Salone del Mobile.Milano continues to anchor itself in its core exhibitions (ranging from furniture and complements to workplace solutions and integrated design systems) it is the introduction of two new curatorial directions that defines this year’s narrative: Salone Contract and Salone Raritas. These new platforms reflect a broader transformation of the fair from a product-centered exhibition into a complex ecosystem, capable of responding to the changing scale and nature of contemporary design projects. The industry is no longer confined to standalone objects but increasingly operates within interconnected environments, where architecture, technology, and user experience merge.

• Salone Contract emerges as a strategic response to the rapid expansion of large-scale, integrated projects across sectors such as hospitality, real estate, public spaces, and luxury mobility. This initiative opens the Salone to a more systemic dimension, fostering connections between manufacturers, developers, and global stakeholders. A key moment will be the international forum, featuring a lecture by Rem Koolhaas and the presentation of a future-oriented masterplan developed with David Gianotten of OMA. The introduction of dedicated matchmaking tools further underlines the fair’s ambition to become a facilitator of high-level business relationships.

• In contrast, Salone Raritas explores a more intimate and experimental dimension of design. Conceived as a curated space for collectible and one-of-a-kind pieces, it highlights the growing relevance of limited-edition design within the global market. Under the curatorial direction of Annalisa Rosso, with exhibition design by Formafantasma, this new section brings together galleries and independent studios that challenge traditional production paradigms. The focus here is on narrative, craftsmanship, and the emotional value of objects, aligning with a broader trend toward exclusivity and cultural depth in design consumption.

Alongside these new entries, the biennial exhibitions dedicated to kitchen and bathroom design continue to act as laboratories for technological and social innovation. In the kitchen sector, the integration of artificial intelligence, sustainability, and personalization reflects a shift toward adaptive and responsive domestic environments. Meanwhile, the bathroom evolves into a space centered on wellbeing, where longevity, hygiene, and sensory experience redefine contemporary comfort.



The Salone’s experimental edge is further reinforced by SaloneSatellite, which remains a crucial platform for emerging designers and academic institutions worldwide. Here, new generations explore radical approaches to materials, processes and social impact, offering a glimpse into the future trajectories of the discipline.

Beyond the exhibition grounds, the dialogue between the Salone and the city of Milan continues to deepen. Cultural initiatives, public programs, and urban itineraries transform the event into a city-wide experience, reinforcing Milan’s role as a global design capital. Highlights include the opening concert at the Teatro alla Scala, featuring the Filarmonica della Scala conducted by Michele Mariotti, as well as “Common Archive – La Notte Bianca del Progetto,” which opens the doors of design archives across the city.



PH Alessandro Russotti

Additional initiatives, such as the Design Kiosk in Piazza della Scala and curated urban routes exploring twentieth-century architecture, further expand the cultural reach of the event. These projects emphasize storytelling, heritage, and editorial experimentation, reinforcing the Salone’s role as both a cultural and commercial catalyst.



Discover more on www.salonemilano.it