848 NW 22nd Street, Miami

when: November 30th, 2024 — January 18th, 2025

image © Mindy Solomon Gallery

The Future Perfect

The Future Perfect is set to unveil its largest booth ever, showcasing nearly one hundred new works by over twenty emerging and established artists and designers, including Chris Wolston, Lindsey Adelman, and Cody Hoyt. The presentation will also feature six artists making their Design Miami debut: Anina Major, Laurids Gallée, Olivia Cognet, Sophie Lou Jacobsen, and Thompson Street Studio. Additionally, the exhibition will mark the first U.S. presentation by Vikram Goyal, one of India’s foremost contemporary designers. Based in New Delhi, Goyal is renowned for his intricate creations that draw deeply from India’s rich tradition of artisanal metalwork.

what: The Future Perfect booth at Design Miami

where: Convention Center Drive & 19th Street, Miami Beach
when: December 3rd — 8th, 2024

Song of the Forest Chandelier, Vikram Goyal

Marguerite Humeau’s \*sk\*/ey-

Marguerite Humeau unveils her latest solo exhibition, ‘*sk*/ey-‘. The title references a Proto-Indo-European term for ‘shedding’ or ‘splitting,’ setting the tone for a deeply introspective exploration of post-human transformations amidst the realities of climate change. This exhibition showcases newly commissioned sculptures and video works, offering abstract narratives of metamorphosis and mutation. For those attending Art Basel, Humeau’s innovative sculptures and works on paper will also feature at the ICA Miami gallery’s presentation (Stand C8).

what: *sk*/ey-
where: ICA Miami, 61 NE 41st St, Miami
when: December 3d, 2024 — March 30th, 2025

image via @whitecube

kohler x remedy

Kohler partnering with Social Wellness Club Remedy Place to present a wellness-focused experience at the Miami Beach EDITION Hotel during Design Miami. The event features the Ice Bath by Remedy Place, developed with self-care expert Dr. Jonathan Leary, guided breath-work and ice bathing sessions, and live music and wellness-inspired food and drinks. The Ice Bath integrates minimalist design with advanced functionality to support mental and physical well-being.

The Kohler x Remedy Place Ice Bath offers a reimagined approach to cold plunges, focusing on functionality and modern design. It features a dark, minimalist aesthetic, durable materials, precision temperature control, ergonomic design, UV-powered filtration, and integrated lighting for guided breath-work.

what: Kohler x Remedy Place Beach Club

where: Miami Beach EDITION Hotel Sandbox, 2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach

when: December 2nd — 6th, 2024

images courtesy Kohler

Lightfall at Superblue Miami

Superblue will debut Lightfall, a mesmerizing new installation by Studio Lemercier in collaboration with ambient musician Murcof. This multisensory experience immerses visitors in an interplay of light, water, and air, evoking atmospheric phenomena. As guests traverse a darkened space, cascading mist and suspended light forms reveal nature’s dynamic elements, accompanied by Murcof’s ethereal soundscapes. Designed specifically for Superblue, Lightfall builds on the Brussels-based studio’s innovative use of technology to reimagine natural forces. The work invites reflection on humanity’s connection to the environment in a deeply experiential way.

what: Lightfall

where: Superblue, 1101 NW 23 Street Miami

when: Opening October 28th, 2024

Studio Lemercier, Lightfall, 2024 | image courtesy Superblue © Mind The Film

Pininfarina x VISO: A Childhood Dream

Pininfarina and VISO Inc. unveil A Childhood Dream, an immersive installation and film debuting before Design Miami/Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 at VISO Galleria. Inspired by childhood wonder, the exhibit transforms the space into a dreamlike realm, featuring sculptural light fixtures designed by Pininfarina and engineered by VISO. The installation, blending advanced materials, lighting, and soundscapes by French filmmaker Gwenael Lewis, symbolizes the journey from imagination to reality through three stages of sculptures: soft, undefined forms, evolving into dynamic, high-definition shapes.

what: Pininfarina x VISO: A Childhood Dream
where: VISO Galleria, 270 NE 61st St, Miami

when: December 4th — 6th, 2024

image courtesy Pininfarina

memphis miami

During Miami Art & Design Week, Capsule magazine and curatorial platform presents Memphis Miami, a vibrant exhibition celebrating the bold spirit of Memphis Milano and artist Katherine Bernhardt. The show features Memphis icons like Ettore Sottsass’ Carlton bookshelf alongside Bernhardt’s limited-edition rugs hand-woven in Nepal, blending playful pop motifs with 80s-inspired designs. Immersed in a bubblegum pink space, the exhibit nods to Memphis’ postmodern legacy and Bernhardt’s signature style, creating a lively dialogue between Italian radical design and American pop surrealism.

what: Memphis Miami

where: 88 NE 39th Street,​ ​Miami Design District

when: December 2nd — 8th, 2024

image courtesy Memphis Milano

LVMH Culture House

LVMH Culture House, a five-day immersive art and cultural experience in the Miami Design District, will highlight diverse emerging and established artists, including LO, Kandy Lopez, Glenneisha Darkins, and Yuki Ando, with a focus on underrepresented groups. The program features panel discussions with LVMH brand presidents, artists, and entrepreneurs like Chris Collins, Marques McCammon, and Jessica Rivera, alongside cultural influencers Terrence J and Emory Jones of Roc Nation. The exhibition will also showcase work by two student artists.

what: LVMH Culture House

where: Paradise Plaza Event Space, 151 NE 41st Street, 3rd floor, Miami Design District

when: December 4th — 8th, 2024

image courtesy LVMH

Miami Design District: Pearl Jam by Nicole Nomsa Moyo

The Miami Design District, in partnership with the Design Miami Curatorial Lab, has named Nicole Nomsa Moyo as the recipient of the 2024 Annual Design Commission. Marking its 10th edition, this year’s installation, titled Pearl Jam, takes inspiration from South Africa’s Ndebele tribe. It features a series of interactive, life-sized experiences, including oversized pearls and jewelry-inspired sculptures. Additionally, over 1,000 handcrafted ‘earrings’ created by indigenous Ndebele women will adorn the trees throughout the neighborhood.

what: Pearl Jam by Nicole Nomsa Moyo

where: Paseo Ponti & Paradise Plaza, Miami Design District

when: November 2024 — March 2025

image courtesy Miami Design District

Pérez Art Museum (PAMM)

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) presents Kate Capshaw: Exclusive Tonsorial Services, the artist’s Miami debut and solo exhibition during Miami Art & Design Week. The exhibition unveils a powerful new portrait honoring Sergei Grant, a barber and entrepreneur who has overcome adversity and now mentors aspiring barbers while offering mobile haircuts to those in need. Accompanied by a series of photographs capturing local youth and patrons of Grant’s Miami-Dade barbershop, Capshaw’s work celebrates the resilience, dignity, and sense of community fostered in barbershops.

Through this exhibition, the artist continues her exploration of underrepresented communities, emphasizing the vital role of such spaces in building connections and supporting individuals. This presentation expands Capshaw’s ongoing commitment to highlighting systemic issues like homelessness and inequality, while honoring the everyday heroes who make a meaningful impact within their communities.

what: Kate Capshaw: Exclusive Tonsorial Services

where: Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami

when: November 21st, 2024 — January 19th, 2025

BMW x KITH

BMW partners with KITH during Miami Art & Design Week 2024: ‘This year, BMW and KITH have partnered to reawake the M1 in a special archival color,‘ the team wrote in a teaser on social media. As KITH founder Ronnie Fieg is a renowned BMW collector, a collection of his vintage vehicles will be on view alongside previous BMW x KITH editions: the M4 and i4 M50 — all accompanying the new car in Miami. 

 

 

 

 

 

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DESIGNART Tokyo returns this fall for its 2024 edition, unveiling its theme, Reframing—The Beginning of a Shift. Known as one of Japan’s largest design and art festivals, the event brings together leading creators in design, art, interior design, and fashion to showcase their work across various locations in Tokyo, one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities. This year’s edition reflects on the overwhelming abundance of information in the digital age, which often reduces creativity to mere déjà vu. In response, DESIGNART Tokyo 2024 invites visitors to explore fresh perspectives and new values that defy conventional boundaries. Running from October 18th to 27th, 2024, the festival reaffirms Tokyo’s role as a global hub for innovative design and art.

In the run up of DESIGNART Tokyo 2024, designboom previews the themes, venues, and exhibitions set to enliven the Japanese city this month. Discover our list of highlights below.

all images courtesy of DESIGNART Tokyo

a collaboration with Perrier-Jouët & FormaFantasma

DESIGNART Tokyo 2024 announces Perrier-Jouët as its official champagne, highlighting a design collaboration with the Italian design studio FormaFantasma. This year, the esteemed Champagne Maison partnered with the design duo to create an architectural installation at the Ambonnay vineyard in the Champagne region, inspired by Perrier-Jouët’s commitment to biodiversity. In Japan, a limited edition of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2016 is available for purchase, accompanied by two glasses designed by FormaFantasma. This collaboration emphasizes the intersection of design, nature, and fine champagne.

Formafantasma’s design for Perrier-Jouët

The Official ‘Reframing’ Exhibition 

The Reframing exhibition at the 2024 DESIGNART Tokyo brings together 18 creators under the direction of four prominent curators from the fields of art, design, craft, and technology. Each curator brings their own distinct perspective—some exploring unique aesthetics, others using art to express their beliefs—yet the boundaries between their practices are increasingly blurred. With this exhibition, the Japanese art and design festival challenges conventional thinking and encourages viewers to question a world shaped by preconceived notions and limitations. Are our perceptions shaped by external influences, or do they reflect reality? Reframing invites audiences to explore these questions and uncover new insights that may shape an inspiring future.

The HYBE Design Team, spatial designer of the Reframing exhibition, have envisioned a minimalist space that encourages visitors to reflect on the present while contemplating the future. By using recycled materials in their solid form, the exhibition sets a new standard, emphasizing sustainable design practices.

venue: World Kita-Aoyama Building (3-5-10 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

Jiabao Li, TransVision

AXIS Gallery – JOINT EXHIBITION: Woodwork

AXIS GALLERY’s exhibition highlights the versatility and timeless appeal of wood as a foundational material in furniture and interior design. Architect Koichiro Oniki’s ODS / Oniki Design Studio presents Forêt, a series of console and low tables inspired by the Japanese Kumiko technique. Takusei Kajitani introduces CONSENTABLE, which delves into the theme Deep Dive into What I Want, representing a decade of innovative design exploration. Shizuoka-based workshop iwakagu showcases custom-made wooden furniture that reexamines the relationship between home and woodworking. MARUHON offers high-quality solid wood flooring, emphasizing the natural beauty of oak, iron, and stone. Designer Shinya Yamamoto contributes pieces that balance simplicity and charm, blending elements of product design and sculpture. TGDA+639 (Gaku Takasu and Toshifumi Momose) explores ‘deconstruction and reconstruction’ through geometrically complex designs. The design unit tossanaigh features a sustainable dining table crafted from forest wood remnants. Together, these exhibits present a fresh perspective on the evolving potential of wood in contemporary design and craftsmanship.

venue: AXIS Gallery AXIS Building 4F, 5-17-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Di+Re products by TGDA+639

TIERS GALLERY

TIERS GALLERY hosts an exhibition featuring new works by four emerging interior product designers. Makio Nomura and Takeru Sato’s Farm and Build introduce the Straight Arm Chair and Najio Low Table, reflecting their approach to design as a process of cultivating and discovering new values. Hojo Akira, a member of the UNDER 30 program, presents a sofa concept that redefines the relationship between users and manufacturers by shifting focus away from traditional mass production priorities like quality control and inventory management. This design also integrates recyclable materials to emphasize environmental sustainability. Masaya Kawamoto unveils his PF Chair / PF Armchair, featuring unique color tones achieved through an experimental salt bath coloring process. Meanwhile, the design collective PULSE—comprising Rikiya Toyoshima, Shomu Taki, and Daiki Mitsui— showcases GROPING PROCESS, a piece that explores innovative combinations of materials and techniques to create new design values.

venue: TIERS GALLERY, 5-7-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

work by Hojo Akira

DESIGN TOUCH 2024 | TOKYO MIDTOWN

During Tokyo Midtown’s DESIGN TOUCH 2024, three creators will showcase their works under the theme Woven Design—Weaving the Future.

Saki Takeshita (Galleria 2F, in front of Lucien Pellat-Finet) presents Eeyo, a graphic work that dyes balsa wood—the lightest wood in the world—using hot air at nearly 200 degrees to transform its colors, turning greens into pinks and blues into reds. This innovative process allows for the graphical processing of uneven, curved, and three-dimensional surfaces while preserving the wood grain’s texture.

Yusuke Wakata (Galleria 2F, beside Lucien Pellat-Finet) showcases RE 47 CRAFTS, a project that upcycles local fruits and food scraps from Japan’s 47 prefectures into new products. By collaborating with local artisans, he redesigns traditional crafts using these materials, highlighting regional culture and potential.

AAAQ (Galleria 2F, in front of Aēsop), a duo of product designer Atsuro Miyako and user interface designer So Ohta, presents Visible Stress, which uses photoelasticity to visualize invisible forces, allowing viewers to appreciate the interplay of light created by pressure. This work encourages reflection on our perceptions of ourselves and our surroundings.

venue: Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 

AAAQ “VisibleStress”

Hibiya OKUROJI

Hibiya Okuroji, nestled deep in Ginza, features impressive brick arches over a century old and will host unique exhibitions along its 300-meter-long walkway. Aqua Clara, a leader in Japan’s water server market, will showcase bottle upcycling in collaboration with Honoka, a design lab known for enhancing the appeal of materials and processes. Cyuon, a powder coating factory in Fukuyama City, has partnered with Naoto Ogawa from Nomura Co. to create ‘unknown,’ an artwork that highlights the unique textures of coloring and metallic finishes wrapped in transparent hues, embodying the theme Make the World a Better Place Through Robotics. Yukai Kogaku, a robotics developer, will present PROTOTYPING☆YUKAI, displaying not only their current products but also the development processes and prototypes that serve as seeds for new innovations. Color and Wonder exhibit new designs, including the 2DEE wall storage, 2TONE stool, and VOX stool, along with a first look at an unreleased table made of CLT (cross-laminated timber). Additionally, aesthetics researcher and smoke artist Ochi Baku presents Nocturnal White, a piece that evokes the beauty of darkness through the delicate art of fluttering smoke.

venue: Hibiya OKUROJI 1-7-1 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Aqua Clara × HONOKA｜ Trace of Water

KEF Festival of Space Immersed in Sound and Light

The KEF Festival of Space Immersed in Sound and Light showcases an exhibition by the UK-based audio brand KEF, founded in 1961. Collaborating with renowned designer Michael Young and Klein Dytham architecture (KDa), who designed the KEF Music Gallery in Aoyama, the event will take place at this gallery. Attendees can expect an innovative multi-colored display of stick lights designed by Young in the 1990s, paired with KEF’s LS60 Wireless Speakers, creating a captivating fusion of sound and light that highlights the artistry of all three collaborators.

venue: KEF Music Gallery Tokyo 5-5-6 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Sticklight by Michael Young

Stellar Works and sony Group Creative CenteR

Stellar Works showcases its mainstay collection in a workplace setting, emphasizing the future of workspace design. As a global furniture brand with a focus on high-end hospitality, the exhibition illustrates how Stellar Works’ products can integrate into various environments. The display highlights the concepts of Cultured Sensibility and Timeless Craft, showcasing how these ideas contribute to the evolving landscape of workspace design.

