aventuro Back to map A
Museums #19 in Milan

Fondazione Prada

4.2 · 10,901 reviews
Intellectual, industrial, and curated.
Fondazione Prada, L.go Isarco, 2, 20139 Milano MI, Italy
Interesting facts
1

The complex includes a structure known as the Haunted House, which is entirely clad in gold leaf.

2

The site occupies a former industrial distillery complex, specifically the Società Italiana Spiriti, dating back to 1910.

3

Bar Luce was designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson to reflect the aesthetic of 1950s and 1960s Milanese cafés.

4

The Torre building features a trapezoidal footprint that changes shape depending on the viewing angle.

5

The project was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Rem Koolhaas and his firm, OMA.

6

The site layout includes a sunken courtyard and a mirrored outdoor installation space.

7

The foundation hosts an extensive archive of research projects spanning architecture, art, and cinema.

Overview

Fondazione Prada is a contemporary art complex housed in a converted 1910 distillery, featuring a mix of restored industrial structures and new interventions by OMA/Rem Koolhaas. The site comprises several distinct buildings, including the Haunted House covered in 24-karat gold leaf and the Podium, which hosts rotating temporary exhibitions. The complex also features the Torre, a nine-story exhibition tower that provides panoramic views of the Milan skyline. The site integrates Cinema, a permanent educational space, and Bar Luce, an interior space designed by film director Wes Anderson. The exhibitions focus on experimental art, cinema, and philosophy rather than a permanent collection. The architectural layout prioritizes a non-linear flow between indoor and outdoor spaces across a former industrial campus.

Photo spot

The central courtyard between the Podium and the Haunted House for a view of the juxtaposition of old and new architecture.

Insider tips

Book your exhibition slots online in advance, as the most popular galleries may require reservations.

Explore the outdoor courtyards and the industrial architecture between galleries to fully appreciate the complex's layout.

Check the current exhibition guide online before visiting, as the content changes significantly every few months.

What to avoid

Do not treat it as a traditional museum with a permanent, unchanging collection; the appeal lies in the rotating contemporary exhibits.

Good to know

Closed on Tuesdays.

Etiquette

Casual but respectful; photography is generally allowed for personal use but flash and tripods are typically prohibited in galleries.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid the larger crowds that gather on weekends.
Address
Fondazione Prada, L.go Isarco, 2, 20139 Milano MI, Italy
45.444, 9.205
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsRotating contemporary art, architecture, and cinema installations
Architectural highlightHaunted House and the Torre tower

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid the larger crowds that gather on weekends..

The central courtyard between the Podium and the Haunted House for a view of the juxtaposition of old and new architecture.

Close by you'll find Duomo di Milano, Sforzesco Castle, Parco Sempione.