From 8th April, the 63rd edition of the Salone del Mobile returns to Milan, bringing together more than 2,100 exhibitors from 37 countries. With its long-standing tradition of showcasing the best in furniture, lighting, and design innovation, the Salone del Mobile is once again set to be the focal point for the global design industry. Over the course of this six-day event, Milan will transform into the World Design Capital, welcoming key decision-makers, buyers, designers, and investors from more than 150 countries, all eager to witness the latest trends, innovations, and artistic collaborations that shape the future of design.
A Dynamic Platform for Design Innovation
As the world’s leading design fair, the Salone del Mobile is much more than just an exhibition. It serves as a strategic meeting point for creative minds, professionals, and companies to connect, share ideas, and explore the future of design. This year, more than 169,000 square meters of sold-out exhibition space will house innovative displays, with 168 brands participating for the first time and 91 returnees reinforcing the Salone’s role as a platform for established and emerging designers alike. These numbers speak to the event’s remarkable growth and the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of the design industry.
Beyond the exhibition halls, the event is supported by a diverse and forward-thinking Cultural Programme that explores design from multiple perspectives. One of the most highly anticipated highlights is the installation by British artist Es Devlin, titled Library of Light. This visually stunning work will be displayed at the Pinacoteca di Brera, offering a compelling meditation on the power of knowledge and light. Es Devlin’s installation will be part of the Salone’s year of Euroluce, a renowned biennial lighting exhibition that this year focuses on cutting-edge solutions in lighting design, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
Additionally, the Museo della Pietà Rondanini – Castello Sforzesco will host another incredible work, Robert Wilson’s Mother, exploring the intersection of art, history, and emotion. These installations are part of the larger aim to make the Salone a truly immersive experience, extending beyond the fairgrounds and into the city, where visitors can engage with art and design in unique and unexpected ways.
A Meeting of Minds: The Euroluce Lighting Forum and SaloneSatellite
One of the most anticipated events of the year is the Euroluce International Lighting Forum, taking place from 10th to 11th April at Pavilion 2. This inaugural edition will bring together over 20 international speakers—including lighting designers, architects, scientists, biologists, and anthropologists—for a multidisciplinary exploration of the future of lighting. From Marjan van Aubel, the Dutch designer known for her work on solar design, to Stefano Mancuso, a renowned plant neurologist, the forum promises to provide invaluable insights into how lighting will evolve in both domestic and urban environments. Topics will include sustainability, intelligent systems, AI integration, and biophilic design, ensuring that the forum serves as a global reference point for the future of lighting.
Alongside Euroluce, SaloneSatellite continues to be a central pillar of the Salone experience. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this platform for young, emerging designers will showcase 700 designers from 36 countries. The theme for this edition is NUOVO ARTIGIANATO: UN MONDO NUOVO // NEW CRAFTSMANSHIP: A NEW WORLD, inviting the next generation of designers to reimagine the universe of handmade objects and craft. This theme offers a fresh perspective on the world of design, blending innovation with traditional craftsmanship in ways that challenge the established norms.
Sustainability: A Core Commitment
The Salone del Mobile has long been a leader in sustainability, and its commitment to environmental responsibility has only grown in recent years. Since 2023, the event has been ISO 20121 certified for sustainable event management, underscoring its dedication to reducing its ecological footprint. This year, exhibitors are encouraged to adhere to increasingly stringent Green Guidelines, ensuring that the Salone remains at the forefront of eco-conscious design. This includes everything from sustainable materials and energy-efficient lighting to waste management practices and the use of recyclable resources.
Moreover, the focus on sustainability extends to the design itself, with many exhibitors showcasing products that blend aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Whether through innovative lighting solutions, modular furniture systems, or sustainable manufacturing techniques, the Salone serves as a global stage for the design industry’s most sustainable creations.
A Vision for the Future
As the President of FederlegnoArredo, Claudio Feltrin, remarked, the Salone is not just an exhibition but a powerful tool for promoting Made in Italy design to the global market. Despite the challenges posed by international economic uncertainty and shifting market dynamics, the Salone continues to demonstrate how the design industry can innovate and turn challenges into opportunities. This year, the Salone del Mobile will place particular emphasis on luxury, craftsmanship, and technological innovation. In Pavilions 13-15, Pierre-Yves Rochon will present his Villa Héritage, an interior design project that celebrates timeless luxury and the enduring beauty of crafted objects.
Additionally, Paolo Sorrentino, the Oscar-winning director, will present La dolce attesa, an emotional, site-specific installation that explores the universal theme of waiting. The installation will be accompanied by a soundtrack by Max Casacci and promises to be one of the most visually and emotionally impactful experiences at the fair.
The Salone in the City: Design Beyond the Fairgrounds
In keeping with its reputation for expanding beyond the exhibition halls, the Salone del Mobile will extend into the heart of Milan, with a series of exhibitions and installations scattered throughout the city. These include Vernissage, a photographic exhibition by Bill Durgin, which will explore the intimate relationship between humans and the products they use, and the Design Kiosk in Piazza della Scala, a meeting point for designers and thought leaders. These installations aim to bring design to the people, making it accessible and engaging for Milan’s residents and visitors alike.