Meanwhile, the Sony Group Creative Center presents Create More Fun, an interactive exhibition at the Aoyama StellarWorks showroom. This exhibition explores the dynamics of CMF (Color, Material, Finish) and how these elements integrate across physical and digital dimensions. Visitors can engage with the various facets of design, showcasing Sony’s innovative approach to creating enjoyable experiences.

venue: Stellar Works Showroom Aoyama Bldg. 2F, 1-2-3 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Create More Fun by Sony

TOYOTA Structural Design Studio presents memories of cars

The TOYOTA Structural Design Studio presents an exhibition based on its Geological Design philosophy, focusing on minimizing resource use while enhancing product appeal through recycling and upcycling. Dubbed Memories of Cars: Material Transformation and the Scenes through Glass, the show incorporates unconventional materials like rarely recycled glass and slag, a byproduct from metal reuse. By using glass as a medium, the display aims to showcase the diverse properties and transformations of these materials, visually preserving the memories of their previous forms and integrating elements from automotive production.

venue: Seeen B1F 4-13-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Toyota presents Memories of Cars: Material Transformation and the Scenes through Glass

Nomura focuses on Being: What if furniture had a life of its own?

Nomura Co., Ltd. specializes in creating spaces where people gather, including commercial facilities, hotels, workplaces, expos, and museums. The Nomura design team seeks to reimagine the relationship between people and architectural objects, crafting environments that foster deeper connections and experiences. One of the challenges they address is the tendency to discard usable furniture due to a lack of emotional attachment. This exhibition explores how viewing furniture as something to ‘be with’ rather than merely to ‘own and use’ can cultivate a long-term bond, encouraging a shift in how society perceives and values these objects. Through experimental designs, the exhibition invites visitors to reconsider the evolving relationship between people and the items they interact with.

venue: GYRE 4F, 5-10-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Nomura’s exhibition explores how viewing furniture as something to ‘be with’

&T × Hiroko Otake explore Flow and Movement

The embroidery art brand &T, launched by TAJIMA, a manufacturer of industrial embroidery machines, presents an art installation in collaboration with contemporary Nihonga artist Hiroko Otake. Using upcycled fabrics and yarns, the installation addresses the ideals and challenges associated with technological development. The exhibit features interactive embroidered butterflies that light up when touched, along with three-dimensional embroidered butterflies that appear to flutter in mid-air. The sensory experience is designed to engage both children and adults alike.

venue: Spiral Esplanade (Spiral M 2F) 5-6-23 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

&T presents an art installation in collaboration with contemporary Nihonga artist Hiroko Otake

Behind the scenes of Takram’s product design 

Takram, a design innovation firm known for collaborating with changemakers across diverse fields, spotlights its approach to product design in this exhibition. The display offers a behind-the-scenes look at the design process, showcasing actual products along with project documents and prototypes. It aims to explore how new value is created while meeting client requirements and maintaining high quality. The exhibition also features a talk event with Takram designers and client representatives to discuss insights and methods used during the project.

venue: SAS B1F, 3-56-3 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

image by Shinya Sato (Shinya Sato Photography office)

Cocoon Anatomy

Selected as a member of UNDER 30, Hiroto Ikebe seeks to revitalize the declining sericulture industry by reinterpreting its traditions and combining them with modern technology. His exhibition, COCOON ANATOMY, showcases a garment made from waste products of cocoons, highlighting the connection between materials and producers. By visualizing the process and history of textile production, the exhibition aims to reestablish an appreciation for sericulture in a world transformed by industrialization.

venue: foundation B1F, 9-5-12 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052

image by Yasunari Kimura / FFP©

Cassina ixc – Renovated Aoyama Main Store exhibit

The recently renovated third floor of the Aoyama flagship store feature the original and select brand Cassina ixc, along with ixc. EDITION, CECCOTTI COLLEZIONI, and other styles that embody the concept of Casa (house), offering a fresh perspective on personal interior design. Visitors can also join a guided tour of the Cassina ixc. headquarters office, designed by Patricia Urquiola. This exclusive tour showcases the redesigned office space, which blends functionality and beauty to create a more vibrant and comfortable workspace environment.

venue: Unimat Aoyama Bldg. 1F-3F (store) 4F (office), 2-12-14 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

BRIDGE sofa & table / ixc. EDITION

FLEXFORM – BETWEEN THE FOLDS

Flexform Tokyo unveils its collection FLEXFORM, characterized by its timeless and elegant beauty. The 2024 series showcases craftsmanship with historical roots. This collection includes a reissued model by Antonio Citterio, who has been supervising the brand for 40 years. Additionally, a new armchair designed by Fumie Shibata, the first Japanese designer to join FLEXFORM, is on display.

venue: Flexform Tokyo, 6-4-10 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

ERI armchair Designer Fumie Shibata

Molteni&C presents MOLTENI MONDO. AN ITALIAN DESIGN STORY

Italian brand Molteni&C hosts a launch event titled MOLTENI MONDO. AN ITALIAN DESIGN STORY. The event celebrates the brand’s 90th anniversary and features a photo book that captures its legacy. The book, reminiscent of a film production, is photographed by renowned American photographer Jeff Burton. During the exhibition period, a special installation is also available for public viewing at Molteni&C’s headquarters in Italy.

venue: MOLTENI&C TOKYO, Almost Blue Building A/B, 6-4-6 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

image by Jeff Burton

A Sky Pocket by Manami Numata

Manami Numata holds a solo exhibition at sync public, located in the newly relocated office of sync Inc. Numata draws inspiration from the beauty of nature while living in her hometown of Hagi City. Her new series, themed around the concept of the sky, adds vibrant colors to her existing body of work, which often features maps and still lifes as motifs. This year’s exhibition also showcases a commissioned piece from a new series: a large-scale painting of the city of Tokyo. 

venue: Shin-Aoyama Building West Wing 1F, 1-1-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Sky Pocket by Manami Numata

Brian Alfred’s Golden Hour at MAHO KUBOTA GALLERY

Situated at the cultural crossroads of Jingumae in Tokyo, where Harajuku and Aoyama converge, the MAHO KUBOTA GALLERY presents Golden Hour, a solo exhibition by New York-based artist Brian Alfred. Drawing inspiration from traditional American painters, Alfred’s works depict scenes from his travels and significant moments in his daily life. He describes each painting as a snapshot of a shimmering life moment and a page from a visual diary. The exhibition captures fleeting glimpses of the experiences that resonate with us during our busy lives, evoking memories of cherished moments and reminding viewers of the beauty found in everyday life.

venue: 2-4-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Brian Alfred / RISING SUN, 2024, acrylic on canvas

Straft presents NEST exhibition

Straft, a member of the selected UNDER30, presents Exhibition NEST, featuring works made from rice straw, an object historically revered in Japan for its use in roofs, walls, daily tools, and Shinto rituals. This exhibition takes place at the KARAKURI Gallery in Tokyo. Through this exploration of the natural world, the creator aims to live in harmony with nature and delve into the essence of spiritual richness that is essential in today’s society.

venue: Keshiki B1F 6th Heiwa Building, 6-5 Nihonbashi Kabuto-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Straft aims to live in harmony with nature and delve into the essence of spiritual richness

Terence Conran – Making Modern Britain

At the Tokyo Station Gallery, an exhibition titled Terence Conran – Making Modern Britain explores the character of Sir Terence Conran (1931-2020), a transformative figure in British life and culture known for his Plain, Simple, Useful design philosophy. It features a large-scale showcase of Conran’s work, including The Conran Shop, which he launched in the 1970s and played a pivotal role in sparking a design boom in the UK. Over 300 artworks and documents will provide insight into Conran’s personality, highlighting his accomplishments as a founder, designer, and entrepreneur across various industries.

venue: Tokyo Station Gallery, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

YOichi Ochiai solo show at Brillia Art Gallery

Dubbed Divine Duality: Sushi, Null, and the Eel Dragon in Edo’s Cyclical Time and Space, Yoichi Ochiai’s solo show at Brillia Art Gallery (BAG) explores religious spaces in the Edo period and the cyclical nature of time and space, based on the digital and computational philosophies. Ochiai’s research on the history of the Yaesu, Nihonbashi, and Kyobashi areas led to the creation of two central sculptures. The first, One Buddha, Five Ayu, Eight Eels, Triangular Rimmed Buddha and Beast Mirror, modernizes Buddhist elements within Shinto-Buddhist syncretism. The second, Eel Dragon, represents the reincarnation of the Dragon God. Together, these works cycle through day and night, inviting reflection on the relationship between time, space, and spirituality.

venue: BAG-Brillia Art Gallery-Tokyo Tatemono Kyobashi Building, 3-6-18 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Yoichi Ochiai solo show – Divine Duality: Sushi, Null, and the Eel Dragon in Edo’s Cyclical Time and Space

project info: 

name: DESIGNART Tokyo 2024
theme: Reframing ～the Beginning of a Shift～
dates: 18 October – 27 October 2024
location: Omotesando, Gaienmae, Harajuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, Hiroo, Ginza, Tokyo station area
organizer: DESIGNART TOKYO COMMITTEE
Founders: Akio Aoki (MIRU DESIGN), Shun Kawakami (artless Inc.),
Hiroshi Koike (NONGRID), OkisatoNagata (TIMELESS), Astrid Klein & Mark Dytham (Klein Dytham architecture)

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This October, two highly anticipated events in the world of art and design converge in the french capital: Art Basel Paris and Design Miami.Paris. Running from October 18th to 20th, 2024, Art Basel Paris is the first fair to take place at the Grand Palais after three years of renovations, bringing together 195 galleries from 42 countries and territories, including 53 first-time participants and 64 galleries operating spaces in France. Meanwhile, for the second edition of its flagship Parisian fair, Design Miami.Paris returns to L’hôtel de Maisons from October 16th to 20th, 2024, welcoming an array of rare and unique displays of historic and contemporary collectible design.

Alongside the fairs, a wide range of art and design exhibitions are opening at some of Paris’s most iconic museums and galleries, from the Fondation Cartier, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, to the Bourse De Commerce, which hosts a major exhibition devoted to Arte Povera. Dive into our curated guide below to discover the must-see highlights of the 2024 editions of Art Basel Paris and Design Miami.Paris, as well as all the other exciting shows happening across the french capital.

the 2024 edition of Art Basel Paris is held at the Grand Palais | image courtesy of Art Basel Paris (also head image)

art basel paris returns for its 2024 edition

Running from October 18th to 20th, the 2024 edition of Art Basel Paris, held at the Grand Palais, features 195 galleries from 42 countries, including 53 first-time participants and 64 French galleries. The event is divided into three sections: Galeries, showcasing diverse gallery programs; Emergence, highlighting emerging galleries and artists; and Premise, featuring unique curatorial projects, including pre-1900 works. Additionally, the new Oh La La! initiative invites exhibitors to present rarely-seen work in their booth for 48 hours, on Friday, October 18th, and Saturday, October 19th.

The public program of the fair unfolds across the whole city, in nine locations: Palais d’Iéna, Avenue Winston Churchill, Petit Palais, Cour de l’Hôtel de la Marine, Domaine national du Palais-Royal, Beaux-Arts de Paris – Chapelle des Petits-Augustins, Parvis de l’Institut de France, Musée national Eugène-Delacroix, Hôtel de Sully, and Place Vendôme. At the same time, the fair partners with the city’s top institutions, including Centre Pompidou, Palais de Tokyo, Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection, Fondation Louis Vuitton, Musée d’Orsay, Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, and many more, to offer an artistic program radiating throughout the capital.

Domaine national du Palais-Royal | image courtesy of Art Basel Paris

the second edition of design miami.paris

Returning for October 16th to 20th, Design Miami.Paris hosts its second edition at the L’hôtel de Maison, an 18th-century mansion, once home to the distinguished Pozzo di Borgo family and celebrated fashion designer, creative director, artist and photographer Karl Lagerfeld. The fair features an impressive array of rare and unique design objects, ranging from furniture and jewelry to lighting, offering a blend of both historic and contemporary collectible design. Over 20 renowned international galleries participate, including Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Friedman Benda, Galerie kreo, and Nilufar, among others. The event explores several key themes, such as Material Marvels, showcasing innovative uses of materials; Refined Rarities, highlighting rare and limited-edition pieces; The Legacy of Modernism, focusing on modernist influences in design; and Cultural Exchange, emphasizing cross-cultural design dialogues.

Design Miami.Paris takes place at L’hôtel de Maison | image courtesy of Design Miami.Paris

ART BASEL PARIS HIGHLIGHTS

MIU MIU PRESENTS: ‘TALES & TELLERS’ EXHIBITION

Miu Miu presents a special project titled Tales & Tellers at the Palais d’Iéna, the headquarters of France’s Economic, Social and Environmental Council, which also hosts Miu Miu’s runway shows. Conceived by interdisciplinary artist Goshka Macuga and organized by Elvira Dyangani Ose, Director of MACBA, Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, Tales & Tellers emphasizes the significance of storytelling in sharing knowledge and shaping understanding, particularly highlighting women’s roles as storytellers. Additionally, Macuga collaborates with Miu Miu on an artistic intervention for the Spring/Summer 2025 runway show, scheduled for October 1, 2024, at the same venue.

what: Tales & Tellers
when: 16 – 20 October, 2024
where: Palais d’Iéna, 75016 Paris

image courtesy of Miu Miu

ART BASEL PARIS HIGHLIGHTS

CARSTEN HÖLLER’S TRIPLE MUSHROOM IN PLACE VENDÔME

From October 15 to November 24, 2024, Carsten Höller’s latest large-scale sculpture, Giant Triple Mushroom, is on display at Place Vendôme in Paris. Standing nearly three meters (ten feet) tall, the artwork merges enlarged cross-sections of three distinct mushroom species into one hybrid form. Presented by Gagosian, the piece is part of Art Basel Paris’s public programming.

what: Giant Triple Mushroom
when: 15 October – 24 November 2024
where: Place Vendôme, Paris

image by Minko Minev courtesy of the artist and Gagosian

Design Miami.Paris Highlights

Fornasetti presents: Engraving reflections

For Design Miami.Paris 2024, Fornasetti will showcase a selection of pieces that reflect the Milanese atelier’s origins and artistic values. Two limited-edition trumeau cabinets will be unveiled: the Riflesso di Architettura, a one-of-a-kind mirrored glass piece hand-engraved in collaboration with Barbini, and the Architettura Archetipo, inspired by a 1950s prototype and made from Italian walnut root, in a limited edition of five. Additionally, two reissued vases from the Fornasetti archive, originally from the 1940s-1950s, will be featured.

image courtesy of Fornasetti

Design Miami.Paris Highlights

MYCOWORKS AND PARAGONE LAUNCH Mycelium DESIGN OBJECTS

Biotechnology company MycoWorks and Paris-based design agency Paragone team up to launch the Mycelium Muse collection, featuring seven interior design objects crafted by seven French women designers. This collection celebrates MycoWorks’ innovative material, Reishi, a sustainable mycelium-based leather known for its strength, durability, and luxurious feel. Described as a modern muse for today’s creatives, Reishi is soft, supple, and alive, with each sheet resembling a piece of art. The Mycelium Muse collection features works by Sophie Dries, Anna Le Corno, Josephine Fossey, Pauline Guerrier, Marion Mailaender, Fanny Perrier, and Sarah Valente. Discover designboom’s coverage here.

