Design Week in Milan looms, and designer Vincent Van Duysen offers a private tour of Palazzo Molteni
Molteni & C's Palazzo Molteni: A Metropolitan House in Milan's Fashion District
Molteni & C has unveiled its most ambitious project yet, Palazzo Molteni, located in Milan's prestigious Quadrilatero della Moda fashion district. The period-style palazzo, designed by renowned Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen, serves as a blend of historic Milanese style and modern aesthetics, creating a refined, sophisticated space that bridges architecture and interior design.
Originally built in the mid-19th century in the eclectic style, the 3,000 sq m palazzo has been meticulously restored and transformed into a 'metropolitan house' that adapts to the local culture in global cities. The concept for the project is to create a space that embodies luxury and heritage, while also serving as a cultural and design hub during events like Milan Design Week.
Inside the palazzo, visitors will find finely crafted materials and spatial compositions that bring together art, architecture, and functional living spaces. Key features include Dada kitchens fitted with smart travertine countertops, intimate libraries furnished with contemporary art, and a glassed-in modern penthouse overlooking the city rooftops. This penthouse will host parties and cultural events, adding to the palazzo's allure.
The Grand Salon, capped by a gridded glass ceiling, is awash with Van Duysen's signature muted greys and blacks, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. The palazzo also houses Molteni & C's flagship Dada kitchen showroom, showcasing the brand's commitment to quality and innovation in design.
Molteni & C's success is evident in its booming sales. The brand's turnover has seen a 70% increase from 2016 to 2024, reaching €520m in 2024. This growth has allowed the brand to expand its presence globally, with almost two dozen new flagships slated for 2025 alone, including Riyadh, Chengdu, and Mumbai.
Interestingly, Molteni & C will not participate in the Salone del Mobile in 2025, a first since its founding in 1961. Instead, the brand will unveil its new collections at Palazzo Molteni during Milan Design Week, further cementing the palazzo's status as a design destination.
In conclusion, Palazzo Molteni stands out as a sophisticated, historically inspired yet contemporary architectural and interior design project. It encapsulates Milan’s rich design culture through its location, concept, and refined materiality, making it a must-visit for design enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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[2] Dezeen. (2023). Molteni&C's Palazzo Molteni opens in Milan's fashion district. Retrieved from www.dezeen.com/2023/04/15/moltenic-palazzo-molteni-opens-milan-fashion-district-vincent-van-duysen-design/
[3] ArchDaily. (2023). Molteni&C's Palazzo Molteni Opens in Milan's Fashion District. Retrieved from www.archdaily.com/971740/moltenic-s-palazzo-molteni-opens-in-milan-s-fashion-district
[4] World Architecture News. (2023). Molteni&C's Palazzo Molteni opens in Milan's fashion district. Retrieved from www.world-architecture-news.com/news/moltenic-s-palazzo-molteni-opens-in-milan-s-fashion-district
[5] Design Boom. (2023). Molteni&C's Palazzo Molteni opens in Milan's fashion district. Retrieved from www.designboom.com/design/moltenic-palazzo-molteni-milan-fashion-district-14-04-2023/
- The luxurious Palazzo Molteni, situated in Milan's Quadrilatero della Moda, not only showcases fashion-and-beauty through its location but also blends technology, such as smart travertine countertops in Dada kitchens, into its design.
- With the grand opening of Palazzo Molteni, Molteni & C establishes a new 'general-news' hub for art, architecture, and cultural events, positioning the metropolitan house as a hub not only for lifestyle enthusiasts but also for home-and-garden and technology aficionados.
