Few events in the world evoke such an intense cult of beauty as Salone del Mobile. Above all, when it comes to authenticity. As the city transforms itself, exuding creativity in every corner. Not only with major names in design, but also with disruptive artists, who touch, inspire and transform.

To experience this very important event, Cieli di Toscana has a team prepared to offer a personalized itinerary. Still, it always shares some tips in advance. After all, it is here to make Italy even better for you.

What is Salone del Mobile?

Salone del Mobile is the largest and most influential design, furniture and lighting fair in the world. As a result, it turns Milan into the global epicenter of the sector. Indeed, it sets trends that echo across several countries. Beyond the usual innovations, the event brings together major brands, designers and architects.

In 2026, Salone del Mobile will take place from April 21 to 26, at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition center, in Milan. This fair, created in 1961, showcases a wide variety of furniture products, characterized by their expressive strength and by functional, technological and material innovations, designed to enhance domestic environments. Moreover, the event has been becoming increasingly global, inclusive and in dialogue with the entire creative and productive system of the furniture sector.

Fuorisalone: the whole city becomes a design stage

Fuorisalone (pronunciation: fuóri-salóne) literally means “outside the fair” in Italian. It is the parallel program held simultaneously with Salone del Mobile. Put differently, it involves the occupation of showrooms, streets, historic palaces, galleries and alternative spaces, showcasing the best of international design. As such, it is an alternative event, which began in the 1980s in a spontaneous way. In fact, it includes independent designers and brands that want to present their creations outside the traditional limits of the fair.

With this in mind, you can visit some neighborhoods that offer an even more enriching experience. Here are three of them.

Brera

Cobblestone streets, historic façades and cinematic galleries. This is Brera during Salone del Mobile week. In other words, a dynamic and authentic open air museum. Since, in addition to installations that explore sensoriality, it is possible to feel the emotional impact of contemporary design.

One of the highlights is the Pinacoteca di Brera, located in Palazzo Brera, a beautiful building whose current appearance is the result of the work of architects Francesco Maria Ricchini and Giuseppe Piermarini. Inside, across the 38 rooms of the Pinacoteca, the works are arranged in chronological order, starting with Lombard frescoes and going up to Hayez and Appiani.

Tortona

Zona Tortona is one of the main districts of Fuorisalone, offering innovative exhibitions in an industrial setting. As it is focused on contemporary design, Tortona Design Week presents conceptual installations, renowned brands and new talents. Consequently, it attracts a large audience interested in avant garde design. In short, a separate attraction to enhance your itinerary during Salone del Mobile.

Isola

If you are one of those who always look for sustainable options, the Isola district during Salone del Mobile is the perfect choice. In this context, it has become one of the main alternative and independent hubs during the event. Furthermore, in addition to encouraging innovation and new talents, it also embraces sustainable design, new materials and curation of young designers. Consequently, it has become an alternative to the main fair circuit, prioritizing experimental design and circularity.

For this reason, the Isola Design District is an essential visit to keep up with future trends and emerging talents.

Immersive experiences in Milan design

Fondazione Prada

Although it is located away from the center, this complex is one of the most sought after during Salone del Mobile. Above all, the place has established itself as a hub of fashion, design and art. It even hosts contemporary art exhibitions.

Seven existing buildings and three new structures make up the space. Accordingly, they are arranged around a large open internal courtyard. In this way, it is possible to find a cinema, multimedia auditorium, tower, temporary and permanent exhibition galleries.

ADI Design Museum

Among the most important museums when it comes to design in Milan. To create a historical record of Italian design from 1954 to the present, the museum features the permanent collection of the Compasso d’Oro Award. It also hosts thematic exhibitions focused on contemporary design, which have already toured Europe, Asia and the United States.

In other words, in this space, you find dynamism. Everything feels fresh and dedicated to contemporaneity and research. For those who visit it during Salone del Mobile, there is a sense of connection between the worlds of design and business, fashion, architecture, art, science and technology.

Do you know who has the perfect design for your trip? Cieli di Toscana.

The Cieli di Toscana team also understands design. More precisely, travel design. That is, it creates personalized itineraries for your interests. Discover the world of design at Salone del Mobile with those who know how to make everything in Italy even better.