After years of having to hold exhibitions and other events at various locations, the Prada Foundation has finally found its own permanent art complex in Largo Isarco, Milan.
Created by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and financed by Prada S.p.A, the new complex is built on area of around 120,000 square feet, 11,000 of which is reserved for exhibitions. From the entrance lobby, the visitors can also access two special venues: a children space developed in collaboration with students from the École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Versailles and a cafe where the director Wes Anderson has recreated the peculiar mood of the old Milan’s coffee houses.
Seven years in the making, the new art complex also has theater for films live performances and lectures and a large library. Seven spaces including old warehouses and brewing silos has retained its raw, industrial and often quirky qualities. The three new buildings are made of glass, white concrete and aluminum which have an airy, foamy surface.
From May and for the whole summer, the Foundation will present a lively program of events, including site-specific installations by Robert Gober and Thomas Demand, and a documentary by Roman Polanski. Thematic exhibitions, featuring works from the Prada art collection, will also be on show.
