Spazio Ventura XV: A Creative Landmark in the Lambrate Neighborhood of Municipio 3, Milan

An Overview of Spazio Ventura XV in Lambrate

Spazio Ventura XV is a prominent exhibition and cultural space located in the heart of the Lambrate neighborhood, within the Municipio 3 district of Milan. Set on Via Giovanni Ventura, this multipurpose venue gained recognition for hosting large-scale events, exhibitions, and design installations, particularly during Milan Design Week. Its location in Lambrate—a former industrial district transformed into a hub of creativity—makes it an ideal setting for avant-garde and innovative displays.

The name 'Spazio Ventura XV' reflects both its street address and its original purpose as part of the Ventura Projects, a series of curated design presentations and cultural activities that began in 2010. These projects sought to highlight emerging international talents in a professional yet accessible setting. The venue spans over 2,400 square meters of open, flexible space, allowing for large installations, immersive environments, and interactive showcases. It quickly became one of the must-see destinations during Salone del Mobile's fringe programming.

Located just steps from the Lambrate FS railway and metro stations, Spazio Ventura XV has been instrumental in drawing international attention to Lambrate. The neighborhood's transformation from a working-class industrial zone to a creative destination is closely tied to spaces like Ventura XV, which have provided platforms for collaboration among designers, architects, curators, and institutions from around the globe. Its accessibility and scale made it a favored location for experiential and multimedia exhibits.

Ventura Projects and the Rise of Lambrate as a Design District

Spazio Ventura XV was one of the key venues associated with Ventura Projects, an initiative created by the Dutch agency Organisation in Design. This initiative was responsible for the birth of 'Ventura Lambrate,' a concept that transformed the post-industrial landscape of Lambrate into a stage for emerging designers. Beginning in 2010, Ventura Lambrate became a vital part of the Fuorisalone circuit—Milan Design Week's unofficial citywide network of design events.

The Ventura Projects' mission was to create curated design experiences that offered high-quality content away from commercial constraints. Spazio Ventura XV embodied this mission by offering a platform where new ideas could be tested and shared in a visually compelling way. The venue has hosted exhibits from design schools, independent studios, and global brands alike, often side by side. This eclectic mix fostered an environment of exchange and experimentation.

The success of the Ventura Lambrate concept spurred further cultural development in the neighborhood, with galleries, co-working spaces, and temporary pavilions taking root in and around the area. Spazio Ventura XV became a symbol of this transformation. Although Organisation in Design officially concluded Ventura Lambrate's programming in 2018, the legacy of this venue continues to shape Lambrate's cultural landscape. Even after the conclusion of the original Ventura series, the space has remained active as a rental venue for events ranging from fashion shows to immersive art installations.

Infrastructure, Layout, and Architectural Features

Spazio Ventura XV is housed in a converted industrial building that retains many features from its manufacturing past. The structure is defined by exposed brickwork, high ceilings, and large steel-framed windows, which provide ample natural light and a raw, flexible backdrop for installations. The open-plan layout supports modular setups, making the venue ideal for both solo exhibitions and multi-artist showcases.

The space includes reinforced floors capable of supporting heavy installations, as well as overhead rigging points for suspending multimedia equipment or architectural elements. This level of adaptability has attracted a wide array of users—from universities exhibiting final projects to commercial brands launching product lines. The building's scale also supports performances and events with significant foot traffic, particularly during international festivals.

Support facilities include storage rooms, loading docks, and restrooms, while electrical and lighting systems have been upgraded to meet professional standards. Despite its utilitarian features, the space's aesthetic appeal has not been lost on curators and creatives. Many exhibitors use the raw industrial environment as part of their concept, embracing the juxtaposition of old and new as a storytelling device within their installations.

Cultural Significance and Lasting Impact on Lambrate

Spazio Ventura XV played a pivotal role in establishing Lambrate's identity as a design and creative district. During the peak years of Ventura Lambrate, the venue was not just a location but a landmark—often used as a point of orientation for the wider network of design exhibitions happening in the area. The cultural ecosystem that formed around it included pop-up cafes, design markets, and performance spaces that brought a vibrant, international atmosphere to the neighborhood.

Many institutions and independent designers who exhibited at Spazio Ventura XV cite it as a turning point in their public visibility. The venue's reputation for supporting conceptual and experimental work—rather than commercial product showcases—allowed it to function as a launchpad for critical dialogue in the design world. Even outside of Design Week, the space has continued to host educational and cultural events, helping to maintain the neighborhood's year-round engagement with the arts.

As of the 2020s, Lambrate continues to benefit from the investments and visibility brought by venues like Spazio Ventura XV. While newer venues and formats have emerged, the historical contribution of this space remains a touchstone for Milan's wider narrative of post-industrial cultural regeneration. Its continued use as an event venue ensures that it remains active in shaping the cultural dynamics of Municipio 3.