Hangar Bicocca Milan
A huge factory turned expo site
Pirelli Hangar Bicocca is the perfect example of Milan’s famous adaptive re-use projects.
This huge exhibition site is located in the hangars that were once the home of the notable Ansaldo Breda, a company that produced railway and mass transit vehicles, later bought by famous Milanese tyre manufacturer Pirelli. Back in the day, the Bicocca neighborhood was a vast industrial area close to Milan's city limits, but since the Bicocca University was established in the late 1990s the area has been subjected to other major requalification plans.
Hangar Bicocca is one of the landmarks, if not the main attraction of the area. It is a dynamic exhibition site that covers a surface of about 15,000 square meters. The entrance to the exhibition area is free and the famous Seven Heavenly Palaces by German artist Anselm Kiefer (see picture) will do the honors as part of the permanent collection. Given the huge space, Hangar Bicocca adapts very well to performance art and interactive art installations especially. Even with the temporary exhibitions, Hangar Bicocca hardly ever disappoints!
All in all, Hangar Bicocca is the perfect exhibition site to spend a couple of hours if you wanna try to see the world from a different perspective. Thanks to the super colorful education games and activities you can get involved with, it's also the perfect location to introduce your kids to art.
Our Milan City Guide
Find your way with 195 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Milan
Frizzi & Lazzi
Your favorite beer garden ever
"Frizzi & Lazzi" is one of my old-time favorite beer gardens in Milan. It's an unassuming, easy-going place that has become a point of reference since '82.
by
Susanna
Baggio
Ofelé
My go-to place for Sunday brunch
"Ofelé" in Milan is a bistrot bakery that makes some of the best (Sunday) brunches around. It's simply one of my favorite pancake spots in town...
by
Carmen
Condeescu
Living Liqueurs & Delights
Fashion and aperitivo
"Living Liqueurs & Delights": one of my favorite aperitivo spots in Milan and its first real vodka bar. It has a beautiful bar ambiance & a nice lounge...
by
Ivan
Kalinov
DOU
Dim Sum paradise
"DOU" was the first (Asian) restauarant I bumped into in Milan, and it remains one of my favorites in the city. What I like is the selection of cuisines...
by
Ivan
Kalinov
Wasabi Bar
Williamsburg in Milan
"Wasabi Bar" is one of the greatest bars in Milan. Why? Because it's great! It's actually tiny, but don't be misled: the drink selection & design are...
by
Ivan
Kalinov
Via Solferino
Independent shopping
"Via Solferino" is a central Milan street, yet far away from the crowds. I go there to just look around the shop and I'm sure I can always find I...
by
Ivan
Kalinov
Al Fresco
A meeting place with food and dining
"Al Fresco" is my Milan cafe/restaurant I'd never visited because it was just next door to my place! Let me tell you, that was a mistake, if only for...
by
Ivan
Kalinov
Scalo Farini
Great aperitivo
"Scalo Farini" in Milan is a bar recommended to me by an Isola local as the best aperitivo in town. I can say that I haven't tried any better than this.
by
Ivan
Kalinov
QC Terme Milano
Total relax in the city
"QC Terme Milano" is the place for you if you're just a bit tired. Honestly, I wouldn't have expected to find a spa like this in the city...
by
Ivan
Kalinov
Frida
Chilling in alternative & hip Isola
"Frida" Milan is one of the places that for me defines the spirit of Isola. It's a great bar with affordable drinks, a great terrace and cool people...
by
Ivan
Kalinov
Heading to Milan?
195 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Milan?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 195 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Milan
Get to know our other Spotters from Milan
As featured on:
