Milan’s esteemed cultural institution, the Triennale Milano, has completed a significant renovation of its lower-ground floor, spearheaded by architect Luca Cipelletti. This project, directed by Triennale president Stefano Boeri and general director Carla Morogallo, was not merely an update but a meticulous effort to “enhance Giovanni Muzio’s original 1933 design” for the Palazzo dell’Arte building. The comprehensive work spanned 2,300 square metres of interior space and also addressed 7,300 square metres of surrounding gardens, porticos, and facades. By updating the building’s energy performance, accessibility, and functionality, the renovation has successfully integrated modern operational needs while reverently preserving the spirit and aesthetic integrity of Muzio’s 1930s architectural vision. The renewed spaces now offer enriched experiences, from a dedicated music venue to a children’s play area, all connected by a deep respect for the building’s historical framework.
Voce Triennale: A Minimalist Stage for Music
The first element of the large-scale renovation to reach completion was the Voce Triennale, a space explicitly designed to host the museum’s extensive music program. This rectangular venue embraces a minimalist aesthetic, intentionally “less distracting due to the absence of visual stimuli,” as noted by Boeri, ensuring that the music remains the central focus. The interior is defined by its supporting pillars, which carve out a trio of asymmetrical naves, providing a distinct architectural rhythm.
A key feature of the design is the sophisticated acoustic treatment. The walls and ceilings are clad in a mixture of sound-insulating, sound-absorbing, and sound-reflecting panels, meticulously tuned to optimise the auditory experience. Dominating the room is a large soundwall, acting as the venue’s centrepiece. For seating, designer Philippe Malouin conceived a bespoke modular system, featuring a chunky sofa and a cluster of listening lounge chairs crafted from dark green felt with visible stitching, adding a tactile element. Integrated dynamic lighting enhances the atmosphere, which is further bolstered by an adjacent cocktail bar and illustrative neon signage by artist Marcello Maloberti at the entrance, all contributing to a sense of nighttime vibrancy.
Cucina Triennale: A Homage to the 1930s
The second phase of the project focused on Cucina Triennale, transforming it into a cohesive restaurant and cafe that deliberately reflects the original style and atmosphere of Muzio’s 1930s design. This eatery, which overlooks the Triennale gardens, is spread across three distinct rooms. Cipelletti ensured the preservation of key historical details, including the space’s original exposed rhomboid beam ceilings.
The material palette is simple yet impactful, featuring industrial timber flooring and clean white walls, allowing the historical architecture to shine. The furniture selection was carefully curated to pay tribute to the building’s past while ensuring modern durability. Stackable dining chairs, custom-made by Studio Klass specifically for the restaurant, take centre stage. These chairs were designed to perfectly complement the steel-framed tables originally conceived for the space by architect Gigiotti Zanini. Furniture brand UniFor reissued Zanini’s tables, updating their tops with a more resilient finish for contemporary use. Furthermore, the restaurant incorporates two partitioned areas cloaked in retractable green curtains, designed to be used for smaller exhibitions or private events.
Gioco Triennale: A Creative Realm for Children
The third and final portion of the renovation introduced Gioco Triennale, a dedicated, creative play area conceptualised for children “of all ages.” The aesthetic of this space is defined by a sandy hue, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. In line with the museum’s design focus, the furnishings for the play area were provided by Smarin studio.
Smarin studio created a selection of unique, modular components for the area, composed of cork blocks and flat solid pine surfaces. Crucially, these components are designed to be entirely free from nails and screws, encouraging safety and open-ended play. Children are invited to become the designers themselves, using the flexible components to construct their own playful seating arrangements, desks, and structural creations. Beyond the central play elements, the Gioco Triennale also addresses practical family needs, incorporating dedicated areas for parking prams and essential baby-changing facilities, making the institution more accessible to families with young children.
A Modern Update with Historical Sensitivity
The entire renovation forms a critical part of a broader redevelopment of the Palazzo dell’Arte, aiming to bring the historic building firmly into the twenty-first century. Under the leadership of Boeri and Morogallo, the project’s main directive was to improve essential technical aspects—such as energy performance and general accessibility—without compromising the integrity of Giovanni Muzio’s architectural masterpiece.
Luca Cipelletti’s approach demonstrates a deep understanding of historical conservation, ensuring that the necessary functional updates are seamlessly interwoven with the preserved 1930s aesthetics. The careful choices in materials, the revival of original or custom-made furniture pieces, and the commitment to enhancing existing structures like the rhomboid beam ceilings all underscore the effort to create a renewed space that honours its past. This balance allows the Triennale Milano to continue its crucial role as Italy’s most important design museum, a key venue for Milan design week, and the host of the Triennale Milano International Exhibition, now equipped for a new generation of visitors.
