Pirelli Hangar Bicocca - Image 1

Milan,Italy

Pirelli Hangar Bicocca

MuseumOpenContemporary

Pirelli HangarBicocca is a non-profit foundation based in Milan, housed in a former industrial plant that once belonged to the Ansaldo-Breda company. Spanning over 10,900 square meters, the space is one of the largest continuous exhibition areas in Europe, dedicated to the production and promotion of contemporary art.

The site is characterized by its industrial architecture, featuring high ceilings and vast, open floor plans that allow for large-scale installations. It is perhaps best known for housing Anselm Kiefer's permanent installation, 'The Seven Heavenly Palaces', which consists of seven towering concrete towers that dominate the main nave of the building.

Key Facts

Materials
Steel, Concrete, Glass
Civilization
Modern Industrial
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible
Date(s)
1903-1905
Condition
Restored and repurposed as an art gallery
Original Function
Locomotive and electrical machinery factory
Key Figures
Anselm Kiefer, Vicente Todolí

Industrial Origins

Early 20th Century

The structure was originally built by the Breda company in the early 1900s to serve as a factory for the production of locomotives and electrical machinery. It played a significant role in the industrial development of the Bicocca district in Milan.

Deindustrialization and Abandonment

Late 20th Century

Following the decline of heavy industry in the area, the factory ceased operations. The site remained largely abandoned for several years, serving as a relic of Milan's industrial past before being acquired for redevelopment.

Conversion to Art Space

2004-Present

In 2004, the site was converted into an exhibition space for contemporary art. Under the support of Pirelli, the hangar underwent extensive renovations to preserve its industrial character while meeting the requirements of a modern art institution.

Cultural Significance

Pirelli HangarBicocca serves as a vital hub for contemporary art in Italy, bridging the gap between Milan's industrial heritage and its modern cultural identity. By repurposing a factory into a gallery, the institution highlights the aesthetic potential of industrial architecture and provides a unique venue for site-specific works that would be impossible to display in traditional museum settings.

Interpretive Notes

Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty

Discussions often center on the tension between the 'white cube' gallery aesthetic and the preservation of the site's industrial 'patina'. Scholars debate whether the heavy industrial history of the building enhances or distracts from the contemporary artworks displayed within.

Visiting Information

Entry Rules

Admission is free, but booking a time slot online is recommended. The space is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Best Times to Visit

Weekday mornings are generally quieter. The space is particularly atmospheric during late afternoon when natural light filters through the high industrial windows.

Photography

Personal photography is permitted for non-commercial use. Tripods and professional lighting equipment require prior authorization.

Preservation Notes

Visitors are requested not to touch the artworks or the structural elements of the building. Maintain a respectful distance from the installations.

Nearby POIs

11 shown

Sources & Further Reading

  1. [1]
    HangarBicocca: The Architecture of Art — Andrea Branzi. Skira (2012)
  2. [2]
    Anselm Kiefer: The Seven Heavenly Palaces — Vicente Todolí. Pirelli HangarBicocca Publications (2015)View