In 1961, the Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano (or simply Salone del Mobile/ Milan Design Fair) was born. Since then, the annual furniture fair has snowballed into this insanely huge and hotly anticipated event in Italy.
It's the largest trade fair in the world, and, with more than 2000 exhibitors from 37 and literally hundreds of events open to the public each year, it's bigger than Milan Fashion Week.
This year, the Salone del Mobile is on from 8-13 April. The 2025 theme? Thought for Humans with heavyweights Paolo Sorrentino, Robert Wilson, Sou Fujimoto and Pierre-Yves Rochon designing the key pavilions.
But Salone del Mobile isn't just about the stallholders featured within the sanctioned exhibition hall at Fieramilano. Every year, Milan comes alive with hundreds more design events, talks and master classes that are held 'Fuori Salone' or outside of the main exhibition space.
These dedicated events are spread throughout the city in Tortona, Brera quarter, the 5 Vie Design District, Lambrate, Porta Venezia, Triennale and Fabbrica del Vapore. And they are nothing to sneeze at. The 'Fuori Salone' program is rather organized and well curated, we invite you to consult its dedicated website.
And unlike the Salone del Mobile, which is ticketed, a lot of these events are free and open to the public. Anyone who is anybody in the international design, fashion and creative arts scene will be hosting a 'Fuori Salone' event this year, from Ikea to Loro Piano, Gucci to Villa Leonardo Da Vinci and... Kellogg's.
'Fuori Salone' is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Milan's vibrant design scene no matter your background. Not to mention it's a chance to explore the very best this city has to offer and maybe even rub shoulders with a celebrity or two.
If you are in Milan for Salone del Mobile 2025, we have some ideas for you!
First and foremost, if you’re visiting Milan for the Salone del Mobile and need a little breather from all the design, dive deep into the city's food & drink scene with an expert on a private Insider’s Milan Food Tour.
For more Salone related tips, we sat down with one of our favorite Italian architects (based between London and Rome) to get the scoop on Design Week
Here's what architect Maria Buontempo had to say for where to catch the Design Week action “Fuori Salone”:
University of Milan (Università Statale di Milano)
One of the most scenic places of Fuorisalone. Every year, it hosts large-scale installations, often immersive and very photogenic. It's popular with everyone, even those not in the design world. The neighborhood is university-based, and food and drinks are just outside the building, with street food and small bars.
Link: What to see at Statale – Casa Facile
Tortona District
Perfect for groups, it is one of the historical areas of Fuorisalone, full of different locations hosting installations and exhibitions. It’s easy to walk around and has plenty of spots to grab a quick bite or drink.
Link: Tortona Design Week
Rossana Orlandi
A classic, but always captivating. It’s a mix between a gallery, concept store, and secret garden. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but there’s a bar for aperitifs and a shop with beautiful design objects.
Link: Rossana Orlandi Registration
The Apartment by Artemest (there may be queues, especially on the weekend of the fair)
A Milanese apartment decorated by different designers and brands, room by room. Very refined and carefully curated.
Link: Artemest Registration
Where to eat during Fuorisalone
A mini-guide with restaurants and spots to try during Design Week, selected by the magazine Interni.
Link: Food Guide – Interni
Party:
And to end the day, a public party at one of the most creative venues in Milan.
Link: Fabbrica Design Week 2025
Other areas not to miss:
Besides the Tortona district and Statale, Design Week takes place in different areas of the city, each with its own vibe. Here are some larger areas worth checking out:
Alcova
An exhibition platform that brings design to historic, out-of-the-ordinary locations. For 2025, it expands to four venues: Villa Borsani, Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, the former SNIA factory, and the Serre di Pasino. Each place has a strong identity and often features curated food corners.
Link: Discover Alcova – Wallpaper
Brera Design District (easily reachable with lots to see)
Brera is iconic, with showrooms, installations, secret courtyards, and presentations. It’s also full of historic cafés, chic bistros, and small restaurants ideal for a gourmet break.
Link: Overview – Living Corriere and Brera Design District
5VIE Design Week (easily reachable with lots to see)
A central district, blending craftsmanship, conceptual design, and art galleries. Perfect for those looking for curated content and local spots.
Link: Focus on 5VIE – Fuorisalone.it
Triennale di Milano
An institution for design and contemporary art. The exhibitions are always super interesting, and the Triennale Café has an amazing view of Parco Sempione, lovely opportunity for a break.
Link: Triennale Milan
Curious for recs where to eat and drink in Milan during Design Week?
