Prada Foundation
A 19,000-square-meter contemporary art complex in southern Milan, opened in 2015 on the site of a former distillery and designed by architect Rem Koolhaas.
At a glance
The Prada Foundation’s Milan headquarters occupies Largo Isarco in the Vigentino district. The institution, chaired by Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli, maintains a second location at Ca’ Corner della Regina in Venice and operates as a center for contemporary art and culture.
History
The foundation inaugurated its Milan spaces on 9 May 2015, transforming a 1990s distillery into a modern cultural venue. The project combined preserved industrial structures with three newly constructed buildings, resulting in a 19,000-square-meter complex designed by OMA, the architecture firm led by Rem Koolhaas. The opening was marked by site-specific installations by Robert Gober and Thomas Demand, alongside exhibitions curated by Salvatore Settis exploring classical art themes.
What you see
The complex features an articulated architectural configuration that merges pre-existing buildings with contemporary interventions. The entrance building welcomes visitors through two distinctive spaces: an educational area for children developed with students from the École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Versailles, and a café designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson that references traditional Milanese cafés. Of the total 19,000 square meters, 11,000 are dedicated to exhibition activities, offering diverse spatial configurations for displaying art.
Cultural significance
The foundation presents thematic exhibitions drawn from the Prada Collection, including curatorial dialogues such as “An Introduction,” which emerged from collaboration between Miuccia Prada and critic Germano Celant. Programming spans visual art, choreography, and film retrospectives, creating connections between contemporary practice and historical precedent. The parallel exhibitions in Milan and Venice link the two locations through shared curatorial vision.
Key facts
- Address: Largo Isarco 2, Milan
- Coordinates: 45.4442100, 9.2053700
- Total area: 19,000 square meters; 11,000 dedicated to exhibitions
- Designed by: OMA (Rem Koolhaas)
- Opened: 9 May 2015
- Website: http://fondazioneprada.org
- Phone: 02 5666 2611
Practical information
Admission fees and opening hours are not listed here; consult the official website for current details. The foundation operates year-round with rotating exhibitions and programs.
Getting there
The foundation is located in Largo Isarco in the southern Vigentino district of Milan. Public transportation and parking options are available; check the official website for directions and visitor information.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →Historical events at this place (1)
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