image courtesy MycoWorks and Paragone

Design Miami.Paris Highlights

Galerie Kreo presents iconic contemporary works

On the occasion of Design Miami.Paris, Galerie Kreo presents contemporary works by Virgil Abloh, Guillaume Bardet, Ronan Bouroullec, Pierre Charpin, Jean-Baptiste Fastrez, Front, Olivier Gagnère, Jaime Hayon, Alessandro Mendini and Marc Newson, as well as exceptional vintage pieces by Pierre Paulin, Gino Sarfatti and Studio B.B.P.R.

what: Galerie Kreo at Design Miami.Paris
when: 16 – 20 October, 2024
where: Room 1, L’hôtel de Maisons 51, rue de l’Université 75007 Paris

image courtesy of Galerie Kreo

Design Miami.Paris Highlights

SCAD debuts commissions and new works

SCAD: The University for Creative Careers debuts new works and commissions by celebrated alumni at Design Miami Paris 2024, highlighting innovative practices from the university’s fibers, furniture design, industrial design, and interior design programs. Featured alumni include Trish Andersen, Lærke Lillelund, Bradley Bowers, and Eny Lee Parker. The showcase, set in the historic L’hôtel de Maisons, explores playful uses of color, material, and texture. Notable pieces include a vibrant tufted floor covering by Andersen, a structural organza installation by Lillelund, a reimagined vintage sofa by Bowers, and richly textural wood and ceramic tables by Parker.

image courtesy of SCAD

Design Miami.Paris Highlights

Saint-Louis presents Chamade by Pierre Marie

Saint-Louis collaborates with artist-decorator Pierre Marie to create Chamade, a collection of three crystal pieces that blend art and craftsmanship. Inspired by nature, flowers, and music, the three pieces —Tenor, Alto, and Soprano— include elements like reeds, vases, and spheres, creating a rich, organic feel. The collection features bold mouth-blown crystal in a unique combination of five colors—purple, amethyst, chartreuse green, amber, and sky blue—used together for the first time. 

image courtesy of Saint-Louis

Design Miami.Paris Highlights

Galerie Gastou presents Jean Touret’s work

Galerie Gastou, in collaboration with Galerie Desprez-Bréhéret, showcase a historic collection of furniture focused on the exceptional creations of Jean Touret for the artisans of Marolles. Touret’s work, celebrated for its commitment to craftsmanship, embraces a minimalist style that brings out the natural beauty of materials and fine artistry. In addition, Galerie Gastou features pieces by ceramic sculptor Agnès Debizet, known for her dreamlike, baroque designs. Her ceramics challenge the boundaries of form and matter, creating mesmerizing, gravity-defying works. The exhibition takes place at the Hôtel de Maisons. 

Galerie Gastou x Desprez Breheret | image © Edouard Auffray

exhibitions, events, AND GALLERIES around PARIS

Fondation Cartier celebrates 40th anniversary

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Fondation Cartier presents the first major European retrospective of Olga de Amaral, a significant figure in Colombian art and Fiber Art. It features nearly 80 works, spanning from the 1960s to the present, many of which have never been exhibited outside Colombia. In addition to her iconic gold leaf pieces, the exhibition highlights her early textile experiments and monumental works.

what: Olga de Amaral
when: 12 October 2024 – 16 March 2025
where: Fondation Cartier, 261 Bd Raspail, 75014 Paris

Olga de Amaral, Cenit, 2019 © Olga de Amaral

Pinault Collection’S Arte Povera SHOW at Bourse de Commerce

The Pinault Collection hosts a major exhibition at the Bourse de Commerce, dedicated to Arte Povera. This exhibition showcases over 250 historical and contemporary works from this influential Italian art movement of the 1960s, delving into both its Italian roots and international impact. Featuring works by key figures such as Giovanni Anselmo, Alighiero Boetti, Mario Merz, and Marisa Merz, the show is set against the backdrop of the Bourse de Commerce, which has been reimagined by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Designed as a landscape that highlights the infinite poetics of Arte Povera, the display is curated by Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, a leading expert on the movement. It brings together about 50 iconic works from the Pinault Collection alongside pieces from other prestigious public and private collections.

what: Arte Povera
when: 9 October 2024 – 20 January 2025
where: Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection, 2 Rue de Viarmes, 75001

Giuseppe Penone, Alpi marittime – Ho intrecciato tre alberi, Alpi marittime – L’albero ricorderà il contatto, Alpi marittime – I miei anni collegati da un filo di rame, 1968-1985. Pinault Collection. installation view at Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Arte Contemporanea, Rivoli-Turin, 1991 | image by Gérard Rondeau © ADAGP, Paris, 2024.

Musée Picasso Paris Delves Into Jackson Pollock’s Early Years

The national Musée Picasso Paris hosts the temporary exhibition, Jackson Pollock: The Early Years (1934-1947). This is the first Pollock exhibition in France since 2008 and focuses on his early works, highlighting the influence of regionalism, Mexican muralists, Native American art, and the European avant-garde, including Pablo Picasso. The exhibition explores key moments in Pollock’s development, showcasing his experimentation with painting, materials, printmaking, and sculpture. It features around 100 works from prestigious institutions like New York’s Museum of Modern Art, the Tate, and the Centre Pompidou.

what: Jackson Pollock: The Early Years (1934-1947)
when: 15 October 2024 – 19 January 2025
where: Musée Picasso, 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris

Jackson Pollock, Untitled (1938-1941), oil on canvas, The Art Institute of Chicago © Pollock-Krasner Foundation / ADAGP, Paris 2024

Elmgreen & Dragset explore masculinity at Musée d’Orsay

Elmgreen & Dragset have been invited to display their sculptures in the Musée d’Orsay’s sculpture nave. Known for combining performance, space, and sculpture, the duo has created an installation specifically for the museum titled L’Addition. This architectural intervention challenges traditional ways of displaying art and includes new figurative sculptures. These works explore themes related to contemporary masculinities and engage with the museum’s permanent collection, drawing connections between past and present approaches to figuration.

what: L’Addition
when: 15 October 2024 – 2 February 2025
where: Musée d’Orsay, Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 75007 Paris

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris – The Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent

The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris presents The Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent, a joint exhibition with the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech. Curated by Olivier Saillard and Gaël Mamine, the exhibition explores the designer’s deep fascination with flowers, a key source of inspiration in his work. Over 30 garments and drawings highlight the symbiosis between nature, literature, and fashion, with floral motifs featured throughout. The exhibition also includes works by American artist Sam Falls, whose floral prints on canvas complement Saint Laurent’s haute couture creations, celebrating the timeless beauty of flowers in art and fashion.

what: The Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent
when: 20 September 2024 – 4 May 2025
where: Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, 5 Av. Marceau, 75116 Paris

image courtesy of Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris

Surréalisme at Centre Pompidou

The exhibition Surréalisme at the Centre Pompidou is a centenary celebration of the surrealist movement, curated by Didier Ottinger and Marie Sarré. Combining paintings, drawings, films, photographs, and literary documents the exhibition features over 500 works from renowned artists such as Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Joan Miró, it also highlights the contributions of female surrealists like Leonora Carrington and Dora Maar.

what: Surréalisme
where: Centre Pompidou, Paris
when: 4 September 2024 – 13 January 2025

Max Ernst, L’ange du foyer (Le Triomphe du surréalisme), 1937 | image courtesy of Centre Pompidou

KADIST x Centre Pompidou

The exhibition Apophenia, Interruptions: Artists and Artificial Intelligence at work marks the second chapter of a three-year collaboration between KADIST and the Centre Pompidou, focusing on the intersections of artificial intelligence and contemporary artistic production. As the inaugural project of the KADIST Nomadic Collection—a program establishing long-term partnerships between the foundation and international museums—the exhibition features new commissions and recent works by international artists integrating AI into their creative processes while critically examining its impact. Featured artists include Éric Baudelaire, Mat Dryhurst and Holly Herndon, Auriea Harvey, Interspecifics, Agnieszka Kurant, and Ho Rui An. The exhibition is curated by Joseph del Pesco (International Director, KADIST) and Marcella Lista (Chief Curator, New Media Collections Department, Centre Pompidou, Musée national d’art moderne).

what: Apophenia, Interruptions: Artists and Artificial Intelligence at work
when: 25 September 2024 – 6 January 2025
where: Centre Pompidou, Musée national d’art moderne, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris

Holly Herndon & Mat Dryhurst, I’m Here, 17.12.2022, 5:44 (video still), 2023

KADIST x Palais de Tokyo

KADIST Paris and Palais de Tokyo present a joint exhibition as part of the Lithuanian Season in France, showcasing the works of a dozen artists spanning several generations. While most of the featured artists are Lithuanian, others are based in the region or in France. This project arises in response to the geopolitical upheaval caused by the war in Ukraine, reflecting on the ruptures and dislocations it has generated in time and space. Two years into the invasion, the exhibition probes what form of normality remains possible within the conflict zone as history seems to repeat itself. Running concurrently at KADIST Paris and Palais de Tokyo in autumn 2024, the exhibition concludes with a final edition at the Vilnius Contemporary Art Center in 2025. The show is curated by Neringa Bumblienė (CAC Vilnius) and Emilie Villez (KADIST Paris).

what: Borders are nocturnal animals / Sienos yra naktiniai gyvūnai
when: 12 October 2024 – 5 January 2025
where: KADIST Paris and Palais de Tokyo (France)

Deimantas Narkevicius (detail of installation), The Fifer, 2019 – Courtesy of Maureen Paley, London and the artist

Arts AlUla x AFALULA

On the occasion of Art Basel Paris, Arts AlUla and AFALULA present Orbis Tertius, the first exhibition in France featuring artists from AlUla’s residency program. Showcasing the works of 20 contemporary artists who have participated in the oasis city’s residency, the exhibition includes 43 pieces, 13 of which are brand-new productions. Taking its name from the writings of Jorge Luis Borges, the exhibition is inspired by the author’s idealist philosophy. Building on their research in a region with a millennia-old history—marked by archaeological remains of pre-Islamic civilizations and innovative urban planning—the featured artists delve into various realms of possibility. They weave ancestral stories with futuristic narratives, merging myths and legends with scientific knowledge. The exhibition is curated by Arnaud Morand, Head of Art and Creative Industries at AFALULA.

what: Orbis Tertius
when: 15 – 20 October 2024
where: 5 rue Saint-Merri, 75004 Paris

image courtesy of Arts AlUla and AFALULA

We Are Ona teams up with Carsten Höller’s Brutalisten

Creative culinary studio We Are Ona teams up with the Stockholm-based restaurant Brutalisten for a striking culinary pop-up at Art Basel Paris, featuring German artist Carsten Höller’s The Brutalist Kitchen Manifesto and renowned chefs Coen Dieleman and Stefan Eriksson. From October 14th to 20th, an iconic train station in Paris will be transformed into an immersive experience, where the entire setting—scenography, atmosphere, and design—unfolds in black and white, leaving the food and drinks as the only vibrant elements.

This collaboration combines the culinary philosophy of Brutalisten with We Are Ona’s commitment to boundary-pushing dining experiences. Guests can expect a visual and gastronomical journey, set against the raw aesthetics of The Brutalist Kitchen Manifesto, which puts focus on pure, unprocessed ingredients.

what: We Are Ona x Brutalisten & The Brutalist Kitchen Manifesto by Carsten Höller
when: 14-20 October 2024 
where: 39 Bd de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris

image courtesy of We Are Ona

Fondation Galeries Lafayette presents total by Martine Syms

In her first French retrospective, American artist Martine Syms transforms the Lafayette Anticipations – Fondation Galeries Lafayette into a unique, hybrid space resembling a store, merging elements from her Los Angeles studio with a public setting. This immersive environment blurs the boundaries between public and private, intimate and collective, offering a reflection on culture and the spaces that shape it. Through reproductions of her studio and art pieces available for sale, Syms explores existential questions, turning the space into a ‘theater of the everyday,’ where everyday roles and societal controls are put on display. The exhibition, dubbed Total, delves into themes of surveillance and identity construction, questioning the constant capture of our image and how it shapes our reality. By blending personal references, historical archives, and cultural representations of blackness and feminism, Syms critiques consumerism as both performance and identity, challenging us to reflect on how our desires are shaped by culture and media.

what: Total
when: from 16 October 2024
where: Lafayette Anticipations – Fondation Galeries Lafayette, 9 Rue du Plâtre, 75004 Paris

Martine Syms, Loser Back Home © Martine Syms. Courtesy of the artist and Sprüth Magers, Los Angeles | image by Robert Wedemeyer

THEN AND NOW AT SCENERS GALLERY

For its first exhibition, Sceners Gallery presents Then and Now, a selection of historic and contemporary design, with pieces by Rick Owens, Serge Mouille and Charlotte Perriand.

what: Then and Now

when: 14th October – December 2024 (by appointment)

where: Sceners Gallery, 88 Bd de Ménilmontant, 75020 Paris

Sceners Gallery, image © Jan Liégeois

italia at downtown+ Gallery

From October 12th to 16th, 2024, downtown+ presents its new exhibition Italia at the Hôtel de l’Industrie, in parallel with Design Miami. Paris. This exhibition brings together the masters of Italian design such as Ettore Sottsass, Andrea Branzi, Gaetano Pesce, Joe Colombo and Superstudio, with the contemporary universe of the painter Nicolas Mehdipour.

what: Italia
when: 10-16 October 2024
where: Hôtel de l’Industrie 4 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris

Ettore Sottsass, Mobile Giallo (1988) | image courtesy of downtown+

House of Today presents Sybil Layous & Serge Poliakoff

House of Today, in collaboration with Galerie Dina Vierny, presents an exhibition bringing together the works of post-war French abstractionist Serge Poliakoff and contemporary Lebanese ceramicist Sybil Layous. Curated by Cherine Magrabi, the show features Layous’ ceramic pieces inspired by Poliakoff’s paintings, blending his use of color and geometric composition with her own evolving techniques. The minimalist display, designed by architect Simon Basquin, creates a dialogue between the two artists, highlighting the shared emotional and aesthetic connections between their works, despite being from different eras and mediums.

what: Sybil Layous & Serge Poliakoff

when: 14 – 20 Octber 2024
where: Galerie Maxime Flatry, 33 rue Guénégaud, Paris 75006

image ©Mickael Llorca

Sottsass Sèvres Tempus 1994-2024

In 1994, the Sèvres Factory produced a series of 14 porcelain works specially designed by Ettore Sottsass. Marked by great formal coherence, they bear the names of emblematic women from history, literature or mythology. Three decades later, the Sèvres – Manufacture et Musée nationaux museum presents an exhibition titled Sottsass Sèvres Tempus 1994-2024, featuring the 14 works, at the Galerie de Sèvres in Paris. The works highlight Sottsass’ creativity and Sèvres’ craftsmanship, showcasing technical mastery enhanced by Murano glass and Aigueville stone, along with specially developed colors from the Sèvres laboratory. The collection can also be found at Sèvres’ stand at the 2024 edition of Design Miami /Paris. 

what: Sottsass Sèvres Tempus 1994-2024
when: from 17 October 2024
where: Galerie de Sèvres à Paris 4 place André Malraux 75001 Paris

Ettore Sottsass Diane © Gérard Jonca / Sèvres – Manufacture et Musée nationaux

Good Morning Korea, In the Land of the Morning Calm at Maison Guerlain

From October 16th to November 12th,  2024, Maison Guerlain Good Morning Korea, In the Land of the Morning Calm, a poetic exploration of South Korean culture through the work of multiple generations of contemporary artists. Curated by Hervé Mikaeloff, the exhibition celebrates the rich artistic heritage of the country and its interplay with nature, technology, and societal evolution. The exhibition also celebrates Maison Guerlain’s collaboration with renowned artist-philosopher Lee Ufan and the diverse perspectives it offers on Korean identity. Opening alongside Art Basel Paris, the exhibition transforms Maison Guerlain’s iconic venue featuring a range of artists such as Anicka Yi, Heemin Chung, Lee Bae, and Lee Bul.

what: Good Morning Korea, In the Land of the Morning Calm exhibition
when: October 16 – November 12, 2024
where: Maison Guerlain, 68 avenue des Champs-Elysées, 75008 Paris

JeeYoung Lee, Nightscape, 2012 | image courtesy of the artist

Transatlantic: Figurations in the 1980s at Opera Gallery

Opera Gallery Paris presents Transatlantic: Figurations in the 1980s from October 15th to November 14th, curated by Pascale Le Thorel. The exhibition explores figurative art from the 1980s, focusing on identity, consumerism, and urban life. It features iconic American artists like Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, and Andy Warhol, alongside French artists from the Figuration Libre movement, including Jean-Charles Blais, Hervé Di Rosa, and Robert Combas.

what: Transatlantic: Figurations in the 1980s exhibition
when: 15 October – 14 November 2024
where: Opera Gallery Paris, 62 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris

image courtesy of Opera Gallery Paris

Sturtevant ZIP ZAP! at Thaddaeus Ropac

To mark 100 years of American artist Sturtevant’s birth, Sturtevant: ZIP ZAP! celebrates her pioneering five-decade career at Thaddaeus Ropac Paris Marais. The exhibition focuses on her bold 1995 repetition of the visual artist Félix González-Torres’s Untitled (Go-Go Dancing Platform). Visitors can trace Sturtevant’s evolution, from her early 1966 painting exhibited in Paris to her later video works that critique the speed and saturation of postmodern imagery. This retrospective offers a unique opportunity to engage with Sturtevant’s body of work and her fearless approach to rethinking and challenging the nature of art itself.

what: Sturtevant: ZIP ZAP!
when: 12 October – 21 December 2024
where: Thaddaeus Ropac Paris Marais, 7 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris

image courtesy of Thaddaeus Ropac

Who is Afraid of Red, Blue, and Yellow?

