Milan – City of the Arts
The northern Italian metropolis dazzles with cool fashion and modern art.
Milan and art are like Renzo and Lucia, the couple engaged to be married in the most important novel of Italian literary history, “The Betrothed.” It took a long time for Renzo and Lucia to find each other again. Praised highly by Goethe, this is a love story full of obstacles written over hundreds of pages by the Italian aristocratic poet Alessandro Manzoni (1785-1873), who ultimately gave the couple a happy ending.
The city has a population of 1.3 million. The city lies in on the plains of the Po like a Moloch. According to Giò Ponti, architect and father of Milan’s modern art, in Milan “art falls in love with industry.” This is a fruitful connection: From Alfa Romeo to Pirelli, from Olivetti to Missoni and Fiorucci – many major Italian brands have their roots here.
Twice a year Milan threatens to boil over. In March and September, thousands of people flood into the city to experience “Settimana della Moda” - Fashion Week. Outside of the Paris catwalk events, the prêt-à-porter shows are the most important in the fashion world. The magic quickly comes to an end again, but it seems to rub off on the Milanese. Milan is regarded as the best-dressed city in Europe.
Despite the urban hustle and bustle, an oasis of calm can also be found in Milan. People take their time in the boutiques and shops in the fashionable Brera quarter. This little oasis is located right in the center of Milan, just behind La Scala. Anyone on the hunt for unusual accessories or antiques will easily find something here. Another charming feature of the quarter is its culinary temptations. Aromas linger at every turn. Bars tempt you inside for a coffee or an aperitif and historic gelaterie offer exotic ice creams.
However, the real luxury in Milan is time. You need to make time for an early morning visit to the cathedral “Santa Maria Nascente” when its dazzling gargoyles and battlements are lit up and inside just a handful of visitors are seated in prayer. You should also take the trouble to climb to the roof terrace to enjoy the fantastic views over the Alps.
Now two new addresses reflect the happy relationship between the city and modern art. The “Hangar Bicocca” factory building accommodates, among other things, the monumental “Seven Heavenly Palaces” by Anselm Kiefer. Furthermore, since September 2005 there is a new exhibition space - the “Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro” with abstract art.
Architects and designers continue to flirt with art in Milan. The Triennale Design Museum, which has just recently opened, is dedicated to design-related genres from the graphic arts to film. Star architect Renzo Piano is currently redesigning an entire district of the city: The Città della Moda (Fashion City) is set to entice flourishing business through its spectacular high-rises and parks.
The best cafés, the coolest boutiques and the finest restaurants – the print version of Best Practice contains some excellent tips for enjoying your time in Milan.
