Fieramilano — Rho-Pero Exhibition Centre
Fieramilano is the principal international trade fair and exhibition complex of Italy, opened in 2005 on a 2.2-million-square-metre site straddling the municipalities of Rho and Pero west of Milan. Designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas, the complex features a dramatic 1.3-km-long glass-and-steel canopy spine connecting eight large pavilions, and is the fourth-largest exhibition centre in the world by gross indoor area. It hosts major events including the Salone del Mobile, EICMA, and TUTTOFOOD.
At a glance
- Type
- International trade fair and exhibition complex
- Period
- Opened 2005; construction 2002–2005
- Style
- Contemporary architecture; Deconstructivist canopy structure
- Location
- Via Cristoforo Colombo 10, Rho-Pero, Metropolitan City of Milan
- Coordinates
- 45.5203° N, 9.0767° E
Overview
Fieramilano replaced the historic city-centre Fiera Milano site in the Portello district, relocating the exhibition activities to a purpose-built campus outside the city with direct motorway and metro access. The complex is operated by Fiera Milano SpA, Italy’s most important trade fair organiser and one of the largest in the world. Its opening in April 2005 was timed to coincide with the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, one of the world’s premier design events.
History
The decision to move Milan’s trade fair out of the city centre was taken in the late 1990s following decades of congestion at the Portello site, which had been operating since 1923. The commission for the new complex was won by Massimiliano Fuksas in 1999, and construction began in 2002 on reclaimed agricultural and industrial land at the western edge of the metropolitan area. The new Fieramilano opened on 31 March 2005 with the Salone del Mobile as its inaugural event. The Expo 2015 World Exposition was subsequently staged on a 110-hectare site immediately adjacent to the north of the fair complex, further raising the area’s international profile.
What you see
The signature element of the complex is the Vela (sail), a sinuous 1,300-metre-long glass-and-steel canopy designed by Fuksas that arches over the central pedestrian spine connecting all pavilions. Eight main exhibition halls provide over 345,000 square metres of covered exhibition space arranged symmetrically around the central axis. The complex also includes a congress centre, hotels, restaurants, and extensive outdoor event areas. A dedicated metro station (Rho Fieramilano, Line 1 red) sits at the eastern entrance.
Cultural significance
Fieramilano is a key driver of Milan’s international status as a global city for design, fashion, and industry. The Salone del Mobile held annually in April draws over 300,000 professionals from 180 countries and has made Milan the undisputed world capital of furniture design. The Fuksas canopy has become an architectural landmark and a symbol of Italy’s ambition to reposition its major trade infrastructure for the 21st century.
Practical information
- Address
- Via Cristoforo Colombo 10, 20017 Rho (MI), Italy
- Access
- Metro Line 1 (red), station Rho Fieramilano; A8/A52 motorway junction
- Opening hours
- Open during scheduled events only; check fieramilano.it for calendar
- Website
- www.fieramilano.it
Getting there
By metro, take Milan’s Line 1 (red) to the terminal station Rho Fieramilano — the journey from central Milan (Duomo) takes approximately 30 minutes. By car, exit at the Rho/Fiera Milano junction off the A8 or A52 ring motorways. A dedicated shuttle bus also connects the site to Milan Malpensa Airport during major trade shows. Ample paid parking is available on site.