The exhibition Who is Afraid of Red, Blue, and Yellow? runs from October 16th to December 1st, 2024, at 30 Rue des Acacias, Paris 17. Featuring works by Ugo Rondinone and Tarek Lakhrissi, it explores the interplay of light and color, presented as part of the Reiffers Art Initiatives 2024 mentorship program.

what: Who is Afraid of Red, Blue, and Yellow?
when: 16 October – 1 December 2024
where: 30 Rue des Acacias, Paris 17

Mystic Sugar by Paulina Olowska at pace gallery

Pace Gallery showcases Mystic Sugar, an exhibition curated by artist Paulina Olowska. Running from October 18 to 20 at the Grand Palais, the booth (A30) will feature works by Louise Nevelson, Kiki Smith, Lucas Samaras, and Olowska. The exhibition explores themes of mysticism, femininity, and transformation, reinterpreting the witch as a symbol of liberation and connection to nature. Olowska, known for highlighting forgotten cultures, brings together various media, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles, to examine the work of the featured artists. Mystic Sugar emphasizes the witch as an embodiment of feminine freedom, moving away from patriarchal norms toward the mystical and unseen. The works, using natural materials, evoke emotional and sensory responses, celebrating a deep connection with nature and self-liberation.

what: Mystic Sugar
when: 16 – 20 October, 2024
where: Pace Paris, 10 Av. de Messine, 75008 Paris

image courtesy of Pace Gallery

Prométhée by RoWin’Atelier at Galerie SCENE OUVERTE’s new space

Galerie SCENE OUVERTE inaugurates a new exhibition space in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris, with the solo show Prométhée by the renowned architecture and design studio RoWin’Atelier, running from October 11 to November 23, 2024. The exhibition features a new limited series of tables, lamps, and vases, marking a significant shift in RoWin’Atelier’s practice. For the first time, the studio moves beyond design to delve into craftsmanship, showcasing their fascination with the transformative power of fire and heat on materials like ceramic, lava stone, bronze, and glass. 

what: Prométhée
when: 11 October – 23 November 2024
where: Galerie SCENE OUVERTE, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris

PILE Haute & Basse Series by RoWin’ Atelier | image by Paul Hennebelle, courtesy of Galerie Scene Ouverte

AGO Projects’s HALLO, SUNSHINE at India Mahdavi’s project room

Justin Morin unveils FLEURS DU MAL installation

French artist Justin Morin presents FLEURS DU MAL, a new project featuring ‘tattooed flowers,’ where flower petals become canvases for figurative drawings inspired by 1970s shoujo mangas (mangas for young girls), known for their romantic and dramatic themes. These delicate, ephemeral creations highlight the flower’s symbolic association with vanity in art history. FLEURS DU MAL is a hybrid installation and ephemeral boutique, where visitors can purchase tattooed flowers in a recreated flower shop setting. The exhibition also includes vases showcasing Mariya, a character Morin introduced in his 2021 solo show Ballerina at Last Resort Gallery in Copenhagen.

what: FLEURS DU MAL
when: 14 – 19 October 2024
where: 45 rue Saint-Roch 75001 Paris

FLEURS DU MAL by Justin Morin

project info: 

event name: Art Basel Paris | @artbasel
location: Grand Palais, 75008 Paris
dates: 18 – 20 October 2024

event name: Design Miami.Paris | @designmiami
location: L’hôtel de Maison, Paris
dates: 16 – 20 October 2024

The post designboom paris guide: what to see in and out of the 2024 art basel and design miami fairs appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The fourteenth-annual Archtober, a month-long tribute to architecture and design across New York City, is kicking off from October 1st to the 31st, 2024. The city is set to open its doors with a diverse lineup of events, exhibitions, and activities across the five boroughs to celebrate the built environment and the creative minds behind it. The platform has announced its 2024 theme, Tracing the Future, which explores ‘the evolving landscape of NYC through affordable housing, sustainable design, infrastructure, and more.’ This year the festival continues to partner with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, to offer the Archtober Guide.

‘Tracing the Future is more than a theme; it’s an invitation to explore how our architectural choices today will define tomorrow’s New York,‘ says Katie Mullen, Director of Archtober and Director of Exhibitions and Programs, Center for Architecture. ‘This year’s festival is a call to action for innovators and creatives to rethink established practices and explore new possibilities in improving our built environment.’

Archtober 2024, Tracing the Future, October 1st — 31st, 2024, image courtesy Archtober

For the first time in 2024, the Archtober festival will host a design competition, the “Greetings From…” Archtober Postcard Competition, which calls on designers of all backgrounds — from architects to illustrators, to enthusiasts — to envision the future of built space. The team at Archtober says: ‘We can imagine a focus on sensorial living or biophilic workspaces, or maybe you have an idea around accessible design or mass timber — whatever it is, we want to see.’ As always, Archtober’s popular Building of the Day series will take place daily, and will highlight historic buildings alongside both newly completed and in-progress works of architecture and infrastructure. 

‘As Archtober continues to grow each year, we’re eager to engage more New Yorkers from every borough in the discussion around architecture and design,’ says Jesse Lazar, Assoc. AIA, Executive Director, AIA New York and the Center for Architecture. ‘We are thrilled to partner with 100+ organizations under this year’s festival theme, Tracing the Future, to offer programs that invite new voices and begin to tackle key urban challenges such as housing, infrastructure, and livability. Our new postcard competition hopes to challenge our community and the public to imagine a city shaped by collective creativity, with sustainability and equity at the forefront.’

As a media partner of Archtober, designboom rounds up the must-see events and exhibitions where visitors can explore the city’s built landscape, meet the industry’s leading experts, and discover the creative scene which has shaped the iconic streets and skyline — see the full range of programs taking place on Archtober’s official website.

BUILDING OF THE DAY

Building of the Day, October 14th: Domino Sugar Refinery, PAU, images © Max Touhey

As part of Archtober’s Building of the Day series, the Domino Sugar Refinery, recently renovated by Practice for Architecture (PAU), will be featured. This historic structure is the sole remaining building from a 19th-century industrial complex. Originally comprised of three conjoined buildings with varying floor configurations, the renovation by PAU introduces a new structure within the existing masonry shell. By stepping back from the original walls, the design achieves standardized floor heights and creates a distinctive interstitial space between the old and new elements. See designboom’s coverage here!

what: Domino Sugar Refinery Building Tour (join the waitlist)

when: Monday, October 14th, 12:00 pm — 1:15 pm

where: 300 Kent Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York

Building of the Day, October 16th: Nine Chapel, SO – IL, image © Valeria Flores

Another highlight of Archtober’s Building of the Day series will be Nine Chapel Street, a new condominium building in Downtown Brooklyn. Developed by Tankhouse and designed by architecture firm SO – IL, Nine Chapel reimagines outdoor spaces for vertical living. The building’s distinctive perforated metal facade reflects light, providing privacy for the indoor-outdoor areas while maintaining transparency for ample light and expansive views. The project features twenty-seven residences, each offering at least two exposures and private outdoor space. See designboom’s coverage here!

what: Nine Chapel Street Building Tour (join the waitlist)

when: Wednesday, October 16th, 4:00 pm — 6:00 pm

where: Nine Chapel Street, Downtown Brooklyn, New York

PUMPKITECTURE

Pumpkitecture 2022, design by Architecture Research Office, image by Matthew Carasella

On the night before Halloween 2024, Pumpkitecture will return to the Center for Architecture, where teams of architects will compete in a live pumpkin-carving contest. In this sixth annual event, New York City-based firms will showcase their skills as they transform pumpkins into architectural creations, vying for the coveted Pritzkerpumpkin award. The competition will feature playful nods to architectural icons, as the Archtober team asks: ‘What firm will succeed in summoning the Brutal ghost of Marcel Booeuer or invoking the spirit of Michael Gravesyard?’ Attendees can watch the carving in action and vote for the People’s Pumpkin.

what: Pumpkitecture

when: Saturday, October 30th, 6:00 pm — 8:30 pm

where: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, New York

AIANY ARCHITECTURE BOAT TOUR

AIANY Around Manhattan Boat Tour, image courtesy Classic Harbor Line

Step aboard the elegant teak decks of Classic Harbor Line‘s 1920s-style classic yachts for a fully narrated architectural cruise around New York City, as part of Archtober, New York’s annual architecture festival. Led by expert guides from the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) NYC chapter, this Around Manhattan tour offers insights detailed enough for locals yet accessible to visitors. The 2.75-hour cruise travels along the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers, with panoramic views of the city’s architectural landmarks, parks, infrastructure, and all eighteen bridges. Take in the sights from the climate-controlled observatory or step outside for fresh air and sweeping views.

what: AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Boat Tour (find tickets here!)

when: Daily throughout October, 9:30 am — 12:15 pm

where: Pier 62, 62 Chelsea Piers, W 22nd St and the Hudson River 

GUIDED TOUR OF LITTLE ISLAND

Little Island, Heatherwick Studio, Guided Tour of Little Island, courtesy Little Island

Archtober will feature a guided tour of Little Island (see designboom’s coverage here!), led by landscape architect Signe Nielsen of MNLA and architect of record Fabian Jabro of Standard Architects. The tour will explore the transformation of a pier, destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, into an award-winning park that has since welcomed over five million visitors. Attendees will learn about the creation of the park’s winding pathways, vibrant plantings, and the iconic tulip-shaped planters that define its unique design. The tour begins under the South Bridge Pot Tunnel, and no RSVP is required.

what: Guided Tour of Little Island

when: Friday, October 11th, 2:00 pm & 3:30 pm

where: Little Island, Pier 55 in Hudson River Park at, W 13th St, New York

GREEN-WOOD ARCHITECTURE WALKING TOUR & AFTER HOURS

Green-Wood Cemetery, image courtesy Archtober

As part of Archtober, a special program of walking tours will be held at Green-Wood Cemetery. Grand Designs: Architecture at Green-Wood Walking Tour explores the cemetery’s rich display of architectural styles, showcasing design trends from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Visitors will encounter monuments and mausoleums created by prominent architects and artists of the era, with styles ranging from Gothic and Egyptian Revival to Art Nouveau. The tour also uncovers the stories of the individuals commemorated by these works, such as 17-year-old Charlotte Canda and John Matthews the ‘Soda Fountain King.’ 

Meanwhile, the Green-Wood After Hours walking tour offers the opportunity to explore its historic grounds at night. Participants will navigate the cemetery’s remarkable landscape, visiting the graves of notable figures from New York and American history. The tour concludes with a rare visit to the Catacombs, an area typically closed to the public.

what: Grand Designs: Architecture at Green-Wood Walking Tour (find tickets here)

when: Sunday, October 6th, 2:00pm – 3:30pm

where: Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

what: Green-Wood After Hours (find tickets here)

when: Fridays — Sundays during Archtober, 6:30 pm — 8:30 pm

where: Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

BROOKLYN NAVY YARD WALKING TOUR

Brooklyn Navy Yard, October 2018, image © Ian Bartlett

This guided walking tour of the Brooklyn Navy Yard offers a comprehensive look at the site’s past, present, and future. Established in 1801, the Navy Yard was once the nation’s leading naval shipyard, responsible for building and repairing vessels from the War of 1812 through the Cold War. Today, the historic site has been transformed into a hub for over 450 businesses, employing more than 11,000 people in industries such as manufacturing and technology. The two-hour tour explores the Yard’s naval and labor history through historical documents, oral histories, and visits to significant sites like Civil War-era machine shops, the museum and visitor center at BLDG 92, and an active dry dock still used for ship repair. Attendees will also learn about the Yard’s current business ecosystem, community programs, workforce development, and future plans. The Brooklyn Navy Yard will also host a World War II Tour on Sunday, October 13th, and an Architecture & Infrastructure Tour on Sunday October 27th.

what: Brooklyn Navy Yard: Past, Present & Future Walking Tour (find tickets here)

when: Saturday, October 5th & 26th, 2:00 pm — 4:00 pm

where: Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Building 77, 141 Flushing Ave

POLLINATOR LOUNGE

Pollinator Lounge, image by Liz Ligon, courtesy Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Pollinator Lounge offers a space for rest and relaxation, designed specifically for insects, the Garden’s smallest visitors. This unique art installation, conceived by architects Joyce Hwang and Nerea Feliz, was brought to life by their students at the University at Buffalo and the University of Texas at Austin. The project prompts students to create three-dimensional artifacts that address the needs of insect pollinators, focusing on shelter from the elements and predators, as well as resources for their survival. The designs reflect a deep consideration for these nonhuman clients, featuring intricate details that create inviting habitats. Notably, each habitat incorporates UV paint to align with the visual perception of many insects, enhancing their experience of the space.

what: Pollinator Lounge

when: May 24th, 2024 — October 20th, 2024

where: Brooklyn Botanical Garden

PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION: HEDGEWORK

Hedgework, Brooklyn Navy Yard, image courtesy Archtober

Hedgework, an urban landscape intervention at Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Building 77, is a collaborative project created by Marek Walczak (CIVIC.SPACE), Mark Shepard (Center for Architecture and Situated Technologies), and Antonina Simeti (Timbre Consultants), alongside Robbie Lee and Wes Heiss. This installation takes the form of a sentient hedgerow, comprising a community of native plants and environmental sensors that foster a biodiverse habitat for both nature and human interaction.

Visitors can engage with the installation by sitting among the hedgerow’s plants and animals, using QR codes to interact with Hedgework through AI, or listening to the habitat’s unique soundtrack. The creators describe themselves as public artists, architects, and urban planners dedicated to enhancing the understanding and engagement between humans and nonhuman entities in the environment. Their work focuses on developing non-traditional educational platforms within urban spaces to elicit new responses.

