Exploring the Lambrate Design District in Milan's Lambrate Neighborhood

From Industrial Roots to Creative Renaissance

The Lambrate Design District is one of the most dynamic and transformative areas within the Municipio 3 district of Milan, located specifically in the Lambrate neighborhood. Once known primarily for its industrial facilities, including factories and workshops linked to Milan's manufacturing past, Lambrate has undergone a significant evolution in recent decades. This transformation has positioned it as a vital part of Milan's international design scene, particularly during events like the Fuorisalone, the city's parallel design fair held alongside Salone del Mobile.

The origins of Lambrate's industrial legacy can be traced to the early 20th century, when the area served as a hub for manufacturing companies such as Innocenti, the firm famous for producing Lambretta scooters. Many of the district's warehouses and production plants have since been repurposed into studios, galleries, and creative spaces. This adaptive reuse has preserved the architectural character of the neighborhood while injecting it with new life driven by the arts, design, and innovation sectors.

The change began to accelerate in the 2000s, with the concerted efforts of cultural organizations, curators, and property developers seeking to turn Lambrate into a beacon for young designers and independent creators. These initiatives have led to the emergence of a distinctive identity for the Lambrate Design District—an identity that celebrates experimentation, sustainability, and community engagement. Unlike more commercial design zones in Milan, Lambrate offers a grassroots, workshop-like atmosphere that attracts avant-garde designers and smaller design studios from across Europe and beyond.

Each year during Design Week, Lambrate becomes one of the epicenters of creativity in the city. Dozens of exhibitions, pop-up installations, and concept stores are hosted in former factories and outdoor courtyards. The district's open and flexible spaces allow for bold, large-scale installations that might not fit traditional venues. This has cemented Lambrate's reputation as a place where ideas can be tested freely and new forms of expression can flourish.

Key Venues and Collaborative Design Spaces

Among the most well-known venues in the Lambrate Design District is Ventura Projects, a curatorial platform that played a central role in launching the area's prominence in international design circles. Although Ventura Lambrate officially concluded its cycle in 2017, its legacy lives on through other independent exhibitions and collectives that continue to occupy the former Ventura spaces. These include temporary showrooms, conceptual spaces, and international university showcases that highlight emerging design talent.

Spazio Ventura XV, located on Via Ventura, was historically one of the main exhibition sites in the district. This expansive industrial hall has hosted everything from student-led installations to major design firms presenting cutting-edge interior concepts. Nearby, venues like Din – Design In and Undai Gallery offer platforms for experimental work in ceramics, textiles, sustainable materials, and interactive design.

The district also houses permanent fixtures that contribute to its year-round vibrancy. Many design studios have established their headquarters in Lambrate, benefiting from the availability of large workspaces and the neighborhood's creative reputation. Shared maker spaces and artisan workshops can be found throughout the area, enabling local production and fostering collaboration across disciplines such as product design, furniture building, graphic arts, and fashion.

Galleries and cultural associations, such as Made in Lambrate and Milano Makers, support local and international talent by organizing thematic exhibitions and community-based design projects. These initiatives aim to democratize access to design by involving residents in the creative process and ensuring that innovation is not confined to elite circles. Lambrate's public-facing approach stands in contrast to more institutional design districts in Milan and helps reinforce its identity as a grassroots design hub.

A Neighborhood Woven with Art, Industry, and Accessibility

The Lambrate Design District is not just a showcase for creativity during Milan Design Week—it also functions as a living, evolving neighborhood that blends residential, artistic, and light industrial functions. The mix of activities contributes to its authenticity and accessibility, making it attractive not only to tourists and design professionals but also to students, families, and long-time residents.

Transportation plays a key role in maintaining the district's accessibility. Lambrate is well-connected via the Milan Metro M2 line, with Lambrate FS station serving as a major hub. This metro stop also links to the regional railway network, making it convenient for visitors arriving from outside Milan. Numerous tram and bus lines, including tram line 19 and bus line 54, provide surface connections to adjacent districts like Città Studi and Porta Venezia.

Architecturally, Lambrate maintains an industrial aesthetic characterized by brick façades, exposed steel beams, and open courtyards. These features lend themselves well to creative adaptations, allowing exhibition designers to work with raw, versatile environments. Street art is increasingly common throughout the district, with murals and installations appearing on the sides of warehouses and studio buildings. This blending of high design and urban art contributes to the district's appeal to younger creatives.

The area is also home to design-minded cafés, restaurants, and bookstores that cater to the creative crowd. Institutions like Red Room Lambrate offer hybrid spaces for work, events, and dining, while bars and bakeries reflect the evolving cultural identity of the neighborhood. Despite its growing international reputation, Lambrate remains relatively affordable compared to more central zones in Milan, which continues to attract start-ups and independent designers looking for flexible space and supportive networks.