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The Scalo di Porta Romana District: A Hub of Art and Design
Industry and creativity have always been in the DNA of the Scalo di Porta Romana district, as evidenced by the many factories that once thrived here. Today, this heritage is evolving, transforming the entire area into a vibrant district dedicated to art and the creative industries.
Fondazione Prada in Milan
The emblem of this transformation is undoubtedly Fondazione Prada, inaugurated in 2015. The concept of repurposing an early 20th-century distillery—covering an area of about 19,000 m²—into a hub for contemporary art has proven successful, thanks in part to a project led by the OMA studio under the guidance of architect Rem Koolhaas.
Alongside the restored buildings, three new structures have been added: the Podium, the Tower (home to the iconic restaurant on its sixth floor), and the Cinema. Today, Fondazione Prada is a key reference point for art and cinema, collaborating with internationally renowned intellectuals and artists. One of the most notable is acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson, who designed the famous Bar Luce within the Foundation.
Fondazione ICA on Via Orobia in Milan
Another cornerstone of the arts in the district is Fondazione ICA, located on Via Orobia. This non-profit entity has established a space dedicated to contemporary arts. The foundation targets a diverse audience, fostering research and continuous experimentation through a rich and interdisciplinary exhibition program.
Villa Clea on Via Marco d’Agrate in Milan
Villa Clea, situated on Via Marco d’Agrate, was created with the aim of supporting the work of contemporary artists. This residence, housed in a former workshop in the heart of the district, serves as a cultural association welcoming international and multidisciplinary artists, exhibiting their works on-site. The space, blending the functions of an atelier, artist residence, and gallery, is meticulously curated and features a garden rooftop as well as a Mediterranean herb garden.
IED Milan – Istituto Europeo di Design
Lastly, another significant presence in the district is IED, the Istituto Europeo di Design, established in Milan in 1996. Today, the school is spread across various locations throughout the city, with its hub on Via Pompeo Leoni, near the former Scalo di Porta Romana, focused on fashion design. The campus includes classrooms and labs within a former early 20th-century warehouse complex.
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