Hedgework was constructed using materials sourced from the Brooklyn Navy Yard, including reused delivery pallets for weight, sand and stone from New York Sand & Stone, and a solar panel system from Voltaic Systems that powers the bird feeder and plant bed cameras.

what: Hedgework

when: May 18th, 2024 — November 10th, 2024

where: Forecourt at Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Building 77, 141 Flushing Ave

ALICE AUSTEN HOUSE TOUR

Alice Austen House, courtesy Archtober

Staten Island’s Alice Austen House will offer a tour tracing the architectural evolution of the historic building, from its early days as a Dutch farmhouse to its later transformation into a Victorian Gothic cottage. The tour will explore the blend of architectural styles that reflect the shifting tastes of different periods, while also offering insight into the life and work of pioneering photographer Alice Austen. The Alice Austen House serves as a space for encouraging creative expression and exploring personal identity, using the home and photographs of Alice Austen (1866–1952) to educate and inspire visitors.

what: Dutch Farmhouse to Victorian Gothic Cottage: The Architecture of The Alice Austen House (find tickets here)

when: Every Thursday during Archtober (October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31), 2:00 pm — 3:00 pm

where: Alice Austen House, 2 Hylan Blvd Staten Island, NY

SHIGERU BAN: THE PAPER LOG HOUSE

Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House, image courtesy Archtober

Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House at The Glass House marks the first exhibition of this innovative structure in North America in six years. In collaboration with The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture at The Cooper Union, thirty-six architecture students will gain practical experience by assembling the Paper Log House, a 14 by 14-foot enclosure constructed from paper tubes, wood, and milk crates. This design, created by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, has provided temporary housing for disaster victims across five continents over the past 30 years. As part of a special project in the school’s Building Technology course, students will fabricate the components at The Cooper Union and then assemble the structure on the grounds of The Glass House. See designboom’s coverage of the Paper Log House here!

what: Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House

when: April 15th, 2024 — December 15th, 2024

where: The Glass House, 199 Elm St, New Canaan, Connecticut

JAMES CASEBERE: SHOU SUGI BAN SCULPTURES

‘T’ Space Rhinebeck, Shou Sugi Ban, Sculptures of James Casebere, image courtesy ‘T’ Space © Susan Wides

‘T’ Space presents an exhibition of new sculptural work by James Casebere, titled Shou Sugi Ban Sculptures, on view from July 20th to October 13th, 2024, at the Archive Gallery in Rhinebeck, NY. Known for his exploration of architecture through model photography, Casebere has more recently turned to creating physical structures. This exhibition features a series of large geometric sculptures that engage with themes of synthetic nature and bio-design, evoking organic or inorganic growth.

The sculptures, constructed from sustainable bamboo plywood using the traditional Japanese wood preservation technique Shou Sugi Ban, offer a tactile, analog experience. The burning process imbues the surfaces with warmth, referencing both the destructiveness of fire and the passage of time. Casebere’s work for this indoor gallery setting draws connections to his past installations, blending tradition with technological innovation and engaging with notions of both past and future.

what: James Casebere: Shou Sugi Ban Sculptures

when: July 20th, 2024 — October 13th, 2024

where: ‘T’ Space, 60 Round Lake Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 

project info:

event: Archtober | @archtober

dates: October 1st — 31st, 2024

location: New York (various)

The post designboom’s guide archtober 2024: what not to miss during NYC’s architecture month appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Paris Design Week is set to make a vibrant return, reuniting the city’s dynamic design community for a ten-day celebration. Running from September 5th to 14th, 2024, Paris is set to become a bustling center of design innovation, spotlighting the latest trends and igniting discussions about the future of the industry. Organized by Maison&Objet, the event invites visitors to explore exhibitions and installations spread across 400 locations. With eight full days of activities, visitors can look forward to an expanded program featuring workshops, parties, open houses, private tours, and roundtables, offering numerous opportunities to engage with the design community.

Instead of being limited to a single venue, Paris Design Week unfolds across four distinct districts in the city: Rive Gauche, where attendees can explore the latest collections from renowned design houses and galleries; Marais – Bastille – République, where independent design studios and concept stores await; Opéra – Concorde – Étoile, bustling with flagship stores and established brands along prestigious avenues; and Palais-Royal – Place des Victoires – Pigalle, the artistic heart of Paris, home to emerging talents and hidden gems.

Designboom’s Paris guide reveals a curated selection to help you make the most of this vibrant week. Read on to discover everything you need to know about this year’s Maison&Objet, along with the must-see exhibitions, installations, and cultural events happening during Paris Design Week 2024.

illustration by Hara Nika

Maison&Objet 2024

Building on the world of TECH EDEN, which explored the synergy between technology and nature, Maison&Objet Fall 2024 (find more here) introduces its new and captivating theme: TERRA COSMOS. Running from September 5th to 9th, 2024, in Paris, this edition of the trade fair delves into a cosmic vision where space and earth intersect, weaving a rich tapestry of universal fantasies and terrestrial realities. The theme, crafted by creative strategy consultancy Peclers Paris, reflects sociological insights into consumer and professional trends within the design industry. The fair aims to satisfy consumers’ desires for awe-inspiring experiences while staying rooted in showcasing novelty, creativity, and innovation.

Each year, Maison&Objet names a Designer of the Year, celebrating a key figure in the global design and decoration landscape. This title honors an influential personality whose career, vision, signature style, and distinctiveness set the benchmark for the industry. For this year’s edition, Maison&Objet has selected Lionel Jadot, a Belgian designer, interior designer, and artist, who embodies the spirit of a rapidly evolving era—one in which he has already intuitively mastered the codes of the future. 

The Maison&Objet team has also revealed the winners of the 2024 Rising Talents Awards, turning its focus to the Arctic Circle. In keeping with tradition, the winners are all under 35 and have established their studios within the past five years. This year, the spotlight is on the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, as well as Finland and Iceland. The winners include Christian + Jade, Ali Sha Gallefoss, Lab La Bla, Frederic Gustav, Antrei Hartikainen, Studio Fletta, and Malin Ida Eriksson.

where: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, ZAC Paris Nord 2, 93420 Villepinte, France
when: 5-9 September 2024

Molo – Benchwall – designed by Stephanie Forsythe + Todd MacAllen for Molo | image courtesy of Maison&Objet

Talks at Maison&Objet 2024

designboom has the honor of running a selection of talks in the 2024 edition of the Maison&Objet exhibition, covering a wide range of topics, and hosting keynote speakers such as Michael Young, Otto Ng (LAAB); and Yves Salomon among others. 

what: Conscious Design: A Perspective Made In Asia
where: The Talks — Hall 7
when: Thursday 5 September — 12:00 – 12:45

what: Hong-Kong City Guide and its emerging design scene
where: The Talks — Hall 7
when: Friday 6 September — 12:00 – 12:45

what: Fashion and Home in search of sustainable solutions, when know-how unites for a good cause

where: The Talks — Hall 7
when: Saturday 7 September — 12:00 – 12:45

ImperfettoLab – Beetle, MOM | image © DR

Paris Design Factory

Pierre Renart and Studio Uchronia at the Hôtel de la Marine

where: Hôtel de la Marine, 2 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France
when: 5-14 September 2024

image courtesy of Maison&Objet

Paul Cocksedge at the Hôtel de Sully

Each year, Paris Design Week invites a designer to create a unique installation using the Renaissance setting of the Hôtel de Sully (find more here). This year, London-based designer Paul Cocksedge (find more here), known for his spectacular installations and creative use of materials, will transform the Orangerie and garden of the historic private mansion. His installation plays with the concept of reflection, using large balloons framed in a way that creates an optical illusion between flatness and three-dimensional space. The mirrors he incorporates will reflect the architecture, sky, gardens, and visitors, making them an integral part of the experience. Cocksedge hopes to evoke a sense of playfulness, encouraging people to enjoy the moment and connect with one another.

Additionally, Cocksedge plans to open his Instagram account to any creative individual who wants to reach out to him. He invites people to send him a direct message, offering to provide advice and encourage creative exchange. During Paris Design Week, he will be available in the garden of the Hôtel de Sully, seated on a chair with another chair facing him, ready to meet with those who send him a lightbulb emoji along with a brief introduction. He looks forward to these personal interactions, considering it an honor to connect with others.

where: Hôtel de Sully, Paris, France
when: 5-14 September 2024

image courtesy of Maison&Objet

Design Space AlUla

Design Space AlUla (find more here) is partnering with hall.haus (find more here) for an exhibition and talks at Lafayette Anticipations. The display will showcase furniture pieces by Hall Haus, Leo Orta, and Leen Ajlan, all created as part of AlUla’s artist and designer residency program. The designs, inspired by the heritage and rich landscapes of the AlUla region, will be revisited in collaboration with French craftsmen. The event will also feature discussions with designers, special guests, and design experts, offering insights into the creative process behind the showcased pieces and an opportunity to explore the world of AlUla and its residency programs.

where: Lafayette Anticipations 9, rue du Plâtre 75004, Paris, France
when: 11-13 September 2024

image courtesy of Design Space AlUla

India Mahdavi

Iranian-French architect and designer India Mahdavi (find more here) will present three exhibitions on rue Las Cases: in the Project Room, the Criss Cross collection for cc-tapis; in the Showroom, the latest additions to the furniture collection; a La Romaine Éditions pop-up at the Petits Objets boutique.

where: 29 rue de Bellechasse, 75007 Paris, France
when: 5-14 September 2024

Criss Cross collection – India Mahdavi x cc-tapis | image courtesy of cc-tapis

Issey Miyake

Homme Plissé Issey Miyake (find more here) will launch Immersed in the Wilds of Creativity, a series developed through a Creative Session with the French artist Ronan Bouroullec. The collection explores the translation of creative material into clothing design.

where: 28 rue François 1er, 75008, Paris, France
when: 4-15 September 2024

image courtesy of Homme Plissé Issey Miyake

YVES SALOMON X CHAPO CREATION

French Maison Yves Salomon (find more here) pays tribute to the innovative work of French furniture designer Pierre Chapo through a new collaboration with Chapo Creation (find more here). The series, set to debut during the 2024 edition of Paris Design Week, will feature limited-edition pieces inspired by Chapo’s iconic designs, reimagined with intarsia of recycled wool skins. In addition to unveiling these collaborative creations, Yves Salomon will offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind the scenes, showcasing the expertise of its artisans. The Maison will also present an exclusive selection of original Pierre Chapo pieces from the private collection of Yves Salomon and Tamara Taichman.

where: 5 rue de Castiglione, 75001, Paris, France
when: 4-13 September 2024

image courtesy of Yves Salomon

galerie philia x Schumacher

During Paris Design Week, Schumacher (find more here) celebrates Craft Revival, unveiling its new collections and two exclusive artistic collaborations with ceramicist Elsa Foulon and interior designer Anne-Sophie Pailleret. 

where: Schumacher Showroom, 9 rue Jacob, Paris 6th and Galerie Bérès, 35 rue de Beaune, Paris 7th
when: 5-14 September 2024

image © Studio Brinth

BERENICE CURT ARCHITECTURE, 001TDM

Berenice Curt Architecture (find more here) presents the Testa dei Marmi collection, marking its first foray into collectible design. This collection features statues with intricately crafted marble faces, highlighting the sculptural heritage of marble. The pieces explore the material’s historical significance while incorporating a social dimension, inviting viewers to engage with the cultural and artistic legacy embodied in the marble.

where: 20 rue Clavel, 75019 Paris, France
when: 11-15 September 2024

image courtesy of Maison&Objet

Marie & Alexandre at Signé

During Paris Design Week 2024, contemporary design gallery Signé (find more here) presents an exhibition by French designers duo Marie & Alexandre (find more here). Running from September 5th to October 21st, 2024, the exhibition is an adapted version of their previous summer exhibition at Appartement N°50 in La Cité Radieuse – Marseille.

where: signé, 33 rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
when: 5 September – 21 October 2024

Marie & Alexandre’s exhibition in Appartement n°50 at La Cité Radieuse in Marseille | image © signé

Ronan Bouroullec at Galerie KREO

From September 13th to November 16th, 2024, Ronan Bouroullec (find more here) will present a new exhibition at Galerie kreo (find more here), exploring his work for the Saint-Michel Chapel in Brasparts, Brittany. Both the gallery project and the chapel reflect an approach characterized by the reduction of material and formal elements to their essentials, aiming to create objects, atmospheres, and sensations from minimal resources. The materials used—Breton granite with white flecks, forged and hammered steel, and cast silvered glass crafted by Venetian maestros in shades of black, aqua green, and silver garnet—are central to this collection. The exhibition evokes a sense of vibration, balance, and emotional resonance, bridging two distinct worlds.

where: Galerie kreo, 31 Rue Dauphine, 75006 Paris, France
when: 13 September – 16 November 2024

image © Alexandra de Cossette, courtesy Galerie kreo

DECATHLON x ECAL

During Paris Design Week, DECATHLON (find more here) partners with ECAL (find more here) to unveil two prototypes of electric trekking bikes at the Sortir du cadre exhibition. These concept bikes, created by students from ECAL’s Master of Product Design program, embody a future where sustainability and outdoor activity enjoyment are interconnected. The bikes challenge traditional e-bike design and incorporate upcycled accessories to give DECATHLON products a second life. By rethinking materials and processes, the prototypes reflect a vision of more responsible design. The Galva bike features a minimalist galvanized steel frame that integrates and protects the battery, while the E-venture bike draws inspiration from human anatomy, using a skeletal steel frame covered in recycled textiles.

where: DECATHLON, 26 Av. de Wagram, 75008 Paris
when: 5-14 Septeber 2024

image courtesy of ECAL

MONO Editions

For Paris Design Week in September 2024, MONO Editions (find more here) unveils Platane, its third furniture collection, following Papierre and Liege, which were both launched in 2022. These collections were created by Carpus Studio, a team of architects and designers, who were commissioned by MONO Editions’ founder, Laetitia Ventura, to design elegant, simple, and ergonomic pieces.

Each piece follows a modular design principle, where wooden shapes of standard thickness are combined to form various elements that work together. The construction is visible, relying on tension. Depending on how the wooden panels are arranged, they can be cantilevered, compressed, or layered.

where: 12 rue Guénégaud, 75006 Paris
when: 5 – 10 September 2024

image © Mathilde Hiley

Joyce Wang Studio x Pinton

Joyce Wang Studio (find more here) has unveiled its debut collection of Aubusson rugs and a jacquard tapestry in collaboration with weaving experts PINTON (find more here). The collection, titled Rewild, features five hand-tufted rugs and one jacquard tapestry, inspired by the artistic heritage of the medieval French town of Aubusson. It also reflects Wang’s exploration of natural materials, blending traditional craftsmanship with her unique design approach.

where: Cahiers d’Art 15 Rue du Dragon
when: 6-7 September 2024

The post designboom’s guide to paris design week 2024: highlights in and out of maison&objet appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

New York City gears up for its annual design week, NYCxDesign, returning for 2024 to celebrate innovations in design. This week-long festival encompasses a broad range of disciplines, including architecture, product design, furniture, and landscape architecture. Across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, attendees can expect exhibitions, installations, talks, and product launches focused on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the design world. This year’s edition also features an inaugural NYCxDesign Keynote Series, offering daily presentations from leading design figures. Ahead of the festival, held this year from May 16th — 23rd, designboom rounds up some of the must-see city-wide events and exhibitions. Follow along as we take a closer look!

illustration by Hara Nika

POWER OF PLACE: DESIGNBOOM X IF DESIGN

iF Design — host of the prestigious international design award — will convene with rooftop cocktails & conversation. Exploring the ‘Power of Place’, the evening will open with an interdisciplinary panel moderated by designboom. Hosted at audio leader Harman’s New York design headquarters, a rooftop DJ performance will wrap festivities.

