The ninth edition of Alcova, a celebrated platform for contemporary design, returns during Milan Design Week from April 7 to 13, 2025. This year’s event takes an ambitious step forward, expanding across four distinct sites in Varedo. Alongside the historic Villa Borsani and Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, two new venues, the former SNIA Factory and the Pasino Glasshouses, join the lineup, creating a diverse and immersive experience for visitors.
Alcova 2025 offers an eclectic design journey, featuring site-specific installations and exhibitions that reflect the essence of each venue. These spaces, shaped by their unique histories and environments, guide visitors through a dialogue between architecture, design, and nature. From industrial decay to the elegance of 19th-century villas, each location provides a distinct context for the work of both renowned and emerging designers.
Villa Bagatti Valsecchi
Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, built in the 19th century as a summer retreat for Milan’s Bagatti Valsecchi family, invites visitors to explore its layered spaces. From opulent grand halls to intimate rooms, the villa’s architecture unfolds into expansive gardens styled in Italian and English traditions. Hidden grottos and pathways encourage curiosity, while the nearby Pasino Glasshouses add a contemporary contrast. Once a hub for white orchid cultivation, the glasshouses now serve as a serene stage where vegetation interacts with the exhibited works.
SNIA Factory
The former SNIA Factory, a testament to rationalist architecture, offers a different kind of experience. Built during World War I as a center for synthetic fiber production, this sprawling industrial site has been abandoned for over two decades. Nature has slowly taken over, with ivy and moss creeping across the structures, creating a striking balance between industrial history and the quiet power of natural reclamation. This evolving landscape offers a raw and layered context for installations that explore the intersection of decay and renewal.
Villa Borsani
Villa Borsani returns to host a selection of cutting-edge collectible design pieces. Designed in 1945 by renowned architect Osvaldo Borsani, the villa’s modernist architecture provides a timeless setting for contemporary works. Its unique artistic features, including a fireplace by Lucio Fontana, add depth to the dialogue between past and present, making it a standout venue for the week.
Pasino Glasshouses
The Pasino Glasshouses, nestled within the greenery of the gallop track near Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, offer an inspiring contrast. Once one of Europe’s largest orchid cultivation centers, the glasshouses have transformed into a serene space where nature and design coexist. Visitors can experience an interaction between the surrounding vegetation and the exhibited works, creating a reflective and dynamic atmosphere.
A Platform for Creativity
Alcova 2025 continues to elevate contemporary design by providing a platform for experimentation and innovation. Its carefully curated exhibitions celebrate diversity, showcasing emerging talents alongside established creators. Each location reflects a unique narrative, inviting visitors to engage with design in ways that challenge conventional boundaries.
As anticipation builds for this year’s edition, Alcova remains at the forefront of Milan Design Week, redefining the relationship between architecture, nature, and design. Stay tuned for more updates as this extraordinary event approaches.
