Joseph Grima is the founder of Milan-based architecture and research studio Space Caviar, as well as the creative director of Design Academy Eindhoven and co-founder, with Valentina Ciuffi, of Alcova, the zeitgeist-setting annual design event taking place from 15-21 April during Milan Design Week.
Famed as a platform that brings together experimental designers and innovative brands, as well as talks and performances drawing all who are interested in the future of living and making, this year’s edition will be held at two extraordinary venues on the outskirts of the city: Villa Bagatti Valsecchi and Villa Borsani. When you have seen everything on our list of the must-see Milan design week events, this is your guide to other essentials in the city (including the best bars!). alcova.xyz; spacecaviar.net
Decoration & design
Alcova Design Shop, Viale Molise, 62, 20137
I’m going to be impolite and shamelessly plug our own design store (a spin-off of our Alcova design event), which is tiny but packed with carefully selected work by some of the most amazing emerging designers that you won’t find anywhere else. shop.alcova.xyz
What's everyone reading?
Carrozzeria 900, Via Teodosio, 64, 20131
For those interested in mid-century modernfurniture up to the 1980s, I’d highly recommend my friend Mauro’s boutique – he has an incredible eye and finds some real treasures. carrozzeria900.com
Galleria Rossana Orlandi, Via Matteo Bandello, 14, 20123
This landmark of contemporary design is worth a visit not just for the pieces but for the store itself, which is one of the most beautiful corners of Milan. rossanaorlandi.com
Milan Cathedral, Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano
It may seem touristy, but a place that I love and that’s often overlooked is the roof of the Duomo. I once heard a hermit lived up there for 30 years until 1660. duomomilano.it
Torre Branca. Parco Sempione, Viale Luigi Camoens,2, 20121
Another elevated spot is this Gio Ponti design. It’s one of his most interesting architectural projects, with stunning views of the city. museobranca.it/torre-branca
Food and drink
Bar Basso, Via Plinio, 39, 20133
As for many in the design community, Bar Basso is my second home and the birthplace of the negroni sbagliato. Maurizio, the proprietor, is the real godfather of Milanese design. barbasso.com
Trattoria del Nuovo Macello, Via Cesare Lombroso, 20, 20137
This is one of the most authentic Milanese dining experiences. The cotoletta alla Milanese is the best in town, in my opinion. trattoriadelnuovomacello.it
Terrazza Triennale, Viale Emilio Alemagna, 6, 20121
For a great cocktail and an exceptional view of the city, I’d head over to Terrazza Triennale, the bar/restaurant on the rooftop of the Triennale. It’s a great spot to soak up the atmosphere. terrazzatriennale.com
Where to stay
Hotel Grand Et de Milan, Via Alessandro Manzoni, 29, 20121
I think this Milan institution is one of the few remaining grand hotels done properly in Italy. grandhoteletdemilan.it
Bulgari Hotel, Via Privata Fratelli Gabba, 7B, 20121
I’m probably not the best person to ask, but if you’re looking to rub shoulders with celebrities, the Bulgari Hotel is definitely the way to go. bulgarihotels.com
Art
Achille Castiglioni Foundation, Piazza Castello, 27, 20121
This is an unmissable place – it’s the former studio of Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, and in many ways one of the most hallowed and unique spots on the map of Milanese design. Sadly, the foundation has been struggling to pay the rent for sometime, so I encourage you to visit before it’s too late. fondazioneachillecastiglioni.it
Nilufar Depot gallery, Viale Vincenzo Lancetti 34
Another stunning cathedral of design and you can often find Nina Yashar, the proprietor, sipping champagne on one of the sofas while she plans the next exhibition. nilufar.com
Massimo De Carlo, Viale Lombardia, 17, 20131
I’d recommend a visit to this gallery, which has an exceptional selection of artists and is housed in an extraordinary early modernist villa designed by Piero Portaluppi, the architect of the revered Villa Necchi Campiglio. massimodecarlo.com/galleries/milano
The Milan subway
It’s a design masterpiece in itself! With graphic design by Bob Noorda and furnishings and fit-out by Franco Albini, one of the masters of Milanese design, this is a public work of art.