Panelists include architect Pascale Sablan, CEO of Adjaye Associates NY Studio, Global President of NOMA, and Founder of Beyond the Built Environment; Christian Schluender, Senior VP and General Manager of Global Design, HARMAN International and Huemen Design; and artist Roy Nachum, founder of Mercer Labs. Find out more about the panel, and watch it live here!

what: Power of Place, panel discussion

where: Harman / Huemen, 19 W. 44th Street 18th floor, New York City (by invitation only; RSVP required)

when: May 20th 5:30 pm — 8:00 pm

image via NYCxDesign

nycxdesign OPENING NIGHT PARTY at mercer labs

Mercer Labs, the immersive museum founded by artist Roy Nachum, will open for a celebration on the opening day of NYCxDesign 2024 to kick off the week-long festival. Design lovers and professionals are invited to gather and raise a toast to the upcoming festivities, exhibitions, and events. Located across the street from the iconic, Santiago Calatrava-designed Oculus, Mercer Labs is a museum of art and technology created by the New York-based artist, who designed the expansive series of otherworldly exhibits at every scale — from larger-than-life rooms to hidden details like poetry in braille lettering (see designboom’s coverage here). The Opening Night Party is hosted by NYCxDESIGN at and in partnership with Mercer Labs.

what: Mercer Labs Opening Night Party

where: Mercer Labs, 21 Dey St. New York City

when: May 16th, 2024, 6pm — 9pm

image © Mercer Labs

OUI DESIGN!

During NYCxDesign 2024, Oui! Design will offer a focused look at French design. The week-long program will partner with thirty galleries and workshops across New York City. This means visitors can expect to find exhibitions showcasing established and up-and-coming French designers scattered throughout various neighborhoods, from Chelsea to the artistic hubs of Brooklyn and Queens. Unlike a traditional design fair, Oui! Design goes beyond exhibits. Hosted by Villa Albertine, it promises live demonstrations by craftspeople, giving visitors a firsthand look at traditional French techniques.

what: Oui! Design 

where: multiple locations

when: May 15th — 21st, 2024

image © Prelle, courtesy Oui! Design

SOHO DESIGN DAY

SoHo Design District (SDD) turns 10 this year! As a centerpiece of NYCxDesign 2024, SDD offers a year-long program of design experiences and networking alongside a robust festival presence. Throughout the festival week, explore the latest trends at SoHo member showrooms. The big day is SoHo Design Day on Saturday, May 18th, where all SDD member spaces will be open for the public to visit.

Established in 2014, SDD fosters a vibrant design community by providing a platform for its members to showcase their work, connect with fellow creatives, and host events. A special thanks goes to the member brands and design enthusiasts who have made this decade a success. For a celebratory twist, visit Eataly SoHo (200 Lafayette Street) from 5pm after a day of design exploration. Throughout the week-long festival, they’ll be offering a limited-edition Negroni Sour for $15 (mention SoHo Design District to redeem).

Members: Artemide, Amura, Boffi|DePadova, Carl Hansen & Son, Danese Milano, Foscarini, GART, MoMA Design Store, Original BTC, Poggenpohl, Salvatori, Scavolini, SAVOIR, Safavieh Home, Zafferano America.

what: SoHo Design Day

where: multiple locations

when: May 18th, 2024

image via NYCxDesign

GALERIE PHILIA PRESENTS ‘FLÂNERIES’

As part of Oui! Design’s week-long programming, Galerie Philia presents ‘Flâneries,’ an immersive artistic project that spans cultural boundaries to combine influences from both France and New York through the medium of ceramic art. This exhibition highlights Philia artists Lisa Allegra, Elisa Uberti, Elsa Foulon, Leontine Furcy, and Pia Chevalier. Together, the artists explore the intersection of nature, urbanity, and femininity, expressing their interpretations through the versatile medium of ceramics. The show’s title references ‘Flâneur,’ an ode to aimless wandering through a city. The artists draw inspiration from the ebb and flow of the city’s energy, translating it into tangible ceramic expressions.

what: Flâneries

where: 90 Morton St., New York City

when: May 20th — X, 2024

image © Galerie Philia

DESIGNING WOMEN IV: EILEEN GRAY’S HOUSE FOR TWO SCULPTORS

Egg Collective, an architecture firm with a focus on highlighting female designers, presents Designing Women IV: Eileen Gray’s House for Two Sculptors. This project taken on the underrepresentation of women in architecture by digitally realizing an unbuilt design by the late Eileen Gray. Gray’s House for Two Sculptors, imagined in 1933 but only documented in basic sketches, served as inspiration. Through in-depth research and by honoring Gray’s design principles, Egg Collective created photorealistic renderings that imagine the house if built. The project culminates in an exhibition featuring these renderings alongside furniture by Egg Collective and sculptures by contemporary artists Taylor Kibby and Molly Haynes, all inspired by Gray’s aesthetic.

what: Designing Women IV: Eileen Gray’s House for Two Sculptors

where: Egg Collective Showroom, 151 Hudson St. Storefront, New York City

when: May 15th — June 15th, 2024

image © Egg Collective

‘MUJI IS’ EXHIBITION

MUJI is celebrating its minimalist design philosophy and iconic packaging with the second iteration of its MUJI IS exhibition series at NYCxDESIGN. Overseeing MUJI’s Copywriting Atelier since 2001, Miyuki Tokunaga has shaped the brand’s language through concise product tag phrases. The exhibition features large-scale versions of these tags alongside corresponding MUJI items, highlighting the brand’s focus on ‘selection of materials,’ ‘streamlining of processes,’ and ‘simplification of packaging.’

what: MUJI IS

where: MUJI, 20 Hudson Yards, 4FL., New York City

when: May 16th — June 12th, 2024

image © MUJI

HERMAN MILLER ‘PICNIC ON PARK’

Herman Miller is celebrating its iconic Picnic Poster series and employee picnics with a special event at their flagship store in New York City. For three days during NYCxDesign, visitors can enjoy a picnic-inspired lunch, get a free tote displaying a graphic of this year’s poster along with a copy of the Ideas magazine, and see a reissue from the popular poster series.

The series began in 1970 when Steve Frykholm, a new graphic designer at Herman Miller, designed the first poster. Over the next 20 years, Frykholm created a new design each year, featuring classic summer food items. The posters became a cherished tradition and are now part of collections at MoMA and other museums. This year marks the third poster to be reissued, following the Sweet Corn (2021) and Watermelon (2023) posters.

The Picnic Poster series, originally designed for employee picnics, reflects Herman Miller’s company culture. Ideas magazine, also available at the event, explores the company’s history and future.

what: Herman Miller ‘Picnic on Park’

where: Herman Miller, 251 Park Avenue South, New York City

when: May 21st — 23rd, 2024, 12:00 pm — 2:00 pm

image © Herman Miller

POLTRONA FRAU UNVEILS NEW FLAGSHIP STORE

Poltrona Frau, a renowned Italian luxury furniture brand, announces the opening of its new flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City. The spacious flagship (19,000 square feet) occupies a historic Art Deco building and features a variety of furniture and accessories for residential and commercial settings. Designed to be an experiential center, the store brings a curated selection from Poltrona Frau and other brands like Haworth’s Lifestyle Design Group, Ceccotti Collezioni, Cappellini, and Officine Gullo. This location also features a limited edition of the Leplì Stool and the Fornasetti-designed Vanity Fair XC armchair, both part of the 2024 Imagine Collection.

what: Poltrona Frau Flagship Opening
where: 181 Madison Avenue, New York City
when: May 18th, 9:30 am — May 20th, 9:00 pm

image © Poltrona Frau

JENNY HOLZER: LIGHT LINE

Jenny Holzer: Light Line revisits the artist’s iconic 1989 Guggenheim installation with a grand new iteration. The electronic sign will span all six ramps of Frank Lloyd Wright’s rotunda and will showcase scrolling text selections from her renowned ‘Truisms’ and ‘Inflammatory Essays’ series. The exhibition will also feature a selection of Jenny Holzer‘s paintings, works on paper, and stone pieces dating from the 1970s to the present. To further enhance the opening week, from May 17th — 20th, Holzer’s light projection ‘For the Guggenheim’ will grace the museum’s facade at sundown.

what: Jenny Holzer: Light Line

where: The Guggenheim Museum, 1071 5th Ave, New York City

when: May 17th — September 29th, 2024

image © Jenny Holzer

TOSHIKO TAKAEZU: WORLDS WITHIN

During NYCxDesign, the Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum presents a major touring retrospective honoring artist Toshiko Takaezu. The show, titled Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within, is the first major survey of the artist’s work in over two decades. It will ultimately travel to several other locations across the U.S. Takaezu, an artist of Okinawan heritage born in Hawaii, was a leading figure in 20th century abstract art, and is best known for her ‘closed form’ ceramic vessels. These expressively glazed sculptures ranged from intimate pieces to large-scale installations that created immersive environments. By pushing the boundaries of the traditional vessel form, Takaezu transformed it into a three-dimensional canvas for artistic exploration. See designboom’s coverage here!

what: Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within

where: Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd, Queens

when: March 20th — July 28th, 2024

image © Nicholas Knight

BREATHE WITH ME: AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE OF SWISS DESIGN

Breathe with Me is an immersive installation designed by Annabelle Schneider, presented by the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York. This multi-sensory space showcases new and iconic designs from Swiss brands at WSA, a cultural hub in Downtown Manhattan. The lounge uses breathable textiles, synchronized sounds, and soft furnishings to create a calming atmosphere. Fabrics move in response to the soundscape, mimicking soothing breathing patterns and offering a tranquil space in the heart of the city. The design reflects the essence of Swiss design, combining timeless aesthetics with modern functionality, and inviting visitors to relax and reflect.

what: Breathe With Me

where: WSA, 161 Water St., New York City

when: May 17th — May 23rd, 2024

image © Annabelle Schneider

OBJECTS ARE BY X LUKAS BENTEL (MSCHF)

OBJECTS ARE BY announces its collaboration with MSCHF creative director Lukas Bentel, showcasing his Jacquard woven tapestries at Gotham NY, inspired by his NYC upbringing. Fresh from their debut at Salone Del Mobile in Milan, OBJECTS ARE BY redefines homeware design with a future-conscious ethos. Founded by Phil America and Jenny D. Pham, it intersects art, fashion, and culture to challenge collaborators and prioritize sustainability. Experience their latest installation at Gotham NY’s Mezz Gallery, with the OBJECTS ARE BY x Lukas Bentel Opening Party on May 16th, 6-9pm.

what: OBJECTS ARE BY x LUKAS BENTEL

where: Gotham NY, 3 E 3rd St., New York City

when: May 17th — June 9th, 2024

image © OBJECTS ARE BY

NEW ARCLINEA KITCHEN COLLECTION

Arclinea, the esteemed kitchen brand, is celebrating the grand re-launch of its stunning New York showroom with an exclusive opening night event on May 17th. Guests will be treated to a seasonal risotto-tasting experience from Acquolina while enjoying the backdrop of Arclinea’s kitchen collection, curated by Antonio Citterio. This is a unique opportunity to meet the Arclinea leadership team visiting from Italy and discuss their innovative designs. The Arclinea team would be happy to connect during NYCxDESIGN 2024 and provide a personal tour of the renovated showroom.

what: Arclinea Kitchen Collection

where: Arclinea NY, 21 East 26th St, New York City

when: May 17th, 2024, 6:00pm –9:00pm

image © Arclinea

DESIGN WITHIN REACH X HELLER PRESENT FORTUNE CHAIR

Heller announces the launch of the Fortune Chair, designed by JUMBO, exclusively at Design Within Reach (DWR) and Heller stores during NYCxDesign. This new indoor/outdoor chair joins Heller’s growing furniture collection at DWR. The design duo behind JUMBO, Justin Donnelly and Monling Lee, drew inspiration from their love of food and simple design, particularly the iconic fortune cookie. Lee’s experience of having her first fortune cookie as a child immigrant shaped the chair’s design, referencing the cookie’s form, hidden message, and packaging. The puffy, 100% recyclable Fortune Chair embodies JUMBO’s signature style — symmetrical, spacious, and food-themed — and comes in six delicious colors: Oatmeal, Cookie, Olive, Tomato, Dark Cherry, and Licorice.

what: Design Within Reach x Heller Retrospective

where: DWR East 57th St. Studio, 957 Third Ave, New York City

when: May 17th — September 2nd, 2024

image courtesy DWR, Heller

INSERT COIN BY JAN KATH

The ‘Insert Coin’ collection by Jan Kath Carpets, launching during NYCxDesign 2024 in collaboration with artist Raphael Brunk, takes inspiration from arcade games. The creative process involves dissecting digital images of scenes like dark streets with neon signs or Miami car chases, breaking them down into their millions of pixels. This unrecognizable digital mush then becomes the color palette and knotting template for the hand-crafted rugs. Jan Kath interprets this abstract code, translating the roughly 1.7 million pixels back into a physical object, knot by knot. The resulting carpets are a blend of the virtual world and the craftsmanship of traditional rug making.

what: Insert Coin

where: 514 W 25th St., New York City

when: May 2nd — 31st, 2024

image © Jan Kath Carpets

Brooklyn Metal Works presents ‘Spoons’

The Brooklyn Metal Works gallery in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood invites visitors to the opening reception of ‘Spoons,’ a group exhibition that explores the spoon’s surprising complexity. This everyday utensil, likened to an extension of the hand, has transformed throughout history, becoming not just functional but also beautiful and significant. The artists in ‘Spoons’ use a variety of materials and approaches to create works that are familiar and strange, practical and thought-provoking. Each piece reflects the unique perspective of its creator, celebrating the spoon’s enduring influence on our culture.

what: Spoons

where: 640 Dean Street 2nd Floor, Fort Greene, Brooklyn

when: May 17th — June 30th, 2024

image © Brooklyn Metal Works

HEAD HI LAMP SHOW

The 5th Annual HEAD HI Lamp Show is an annual exhibition that celebrates lighting design. Artists, designers, and craftspeople from all over the world submit their lamp creations, and a curated selection is displayed in the show. This is the first time the show will be held offsite, and it features work from over 300 international submissions. The lamps on display will be available for purchase. HEAD HI is a Fort Greene, Brooklyn destination which brings art and design to life through curated publications, cultural events, and an espresso bar.

what: HEAD HI Lamp Show

where: 102 Franklin St., Tribeca, New York City

when: May 17th — 19th, 2024

image © Fabrizio Amoroso, courtesy HEAD HI

MERCER STREET BLOCK PARTY AT ORIOR

The Mercer Street Block Party will celebrate design in in SoHo! On May 17th, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, the event will feature several showrooms opening their doors to the public. Visitors can expect to see new projects, products, and special installations by participating brands including BDDW, Calico Wallpaper, Hem, Henrybuilt, Kasthall, Orior, Roll & Hill, and Stellar Works. Orior, one of the event’s organizers, will also be hosting an open house cocktail party at their showroom on Mercer Street, showcasing some of their latest designs alongside some of their established pieces.

