Top 12 Things UK Visitors Must See at Milan Design Week 2026
- Merna Atef
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
Milan Design Week attracts thousands of British creatives each year, many of whom are part of the new wave of Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 UK nominees featured on our platform.
Milan Design Week — made up of Salone del Mobile at Rho Fiera and the city-wide Fuorisalone exhibitions — returns in April 2026 as the world’s most influential design event. Every year, more than 350,000 visitors arrive from over 180 countries, and UK travellers remain one of the most active groups, especially across fashion, interiors, architecture, and creative industries.
If you’re visiting from the UK, this guide highlights 12 essential, factual, must-see experiences based on long-standing Milan Design Week programming, confirmed districts, and the exhibitions that consistently define the event.
Must-See Highlights at Milan Design Week 2026 This section introduces the core experiences that define the event — from Salone del Mobile to the major Fuorisalone districts — helping UK visitors prioritise their days in Milan.
1. Salone del Mobile at Fiera Milano (Rho)
Why it’s unmissable:Salone del Mobile is the core of Milan Design Week, representing over 2,000 exhibitors across furniture, lighting, interiors, and material innovation. British visitors typically prioritise Salone because it provides a complete view of global design trends in one place.
Fact: Salone del Mobile has taken place annually at Rho Fiera since 2005 and remains the world’s largest design fair.
2. Euroluce / EuroCucina / International Bathroom Exhibition (Depending on 2026 Rotation)
Salone’s special biennial exhibitions rotate each year.
For 2026:
EuroCucina (kitchen design)
FTK – Technology For the Kitchen
International Bathroom Exhibition
These sectors consistently attract UK architects and interior designers due to their high relevance to residential and hospitality projects.
3. Brera Design District
The Brera district is one of the most visited areas during Fuorisalone, featuring showrooms, historic courtyards, and installations by leading global brands.
What to expect:
Major brands such as Artemide, Flos, Cassina, B&B Italia, and Muuto traditionally exhibit here.
Brera is known for sculptural installations in outdoor courtyards — ideal for UK creatives looking for visual inspiration.
Fact: Brera has been an official Fuorisalone district since 2010 and remains its cultural centre.
4. Tortona Design Week (Tortona & Superstudio)
Tortona is known for experimental, trend-driven exhibitions.
Must-see spots:
Superstudio Più — historically hosts innovative product launches and installations.
BASE Milano — home to cross-disciplinary design, talks, and exhibitions.
Fact: Tortona was the birthplace of Fuorisalone in the 1980s and continues to lead in innovation.
5. Isola Design District
One of Milan Design Week’s fastest-growing creative hubs.
Why UK visitors love it:
Focus on emerging designers, sustainable materials, and experimental craftsmanship.
The district regularly features over 300 independent designers and studios.
Fact: Isola started in 2017 and is now one of the largest independent design platforms in Europe.
6. Alcova
Alcova is a roving exhibition that relocates each year into abandoned or historic buildings across Milan.
Why it’s essential:
Features conceptual installations, material innovation, and experimental design.
A favourite among UK design students and cutting-edge studios.
Fact: Alcova was founded in 2018 and has since become one of Milan Design Week’s most photographed exhibitions.
7. Triennale Milano
Triennale is Milan’s most important museum for design, architecture, and visual culture.
Expect:
Major retrospectives
Design research exhibitions
Installations from international institutions
Talks and cultural programming
Fact: Triennale Milano has participated in Design Week for decades and is recognised by the Italian Ministry of Culture.
8. 5Vie Art + Design District
A historic area known for artisanal craftsmanship, collectible design, and conceptual art exhibitions.
Why UK visitors should go:
5Vie specialises in one-of-a-kind pieces, gallery shows, and small experimental studios.
Ideal for visitors looking for slower, refined aesthetics beyond the major districts.
Fact: 5Vie became an official Fuorisalone district in 2014 and focuses on cultural heritage and contemporary craft.
9. Via Durini Showroom District
Milan’s high-end showroom street, home to luxury interior brands.
Brands typically present:
Poliform
Natuzzi
Porro
Molteni & C
Giorgetti
Fact: Via Durini has been the centre of Milan’s luxury interiors since the early 2000s and remains a staple of Design Week.
10. Università degli Studi di Milano – Interni Exhibition
One of the most iconic installations during Fuorisalone.
Why see it:
Large-scale architectural installations fill the university’s Renaissance courtyards.
Often incorporates leading international architects and designers.
Fact: Interni has curated installations here since 1998, making it one of the longest-running Fuorisalone experiences.
11. Museo del Novecento & Piazza Duomo Installations
The Duomo area frequently hosts major public installations and immersive experiences.
Why UK visitors enjoy it:
Free, accessible, and often spectacular.
Close to Milan’s main cultural landmarks.
Fact: Major brands and institutions regularly sponsor public installations in Piazza Duomo during Design Week.
12. Design Talks, Open Studios & Brand Events Across the City
Beyond the main districts, the Design Week calendar includes hundreds of brand launches, cocktail events, talks, and studio open days.
Why it matters:
UK travellers often network with global studios, brands, and creative professionals.
Many global design companies time their launches around Milan.
Fact: Fuorisalone typically includes over 1,000 official events across the city every year.
Why Milan Design Week Is Essential for UK Visitors
London and Milan are two of Europe’s most influential design capitals.
Many UK studios — from interiors to architecture to product design — launch or preview work in Milan.
Airlines operate dozens of direct daily flights between UK airports and Milan (Linate, Malpensa, Bergamo), making the trip extremely accessible.
