When you think of Milan, fashion immediately comes to mind. But beyond its reputation for high fashion and design, there’s another gem worth exploring: the Prada Foundation in Milan. This cultural institution offers a deep dive into contemporary art and culture, seamlessly blending history with modernity.
The Transformation of a Historic Distillery
The Prada Foundation stands in the south of Milan, transforming a former distillery dating back to the 1910s into a vibrant space dedicated to the arts. This architectonic complex, designed by the renowned OMA firm led by Rem Koolhaas, consists of a blend of post-industrial buildings and newly constructed modern spaces. The site spans an impressive 19,000 square meters, with 11,000 square meters dedicated to exhibition space.
The existing structures include warehouses, laboratories, and brewing silos, repurposed to harbour contemporary art in a unique setting. Additional new structures like the Podium, Cinema, and Torre add fresh dimensions to the space. Each of these buildings serves a specific purpose, enhancing the overall visitor experience while adding layers of intrigue and interaction.
The complex is more than a place to view art; it’s an architectural marvel. The Podium combines two distinct spaces: a fully glazed, column-free ground floor and an aluminum foam-clad beam on the top floor. Both provide versatile areas for exhibitions and events. The Cinema is a multifunctional building offering a fully equipped movie theater. Its bi-folding doors connect it visually to the Podium, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Role of Artistic Collaborations
The Prada Foundation has long been committed to exploring the intersections between different artistic disciplines. From 1993 to 2010, it commissioned numerous monographic projects from international artists like John Baldessari, Louise Bourgeois, Walter De Maria, and Steve McQueen, among others. These projects were held not just in Milan but also in Venice and other parts of Italy and abroad.
The Venice venue at the historic Ca’ Corner della Regina added another dimension to the Foundation’s activities. Among the major exhibitions hosted here were “The Small Utopia. Ars Multiplicata,” “When Attitudes Become Form: Bern 1969/Venice 2013,” “Art or Sound,” and “Portable Classic.” These extensive research exhibitions explored various themes and involved contributions from a range of artists and scholars.
Not stopping there, the Prada Foundation expanded its repertoire with performing arts projects, experimental cinema platforms like “Belligerent Eyes,” and extensive retrospectives devoted to significant figures like Jannis Kounellis. The foundation’s Venice site continues to be a point of reflection and innovation, reaffirming its dedication to cultural engagement.
Expanding Horizons with the Milan Headquarters
With the inauguration of its Milan headquarters in 2015, the Prada Foundation broadened its scope of activities. The Torre, one of the most eye-catching structures in the complex, stands 60 meters high. This white concrete building has become a recognizable landmark within Milan’s urban skyline. Its irregular geometry means its appearance changes based on the viewer’s perspective, symbolizing the Foundation’s ethos of evolving interpretations and dialogues.
Inside Torre, the permanent project “Atlas” displays works from the Collezione Prada. This includes art pieces in dialogues such as Carla Accardi with Jeff Koons and John Baldessari with Carsten Höller. The Foundation continues to host high-profile exhibitions such as “Serial Classic” and “Post Zang Tumb Tuuum.” Collaborative projects with renowned artists like Robert Gober, Theaster Gates, and Ryan Trecartin exemplify the Foundation’s expanding artistic dialogue.
From Digital Initiatives to Neuroscience
In 2020, the global health crisis pushed many cultural institutions to rethink their digital presence, and the Prada Foundation was no exception. Expanding into the digital realm, they introduced several innovative projects like “Glossary,” “Inner Views,” and “Outer Views” to connect past and present activities of the foundation. Initiating a social media-based series, they also presented “Love Stories” by Francesco Vezzoli and visual essays under the “Finite Rants” project.
Venturing beyond art, the Foundation initiated the “Human Brains” project, which runs from 2020 to 2022, focusing on brain studies. This global initiative combines exhibitions, scientific debates, public meetings, and publishing activities dedicated to neuroscience. The first event, an online conference titled “Culture and Consciousness,” aimed to promote public interest and facilitate dialogue between scientists and scholars.
In support of social causes, the Foundation backed a charity campaign led by Damien Hirst, raising significant funds for Save The Children’s education program in Italy. This initiative, “Riscriviamo il Futuro,” underlines the Foundation’s commitment to not just art and culture but also community welfare.
The Osservatorio: A Focus on Photography
Since 2016, the Prada Foundation has expanded its horizons to include photography and visual languages. This is exemplified by the opening of Osservatorio, located in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This venue has hosted numerous group and solo exhibitions by both Italian and international photographers and artists. Projects like “Training Humans,” conceived by Kate Crawford and Trevor Paglen, highlight the Foundation’s commitment to exploring new forms of artistic expression.
Among the exhibitions held at Osservatorio, works by artists such as Torbjørn Rødland, Theaster Gates, and Stefano Graziani have provided rich and thought-provoking visual experiences. This focus on visual culture complements the broad spectrum of the Foundation’s activities, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for contemporary artistic dialogue.
Practical Information for Visiting the Prada Foundation in Milan
How to Get There
The Prada Foundation is centrally located in Milan at Largo Isarco 2, 20139. It’s easily accessible via public transportation, making it convenient for both locals and tourists.
– By Underground: Take Line M3 (the yellow line) and get off at the Lodi T.I.B.B. stop. Use the P.le Lodi / V.le Isonzo exit and you’re just a short walk away.
– By Tram: You can take Tram 24 and get off at the via Ripamonti / via Lorenzini stop.
– By Bus: Bus line 65 stops directly at Largo Isarco.
– Parking: For those driving, the Fondazione Prada offers a designated free parking lot located at Largo Isarco 1, with 75 car spaces available.
Opening Hours
– Exhibitions and Projects: Open Monday, Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm; Closed on Tuesdays.
– Bar Luce: Open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 8 pm; Friday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 8:30 pm.
Ticket Prices
Various ticketing options are available to suit different preferences and visitor profiles:
– Full Price Ticket: €15
– Concession Tickets:
– €12: For students under 26, visitors over 65, FAI cardholders, and carers to visitors with disabilities.
– €7.5: For visitors over 65 and students under 26 from high schools and universities in Milan (with a valid ID), and for these groups, entry is free on Thursday.
– Free Entry: For visitors under 18, visitors with disabilities, residents over 65 in Milan with a valid ID card (free only on Thursdays), and journalists with a press pass.
For those planning to visit both the main site and the Osservatorio within 14 days, an integrated ticket is available for €15.
Where to Book Online Tickets
To ensure a smooth and pleasant experience, it’s recommended to book tickets online. This allows you to select a specific time slot, helping to manage crowd levels and providing a more enjoyable visit for everyone.
Buy Your Tickets Online: https://www.fondazioneprada.org/
Be mindful that once a ticket is purchased for a specific time and date, it is non-refundable and cannot be canceled. Make sure to adhere to the selected time slot to avoid any inconveniences.
In essence, the Prada Foundation in Milan is much more than an art space. It’s a living, breathing entity that consistently challenges artistic and cultural norms. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this institution offers a myriad of experiences that stimulate both thought and creativity. If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss the chance to explore this fascinating venue. For more insights into what to do in Milan, visit our city guide.