what: Mercer Street Block Party

where: Orior Showroom, 32 Mercer Street, New York City

when: May 17th, 6:00 pm — 9:00 pm

harbour opens NYC flagship showroom

Australian outdoor furniture brand Harbour announced the opening of its global flagship showroom in New York City on May 17, 2024. The 8,000 square foot showroom will showcase Harbour’s new and existing collections designed and crafted by Nicholas and Harrison Condos, the co-founders of the company. The new showroom marks a milestone for the brand’s global expansion since its start in a Sydney workshop in 1976. Harbour is known for its quality craftsmanship and fabrics, its furniture found in luxury residential, commercial and hospitality projects worldwide.

what: Harbour NYC showroom launch

where: 60 Madison Ave, New York City

when: May 17th, 2024, 5:00 — 8:00pm

Harbour’s new collections (Como shown here) are displayed in the new showroom | image © Harbour

LAMPES SÈVRES: RONAN BOUROULLEC X MANUFACTURE NATIONALE DE SÈVRES

The Manufacture nationale de Sèvres is back in the United States with a new collaboration. French designer Ronan Bouroullec created ‘Lampes Sèvres,’ a collection of lamps which show a unique combination of tradition and modernity. The base is made of aluminum, while the shade is a Sèvres porcelain corolla, crafted and glazed using time-honored techniques. Each shade is unique due to a special firing process that creates random crystalization patterns. Bouroullec is a renowned designer known for his focus on how people interact with objects in their homes. The Manufacture de Sèvres, founded in 1740, is known for its commitment to both preserving tradition and encouraging artistic innovation. They employ highly skilled craftspeople and use age-old techniques to create works of both art and design. Sèvres is a unique entity in the art world, serving as both a keeper of history and a hub of creative progress.

what: Lampes Sèvres

where: Villa Albertine, 972 5th Ave, New York City

when: May 15th — May 21st, 2024

image via NYCxDesign

ASE: AFRO FREQUENCIES

A new exhibition titled ASE: AFRO FREQUENCIES is on display at ARTECHOUSE NYC. This immersive experience features the work of London-based digital artist Vince Fraser alongside the poetry of Ursula Rucker. Fraser’s art explores the Afrofuturist concept of aṣẹ, a Yoruba belief in the power of creation and self-actualization. The entire exhibition is a vibrant and meditative exploration of resilience, cultural heritage, and the possibilities that lie ahead.

what: ASE: AFRO FREQUENCIES

where: ARTECHOUSE, 439 W 15th St, New York City

when: March 22nd — September 9th, 2024

image via ARTECHOUSE

LEE BROOM: ALCHEMIST

Lee Broom will be showcasing his new lighting collection, Alchemist, at his Tribeca showroom and Penthouse during NYCxDesign 2024. Inspired by the novel ‘The Alchemist’ and the concept of alchemy, the collection explores the transformation of base metals into beautiful objects through light. Alchemist is divided into four lighting ranges — Mythos, King, Solstice and Gemini — and features chandeliers, pendants, and sconces made from traditionally welded brass combined with glass, acrylic, and leather.

The Lee Broom Tribeca Penthouse, where the collection will be previewed, is a stunning duplex that serves a dual purpose: a private showroom viewable by appointment and the designer’s residence when he’s in New York City. Located on the fifth and sixth floors, it’s the first sustainable historic restoration of its kind in NYC, flooded with natural light, sweeping views, and two terraces.

what: The Alchemist

where: Lee Broom Penthouse, Tribeca, New York City (appointment only)

when: May 17th — May 23rd, 2024

image © Lee Broom

POLIFORM OUTDOOR COLLECTION LAUNCH

Poliform offers a new outdoor furniture collection designed by renowned names like Jean-Marie Massaud, Emmanuel Gallina, Marcel Wanders, and Soo Chan. This collection extends the brand’s signature style to outside spaces, featuring carefully crafted pieces that range from loungers to dining sets. The focus is on creating a balance between form and functionality, with an emphasis on timeless design and natural elegance. This new collection allows you to redefine the outdoor living experience by transforming these spaces into an extension of the contemporary home.

what: Poliform Outdoor Collection Launch

where: Poliform, 112 Madison Ave, New York City

when: May 17th — 23rd, 2024

image © Poliform

PIERRE YOVANOVITCH X CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN: GALLERY TOUR

A new furniture collection designed by Pierre Yovanovitch in collaboration with Christian Louboutin will be unveiled on May 20th. This special event will feature a guided tour by Vice President Francesca Falzone Mastrella. The collection, inspired by a decade-long friendship between the designers, celebrates strong female figures. It features nine limited-edition chairs inspired by icons like Nefertari and Dita von Teese, alongside an open-edition series named ‘Simply Nude.’ The entire collection is meticulously crafted by the finest French artisans, showcasing both designers’ appreciation for exquisite craftsmanship and their shared vision of feminine beauty.

what: Pierre Yovanovitch x Christian Louboutin: Gallery Tour

where: May 20th, 4:00 pm — 5:00 pm

when: Pierre Yovanovitch Mobilier, 555 W 25th St, New York City

image © Pierre Yovanovitch

Hem Open House Party

The Hem SoHo Showroom opens its doors for an evening of celebration during NYCxDesign 2024. The event will showcase Hem’s latest releases, including furniture pieces from Marco Campardo, Soft Baroque, and Faye Toogood. Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to discover the newest limited-edition objects from the Hem X series, curated by Superhouse, Hem’s first New York-based curator.

what: Hem Open House Party

where: Hem SoHo Showroom, 460 Broome Street #201, FL.2 New York City

when: May 17th, 2024, 5pm — 9pmimages © Hem

KINDRED SPIRITS: JOAN MIRÓ AND ALEXANDER CALDER

Joan Miró and Alexander Calder, two pioneering figures of modern art, are the focus of ‘Kindred Spirits’ at Opera Gallery New York. Despite their different backgrounds and artistic approaches, a deep friendship and mutual admiration connected them for nearly five decades. The exhibition explores this bond, showcasing their artistic dialogue and its influence on each other’s work. Miró, known for his whimsical canvases, and Calder, whose artistic journey was shaped by engineering and transforming everyday objects, both shared a mastery of various mediums and a visual language rooted in form and color. ‘Kindred Spirits’ traces their parallel paths through the evolution of 20th century art, highlighting the enduring impact of their creative exchange.

what: Kindred Spirits: Joan Miró and Alexander Calder
where: Opera Gallery New York, 791 Madison Ave, New York City
when: May 2nd — June 8th, 2024

images © Opera Gallery New York

MISHA KAHN STUDIO SALE

text by the studio: This summer, after more than ten years making work in Brooklyn, Misha Kahn will be moving his studio out of New York City. You’re invited to visit the studio and to shop early pieces, samples, and prototypes — all of which will have friendly prices. Just a few blocks from other studios such as Chen Chen and Kai Williams, Saturday afternoon is the perfect time to visit Sunset Park and celebrate NYCxDESIGN. Maybe the robots will even mix drinks! 

what: Misha Kahn Studio Sale

where: Misha Kahn Studio, 129 26th St, Brooklyn

when: May 18th, 2024, 2:00pm — 6:00pm

image © Misha Kahn Studio

project info:

festival: NYCxDesign 2024 | @nycxdesign

dates: May 16th — 23rd, 2024

The post designboom’s ultimate guide to NYCxDESIGN 2024 appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

In anticipation of the upcoming art exhibition, designboom explores the world of the 2024 Venice Art Biennale. From national pavilions and official collateral events, to must-see shows and installations across Venice, designboom brings you everything you need to know. Discover more below! 

illustration by Hara Nika

STRANIERI OVUNQUE – FOREIGNERS EVERYWHERE

The 60th International Art Exhibition, titled Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere, opens to the public from Saturday, April 20 at the Giardini and the Arsenale in Venice. Curated by Adriano Pedrosa and organized by La Biennale di Venezia, the Venice Art Biennale 2024 unites 332 artists and presents two sections: the Nucleo Contemporaneo and the Nucleo Storico. Its main focus is to spotlight artists from diverse backgrounds, giving space and visibility to previously marginalized groups, such as immigrants, expatriates, queer people, and indigenous individuals. 

Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere draws on a series of works started in 2004 by the Paris-born and Palermo-based Claire Fontaine collective. The works consist of neon sculptures in different colors that render in a growing number of languages the words ‘Foreigners Everywhere’. The phrase comes, in turn, from the name of a Turin collective that fought racism and xenophobia in Italy in the early 2000s. ‘The expression Stranieri Ovunque has several meanings. First of all, that wherever you go and wherever you are you will always encounter foreigners — they/we are everywhere. Secondly, that no matter where you find yourself, you are always truly, and deep down inside, a foreigner,’ says Adriano Pedrosa.

Special attention is given to outdoor projects, both in the Arsenale and the Giardini, where a performance program is being planned with events during the pre-opening and closing weekend of the 60th Exhibition. The pre-opening will occur on April 17, 18, and 19; the awards ceremony and inauguration will be held on April 20, 2024.

Claire Fontaine
: Foreigners Everywhere (Italian), 2004 – installation view | Cité internationale des arts Paris, Monmartre, Paris, 2004
 | suspended, wall or window mounted neon, framework, electronic transformer and cables | image by and © Studio Claire Fontaine, courtesy the studio & Galleria T293

THE GOLDEN LIONS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Golden Lions for Lifetime Achievement at the 60th International Art Exhibition have been awarded to Italian-born, Brazilian artist Anna Maria Maiolino and Paris-based, Turkish artist Nil Yalter. The decision was approved by the Biennale’s Board of Directors, chaired by Roberto Cicutto, upon the recommendation of curator Adriano Pedrosa, and the awards ceremony will be held alongside the inauguration of the 60th exhibition on Saturday April 20, 2024, at Ca’ Giustinian, the headquarters of La Biennale.

‘This decision is particularly significant,’ states Adriano Pedrosa. ‘In light of the title and context of the Exhibition, which focuses on artists who have traveled and migrated between North and South, Europe and other countries, or vice versa. In this sense, my choice falls on two extraordinary and pioneering artists, as well as migrants, who in many ways embody the spirit of ‘Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere’: Anna Maria Maiolino (born in Scalea, Italy, 1942; residing in São Paulo, Brazil), who emigrated from Italy to South America, first to Venezuela and then to Brazil, where she currently lives, and Nil Yalter (born in Cairo, Egypt, 1938; residing in Paris, France), a Turk who moved from Cairo to Istanbul and finally to Paris, where she resides.’

Anna Maria Maiolino by Maycon Lima and Nil Yalter by Oliver Abraham

NATIONAL PAVILIONS

Pavilion of Australia

image courtesy of Archie Moore and TheCommercial | photography by Andrea Rossetti

UPDATE (04/21/2024): Archie Moore’s kith and kin exhibition for the Australian Pavilion has been awarded the Golden Lion for Best National Participation. The installation was lauded for its subtle yet poignant confrontation of First Nations Australian history and its colonial legacies, whilst celebrating connective threads of identity and lineage.‘This installation stands out for its strong aesthetic, its lyricism, and its invocation of a shared loss of an occluded past. With his inventory of thousands of names, Moore also offers a glimmer of the possibility of recovery,’ comments the Biennale Jury. Find more here. 

As part of the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, Archie Moore will present his showcase titled kith and kin in the Australia Pavilion. Curated by Ellie Buttrose, the exhibition promises a profound exploration of personal and universal narratives. Through his artwork, Moore will delve into Australia’s 254-year history, contextualized within the extensive backdrop of his Aboriginal family heritage, spanning over 65,000 years and incorporating Kamilaroi, Bigambul, British, and Scottish lineage.

‘kith and kin is a holographic map of relations which connects life and death, people and places, circular and linear time, everywhere and everywhen to a site for quiet reflection and remembrance,’ shares Archie Moore

name: kith and kin
commissioner: Creative Australia
curator: Ellie Buttrose
exhibitor: Archie Moore
venue: Giardini

Pavilion of the United States

image © Timothy Schenck

Artist Jeffrey Gibson will represent the United States Pavilion at the 60th edition of the Venice Art Biennale. Celebrated for an artistic practice that combines American, indigenous, and queer histories with influences from music and pop culture, Gibson creates a dynamic visual language that reflects the inherent diversity and hybridity of American culture. His work, characterized by vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and textual elements, prompts contemplation on identity, empathy, and the pursuit of democracy and freedom. The exhibition, titled ‘the space in which to place me’, will be open from April 20 to November 24, 2024, marking Gibson’s significant debut outside the U.S. The showcase at the U.S. Pavilion will feature new and recent works encompassing sculptures, paintings, multimedia pieces, and a site-specific installation in the pavilion’s courtyard. The exhibition’s title is inspired by a poem by Oglala Lakota poet Layli Long Soldier, titled Ȟe Sápa.

name: the space in which to place me
commissioners: Kathleen Ash-Milby, Louis Grachos, Abigail Winograd
curators: Kathleen Ash-Milby and Abigail Winograd
exhibitor: Jeffrey Gibson
venue: Giardini

Pavilion of France

image © designboom

Titled ‘Attila cataract your source at the feet of the green peaks will end up in the great sea blue abyss where we drowned in the tidal tears of the moon’ the project transforms the French Pavilion into a space irrigated with fluids in which a radical and collective imaginary opens up, populated with divine presences, and connected to Venice by its water. Intricate installations made of metal, plastic, and rope interweave with sculptures and projections to complete an immersive setting.

name: Attila cataract your source at the feet of the green peaks will end up in the great sea blue abyss where we drowned in the tidal tears of the moon
artist: Julien Creuzet
commissioner: Institut français
curators: Céline Kopp, Cindy Sissokho
exhibitor: Julien Creuzet
venue: Giardini

Pavilion of Germany

image © designboom

Under the title Thresholds, the German Pavilion narrates history and the future from various artistic positions. The artistic contribution to the Pavilion approaches thresholds, steps, and boundaries through three scenarios. In the first scenario, Yael Bartana enters the threshold of a present perceived as catastrophic – a world on the brink of total destruction. In search of a way out, she imagines possibilities of future survival through a multifaceted work poised between dystopia and utopia. In the second scenario, Ersan Mondtag develops a space that contrasts the monumental character of the pavilion with a fragmentary, seemingly minor narrative. By creating a theatrical cosmos of representation and remembrance, Mondtag sets rigid national historiographical constructs in motion. The third scenario builds a bridge to another location outside the giardini: the island of La Certosa. Artists Michael Akstaller, Nicole L’Huillier, Robert Lippok and Jan St. Werner jointly create a resonant space in a natural setting on La Certosa. Their work contrasts the monumentality of the German Pavilion while emphasizing the idea of passage through a threshold space.

name: Thresholds
commissioner: Ellen Strittmatter, Head of Art Department, ifa
curator: Çağla Ilk
exhibitors: Yael Bartana, Ersan Mondtag
venue: Giardini
second venue: At La Certosa island, Michael Akstaller, Nicole L’Huillier, Robert Lippok and Jan St. Werner will create ‘a resonance chamber in nature’

Pavilion of Japan

image © designboom

Kanagawa-born installation artist Yuko Mohri has been selected to represent Japan and Sook-Kyung Lee has been appointed to curate her exhibition at the 60th International Art Exhibition. Her exhibition at the Japanese pavilion will be themed around crisis as the catalyst for human creativity.

name: Compose
Commissioner: The Japan Foundation
Curator: Sook-Kyung Lee
Exhibitor: Yuko Mohri
Venue: Giardini

russia lends its national pavilion to bolivia

image courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia

According to reports in the Italian news outlet Il Sole 24 Ore, Russia has decided to lend its national pavilion at the Venice Biennale to Bolivia. The green structure in Venice’s Giardini would have otherwise stayed shuttered, as Russia is not participating for the second consecutive year following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In its place, the pavilion will host an exhibition featuring 25 artists representing the Plurinational State of Bolivia. The curator of the Bolivian Pavilion is the Minister of Cultures, Decolonization and Depatriarchalization, Esperanza Guevara , appointed a month ago, the commissioner is the deputy minister Juan Carlos Cordero Nina. 

name: ABYA YALA Desde la Patria Grande
commissioner: Juan Carlos Cordero Nina
curator: Paola Pisanelli Nero
exhibitors: Alexandra Bravo, Inés Fontenla, Ronald Moran, Lorgio Vaca, Humberto Vélez and many others Latin American artists
venue: Giardini

PAVILION OF SWITZERLAND

Guerreiro do Divino Amor, Roma Talismano (still), 2023. performers: Ventura Profana, Adriana Carvalho and Amanda Seraphico | image by Guerreiro do Divino Amor and Diego Paulino

Guerreiro do Divino Amor’s Super Superior Civilizations presents the latest chapters of the Superfictional World Atlas saga at the Swiss Pavilion in the Venice Biennale. This monumental project, dedicated to experimental architecture, explores the relationship between urban space, ideology, and national identity. Guerreiro’s immersive installation features classical architectural elements, symbolizing Western superiority, and includes two main installations: The Miracle of Helvetia and Roma Talismano.

