Open-Air Museum: How Milan turned a new park into a cultural destination 

Through their public art programme – ArtLine Milano – the City of Milan transformed a central park in the new CityLife district into a contemporary open-air museum, making art part of daily urban life. The park now counts 20 contemporary sculptures and art installations, making it a cultural destination for families, school groups and art lovers. 

Bringing cultural character to a new urban redevelopment 

Previously an area of Milan known for trade fairs and huge exhibition halls, the new CityLife urban development zone initially lacked its own strong cultural character. To integrate public space, creativity, and long-term cultural presence, the City of Milan launched ArtLine Milano as a permanent public art program, co-curated with MUDEC and art historians. 

Reinforcing Milan’s role in global contemporary public art 

Between 2021–2023, ArtLine Milano commissioned works from globally recognized artists including Alfredo Jaar (Padiglione Rosso), Kiki Smith (Guardiane), and Otobong Nkanga.  

The exhibition features over twenty permanent sculptures and site-specific installations placed throughout the park. Eight were selected through a competition for artists under 40, and the others are by established international artists. The works are fully integrated with the surrounding modern architecture of Zaha Hadid, Arata Isozaki, and Daniel Libeskind. A public programme of events, meetings, conferences, workshops, guided tours, and free lectures will complement the new works. 

Open seven days a week and free to access, this open-air contemporary art project is reaffirming the importance of public space in sharing the city’s artistic and cultural heritage.