The New Design Museum In Milan
Italian design in furniture, lighting, objects and more is renowned – but oddly has never received much recognition from Italy itself. That is about to change, because on April 9th the new Museum of Italian Design opens its doors to the public for the first time. Designed by Michele De Lucchi of the famed Memphis group, the showcase of design is located on the ground floor of the La Triennale di Milano in the Parco Sempione. Its premiere exhibit, The Obsessions of Italian Design, showcases objects from the Triennale’s historical collection, as well as films from six directors.
Iconic designs, such as “Carlton” by Ettore Sottsass and “Pipistrello” by Gae Aulenti, are on display in this first show, curated by British director Peter Greenaway and Italian architect, Italo Rota.
“We might paradoxically state that it is design which often sheds light on many aspects of our national history, not the other way around,” said the Museum’s scientific director, architect Andrea Branzi. With this museum’s inauguration, the world can see for itself the intertwining of Italian history and creativity through the lens of its design legacy.
– Jasper LaBonte
