Returning from April 7 to 13, 2025, during Milan Design Week, the ninth edition of Alcova promises to be its most ambitious yet. This year, the celebrated platform for contemporary design extends its reach to four distinct locations in Varedo. Alongside the iconic Villa Borsani and Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, two new venues, the SNIA Factory and the Pasino Glasshouses, add fresh dimensions to the experience, offering visitors an exciting and immersive journey through innovative design.
Alcova 2025 creates a dynamic path through installations and exhibitions thoughtfully integrated into their surroundings. Each venue’s history and character shape the narrative, providing unique settings where architecture, nature, and design intersect. From the faded grandeur of industrial spaces to the elegance of historic villas, the four locations bring a diversity of atmospheres to showcase works by emerging and renowned designers alike.
Villa Bagatti Valsecchi
Built as a 19th-century retreat for the Bagatti Valsecchi family, this villa invites exploration through its many layers. Visitors can wander from opulent grand halls to intimate rooms before stepping into the villa’s lush gardens, which combine Italian and English design influences. Hidden grottos and winding paths encourage discovery, while the Pasino Glasshouses nearby offer a fascinating juxtaposition. Originally home to one of Europe’s largest white orchid cultivations, the glasshouses now create a harmonious space where greenery interacts with contemporary exhibits.
Pasino Glasshouses
Situated near the gardens of Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, the Pasino Glasshouses present a serene and reflective space. Once dedicated to orchid cultivation, these glasshouses have become a serene stage for contemporary design, where the interaction between vegetation and exhibits offers visitors a moment of calm. Their transformation into a creative venue underscores the evolving relationship between nature and design.
SNIA Factory
A striking example of rationalist architecture, the former SNIA Factory brings a raw and compelling element to this year’s Alcova. Built during World War I as a hub for synthetic fiber production, the site has been abandoned for decades, with nature gradually reclaiming its space. Ivy-covered walls and moss-filled floors contrast with the factory’s industrial bones, offering an evocative setting for installations that delve into themes of decay and renewal. This layered environment invites visitors to reflect on the relationship between history, nature, and design.
Villa Borsani
Villa Borsani once again opens its doors to cutting-edge collectible designs. Created in 1945 by Osvaldo Borsani, this modernist villa stands as a testament to his architectural vision. Its carefully preserved features, including a unique Lucio Fontana fireplace, provide a rich setting for contemporary pieces that engage in a dialogue with the villa’s heritage. The combination of architectural precision and curated exhibits ensures this venue remains a highlight of the Alcova experience.
A Platform for Forward-Thinking Design
Alcova continues to serve as a launchpad for creativity, pushing the boundaries of contemporary design. Its curated exhibitions embrace diverse perspectives, showcasing the work of both new voices and established talents. By activating spaces that carry their own unique histories, Alcova offers an experience that challenges traditional formats.
As the anticipation for this year’s edition grows, Alcova reaffirms its role as a vital part of Milan Design Week. By engaging with architecture, design, and the natural world in meaningful ways, it invites audiences to rediscover the possibilities of contemporary design. More updates will follow as the event approaches.