The Miracle of Helvetia is a video allegory portraying Switzerland as a surreal paradise where nature and technology, capitalism and democracy coexist in balance. It leads to Roma Talismano, representing Roman civilization’s moral, political, and cultural superiority through allegorical figures like the Capitoline wolf, embodied by Brazilian artist Ventura Profana.

name: Super Superior Civilizations
commissioner: Swiss arts council Pro Helvetia: Sandi Paucic, Rachele Giudici Legittimo
curator: Andrea Bellini
exhibitor: Guerreiro do Divino Amor
venue: Giardini

PAVILION OF FINLAND 

The Pavilion of Finland (find more here) presents a collaborative exhibition featuring artists Pia Lindman, Vidha Saumya, and Jenni-Juulia Wallinheimo-Heimonen, along with curators Yvonne Billimore and Jussi Koitela, and architectural designer Kaisa Sööt. Blurring boundaries between art, architecture, and social commentary, the exhibition invites visitors to explore societal imbalances and reconsider norms. Reimagining the Aalto Pavilion, the artists introduce ‘access architecture,’ focusing on inclusivity and sensory experiences. Inspired by architect Celine Conderelli’s concept of ‘support structures,’ the exhibition’s design facilitates connections between artwork, audiences, and space, guiding visitors through immersive encounters.

name: The pleasures we choose
commissioner: Raija Koli, Frame Contemporary Art Finland
curators: Yvonne Billimore & Jussi Koitela
exhibitors: Pia Lindman, Vidha Saumya, Jenni-Juulia Wallinheimo-Heimonen
venue: Giardini

pavilion of hungary 

image courtesy of Márton Nemes

Drawing inspiration from techno subcultures, artist Márton Nemes (find more here) presents an immersive, multimedia exhibition titled Techno Zen at the Hungarian Pavilion. His abstract paintings, characterized by explosive rearrangements of the pictorial field, evoke the psychedelic ambiance of contemporary nightclubs. Combining painting and sculpture, Nemes creates hypnotic installations that transport viewers into a fluid, fluorescent color field. The project expands the notion of painting into other media, incorporating industrial technologies and materials to create a multisensory environment. Laser-cut steel, car paint, enamelled steel plate, projection, DMX lights, speakers, and colored fans converge to reinterpret the palette of painting, inviting viewers into a dynamic interplay of light, color, movement, and sound. Structured in three main parts, the exhibition encourages visitors to stand in the center of the pavilion, symbolizing openness and tolerance in an era marked by polarization. The accompanying catalogue, published by the Ludwig Museum—Museum of Contemporary Art Budapest, features contributions from art historians and curators Loránd Hegyi, David Rosenberg, and Anika Meier.

name: Techno Zen
commissioner: Julia Fabényi, Director Ludwig Museum – Museum of Contemporary Art, Budapest
curator: Róna Kopeczky
exhibitor: Márton Nemes
venue: Giardini

PAVILION OF SERBIA

installation view. | image by Aleksandar Denić, courtesy of the artist

The Pavilion of Serbia presents Exposition Coloniale by Aleksandar Denić, Curated by Ksenija Samardžija and commissioned by Jelena Medaković, Director of the Belgrade City Museum. The exhibition explores transient spaces, focusing on temporary residences as symbols of societal anxieties about encountering strangers. Housed in the National Pavilion of Jugoslavia, the exhibition transcends mere aesthetics to reflect on the region’s fragmented identity post-1990s conflicts. Denić, an artist displaced in Germany, intervenes in this discomfort, creating a heterotopic space that blurs physical and emotional boundaries. His installations, devoid of specific times or places, evoke universal patterns and sensations, offering viewers a multi-layered experience that elicits a sense of uncertainty and déjà vu.

name: Exposition Coloniale
commissioner: Jelena Medakovic
curator: Ksenija Samadržija
exhibitor: Aleksandar Denić
venue: Giardini

pavilion of italy

Presented with the support of the Directorate-General for Contemporary Creativity at the Italian Ministry of Culture, Due qui / To Hear is this year’s project for the Italian Pavilion (find more here). Curated by Luca Cerizza (with the assistance of Francesca Verga), it presents work that Massimo Bartolini has created in collaboration with several musicians and writers, employing the cooperative approach that is a hallmark of his practice. Playing on the homophones ‘two here’ (in Italian, due qui) and ‘to hear,’ the title of this project suggests how hearing—or even better, listening—is an action directed towards others. For that matter, meeting and listening, relation and sound, go hand in hand here, as they have throughout the three decades of Massimo Bartolini’s practice. Through sculptures, installations, sound works, and performances, with a range that is characteristic of the artist’s practice, it aims to create a context of experience. Choosing among more than one entrance and possible route, visitors move through three spaces built around different acoustic experiences and meeting points. This path is marked out by an alternation of fullness and emptiness, movement and rest, with installations that respond to the physical characteristics of each space without becoming any form of display.

name: Due Qui / To Hear
commissioner: Angelo Piero Cappello, Direttore Generale Creatività Contemporanea, Ministero della Cultura
curator: Luca Cerizza
exhibitor: Massimo Bartolini
venue: Arsenale

PAVILION OF MALTA

Matthew Attard, Eye-tracking concept sketch (I WILL FOLLOW THE SHIP), 2023. Eye-tracking drawing, photo, Generative Algorithm. digital image – variable dimensions. © Matthew Attard and Galleria Michela Rizzo

Maltese artist Matthew Attard (born in 1987) will be the first solo Maltese artist to represent Malta at the 60th International Art Exhibition. The exhibition, titled I WILL FOLLOW THE SHIP, showcases a newly commissioned artwork that blends cultural heritage with innovative digital technology. Co-Curators Elyse Tonna (born in Malta in 1990) and Sara Dolfi Agostini (born in Italy, raised in the USA in 1983) have curated this exhibition.

Presented by the youngest team ever to represent Malta at La Biennale di Venezia, I WILL FOLLOW THE SHIP integrates contemporary drawing, historical allusions, and digital technology, drawing from Attard’s recent exploration of AI and digital technology as a medium for drawing.

name: I Will Follow the Ship
commissioner: Arts Council Malta
curators: Sara Dolfi Agostini and Elyse Tonna
exhibitor: Matthew Attard
venue: Arsenale

Pavilion of Nigeria

image courtesy of Nigeria Imaginary

The Nigeria Pavilion will present Nigeria Imaginary (find more here), marking the country’s second time participating in the global event. The group exhibition, curated by Aindrea Emelife, will feature new, commissioned, site-specific works by eight artists—Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ndidi Dike, Onyeka Igwe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Abraham Oghobase, Precious Okoyomon, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, and Fatimah Tuggar—in response to the theme and exhibition title. Across mediums and disciplines, the works imagine new possibilities for Nigeria, at times investigating the impact of colonialism, and reimagining a new nation that could have been; together the works create a manifesto for the future. The pavilion’s commissioner is Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Nigeria’s Edo State, on behalf of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, with the forthcoming Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) serving as its organizer. The exhibition will travel to MOWAA in an expanded form.

name: Nigeria Imaginary
commissioner: Godwin Obaseki, Governor Edo State Government
curator: Aindrea Emelife
exhibitors: Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ndidi Dike, Onyeka Igwe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Abraham Oghobase, Precious Okoyomon, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, Fatimah Tuggar
venue: Palazzo Canal, 3121 Rio Tera Canal, Dorsoduro

PAVILION OF ROMANIA

Șerban Savu, True Nature, 2021, ceramic tiles mounted on panel, 50×40 cm, courtesy Galeria Plan B, Berlin

The Romanian Pavilion at Biennale Arte 2024 presents an exhibition by artist Șerban Savu, curated by Ciprian Mureșan, exploring the theme of work and leisure. Titled What Work Is, the exhibition reimagines the iconography of labor, drawing from historical realism and Eastern Bloc propaganda art. Instead of directly challenging these narratives, Savu rearranges their tropes to capture moments of pause and indistinction between work and leisure, reflecting broader societal changes or crises.

Aligned with the Biennale’s theme of Foreigners Everywhere, Savu’s paintings depict characters caught in a temporal no-man’s-land between two worlds, reflecting on displacement and homesickness associated with migratory work. The exhibition showcases a vast polyptych of Savu’s work over fifteen years, populated by disoriented protagonists and lethargic extras, symbolizing the liminal space between work and rest. In addition, the Pavilion features a large bench displaying architectural models adorned with mosaics, deviating from traditional themes to convey bathos, ambiguity, and confusion. 

name: What Work Is
commissioner: Ioana Ciocan
curator: Ciprian Mureșan
exhibitors: Șerban Savu and Atelier Brenda
venue: Giardini and New Gallery of Istituto Romeno di Cultura e Ricerca Umanistica (Palazzo Correr, Campo Santa Fosca, Cannaregio 2214

HOLY SEE PAVILION

Maurizio Cattelan’s mural adorns the exterior of the Holy See Pavilion | image courtesy of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Culture and Education

Maurizio Cattelan, along with eight more artists, has been invited to create installations for the Holy See Pavilion. The exhibition is set to be installed in an unexpected location, the Women’s Prison of the Island of Giudecca, under the title With my eyes. The title emphasizes the importance of responsibly perceiving and constructing our social, cultural, and spiritual co-existence, especially in an age dominated by digital communication technologies that risk distancing us from reality. In this context, the Pavilion highlights the significance of direct, personal engagement with reality, as opposed to remote and metaphorical views. It draws parallels between religious and artistic experiences, both valuing the total and anti-conformist implications of the observer.

name: With my eyes
commissioner: Cardinale José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefetto del Dicastero per la Cultura e l’Educazion della Santa Sede
curators: Chiara Parisi and Bruno Racine
participants: Maurizio Cattelan, Bintou Dembélé, Simone Fattal, Claire Fontaine, Sônia Gomes, Corita Kent, Marco Perego & Zoe Saldana, Claire Tabouret
venue: Casa di reclusione femminile Venezia, Giudecca – S. Eufemia, 712

PAVILION OF BRAZIL

Glicéria Tupinambá, Manto tupinambá [Tupinambá Mantle], 2023 – courtesy of the artist | photo by Glicéria Tupinambá

At the 60th Venice Biennale, the Hãhãwpuá Pavilion, known as the Brazilian Pavilion for this edition, presents the exhibition Ka’a Pûera: we are walking birds, curated by Arissana Pataxó, Denilson Baniwa, and Gustavo Caboco Wapichana. The title Ka’a Pûera carries dual meanings, referring to fallow cropland that reveals potential for resurgence and the capoeira bird, camouflaged in dense forests.

Under the curatorship of Adriano Pedrosa, the Pavilion highlights indigenous peoples and their art, particularly focusing on the coastal inhabitants’ resistance against marginalization and dispossession. The exhibition prompts contemplation on themes of resistance, shared humanity, memory, and nature. Glicéria Tupinambá, previously announced artist, works with the Tupinambá Community of Serra do Padeiro and Olivença, in Bahia, to create her works. The Pavilion also features works by artists Olinda Tupinambá and Ziel Karapotó.

‘The show brings together the Tupinambá Community and artists coming from the coastal peoples – the first to be transformed into foreigners in their own Hãhãw (ancestral territory) – in order to express a different perspective on the vast territory where more than three hundred indigenous peoples live (Hãhãwpuá). The Hãhãwpuá Pavilion tells a story of indigenous resistance in Brazil, the strength of the body present in the retaking of territory and adaptation to climatic emergencies,’ say the curators.

name: Ka’a Pûera: we are walking birds
commissioner: Andrea Pinheiro, Fundação Bienal de São Paulo
curators: Arissana Pataxó, Denilson Baniwa, Gustavo Caboco Wapichana
exhibitors: Glicéria Tupinambá with the Tupinambá Community of Serra do Padeiro and Olivença, in Bahia, Olinda Tupinambá and Ziel Karapotó
venue: Giardini

PAVILION OF Türkiye

a sketch for Hollow and Broken: A State of the World, 2023 | image courtesy of the artist and BüroSarıgedik

Hollow and Broken: A State of the World is a new installation by Gülsün Karamustafa, a prominent Turkish artist, to be showcased at the Türkiye Pavilion. Karamustafa’s installation features interconnected sculptural pieces crafted from found materials, prompting viewers to contemplate the current global condition, reminiscent of the profound turmoil and existential threats facing humanity. 

‘What I am dealing with’ Karamustafa says, ‘is the state of a world hollowed out to the core by wars, earthquakes, migration and nuclear peril unleashed at every turn, threatening humankind while nature is ceaselessly scathed and the environment made sick. I attempt to physically and emotionally summon into existence this phenomenon: the emptiness, the hollowness, the brokenness produced by the devastation that has become commonplace, whose pace becomes ever more impossible to keep up with, by the unimaginable grief that keeps on striking again and again at relentless intervals, by empty values, identity struggles and brittle human relationships.’

name: Hollow and Broken: A State of the World
commissioner: Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV)
exhibitor: Gülsün Karamustafa
venue: Arsenale

PAVILION OF BELGIUM

Petticoat Government #7, 2023, Stylo et crayon sur papier, 28 x 38 cm, Courtesy Petticoat Government (Denicolai & Provoost, Antoinette Jattiot, Nord, Spec uloos) & LMNO, Brussels

The Wallonia-Brussels Federation and Wallonia-Brussels International have selected the collective Denicolai & Provoost, Antoinette Jattiot, Nord, and Spec uloos to represent Belgium at the 60th edition of the 2024 Venice Biennale.

This collective, comprising individuals skilled in art, curation, architecture, typography, and cartography, challenges conventional exhibition formats through collaborative and horizontal approaches, utilizing successive chapters and fictional elements. Their theme for the Biennale revolves around the physical and symbolic crossing of boundaries, drawing on their extensive collaborative experiences and critical roles within and beyond the art sphere. They explore how collective, popular, and alternative organizations share and interact with the wider world.

For the 2024 Venice Biennale, the members of Petticoat Government present a multidisciplinary scenario inspired by existing folkloric giants from various communities in Belgium, France, and Spain. Their performative journeys, beginning with a passage through the Resia Pass on March 9, 2024, and concluding in Charleroi and Dunkirk in 2025, inject a playful disruption into reality. Their work explores the interplay between human and non-human elements, landscape and architecture, and the crossing of borders.

name: Petticoat Government
commissioner: Wallonia-Brussels Federation
exhibitors: Denicolai & Provoost, Antoinette Jattiot, Nord and Speculoos
venue: Giardini