Prada art museum Milan

A Prada art museum in Milan dedicated to the arts and not fashion? Fondazione Prada’s an avant garden arts complex dedicated to contemporary art and culture, masterminded by Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli.

Housed in a complex that was previously a distillery, the Fondazione Prada as it is known in Italian, looks right at home in the re-purposed industrial space that dates back to 1910. Three new modern structures have been added, including a cinema, all designed by architect Rem Koolhaas.

The Prada art museum is made up of mostly discreet buildings which work a subtle backdrop. The space between the buildings is an important space to wander and explore the juxtaposition of the clashing structures.

Miuccia Prada and her husband Patrizio Bertelli formed Fondazione Prada in 1993, formalising their growing collection of contemporary art. The couple wanted to use their works and contacts with artists to develop a genuine space for artistic inquiry.

The Haunted House accommodates a permanent installation conceived by Robert Gober (1954) and with two works by Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010). Pictured below are Robert Gober’s Corner Door and Doorframe, 2014-2015 and Untitled, 1993-1994.

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Complementing the permanent exhibitions, the museum stages up to four art exhibitions at a time, and nightly film screenings in the cinema.

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The museum’s modus operandi is to analyse contemporary culture through the staging of contemporary art exhibitions. Cultural exhibits combining architecture, cinema and philosophy projects.

Location

Situated in the south of the city, the Fondazione Prada at Largo Isarco, 2, 20139 Milano. It’s accessible by metro, tram and bus.

Our local tip

The complex hosts a cool 50’s style Milanese cafe Bar Luce designed by film director Wes Anderson. Located in the modern tower is restaurant Torre with a view over the city, designed by Rem Koolhaas.

Planning a trip to Italy? You might want to see some of our stories in Italy here.