A tribute to Robert Rauschenberg, a new generation of gallery owners and a fair that goes beyond the city. The twenty-ninth edition of miart kicks off in Milan.
The Allianz MiCo Pavilions will once again open their doors to the world of contemporary art. For the 29th edition, miart, the international modern and contemporary art fair, returns to Milan from April 4th to 6th, 2025 (with an exclusive preview on April 3rd). The event brings together a mix of local and international galleries, offering a comprehensive view of the global art market. The artistic direction for miart 2025 is once again led by Nicola Ricciardi, with a refreshed team of curators and professionals who have united prominent Italian and international galleries around the theme of “friendship.” This theme is also reflected in the fair’s title, “among friends,” which draws inspiration from the recent retrospective of artist Robert Rauschenberg, whom the fair honors in celebration of his centennial.
MIART 2025: Over a Century of Art History
This year’s edition of miart features 179 galleries from 31 countries and 5 continents, showcasing masterpieces from the early 20th century to contemporary works. The fair is divided into three main sections, creating a dynamic dialogue between sculpture, painting, drawings, installations, video, photography, and even design. Established, the primary sector of the fair, will highlight dialogues between artists, solo shows, and museum-quality projects. Additionally, Emergent, curated by Attilia Fattori Franchini, features 25 new galleries, representing a younger generation of gallerists offering fresh perspectives on experimental contemporary practices, including immersive installations and large-scale, site-specific sculptures.
The Portal section, curated for the first time by Alessio Antoniolli, Director of Triangle Network in London and curator at the Fondazione Memmo in Rome, brings together ten galleries with projects that challenge fixed ideas about geography, language, and temporality. Inspired by the “among friends” theme, this section draws on Rauschenberg’s collective vision of art-making as a collaborative process.
Awards at MIART 2025
Alongside the vast selection of galleries, miart 2025 also features several special initiatives, prizes, and acquisition funds. Notable among these is the Fondazione Fiera Milano Acquisition Fund, valued at 100,000 euros, alongside seven additional awards. These include the Herno Award, the LCA Studio Legale Award for Emerging Artists, the Orbital Cultura – Nexi Group Award, the Matteo Visconti di Modrone Award, the SZ Sugar miart Commission, the Rotary Club Milano Brera Award for Contemporary Art and Young Artists, and the Massimo Giorgetti Award.
“Among Friends” in Milan
The celebration of Robert Rauschenberg’s collaborative spirit extends beyond the miart pavilions. Inspired by his work, the fair expands its reach through numerous initiatives that foster collaboration and dialogue between art disciplines. miart and Fiera Milano have integrated this ethos into a broader cultural festival, bridging the fair and the local art scene in Milan.
Among the key events is the “Talks Among Friends” series, which began in November 2024 and will continue even after the fair’s close. In collaboration with institutions such as Fondazione Prada, the Museo del Novecento, PAC – Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea, Pirelli Hangar Bicocca, and Triennale Milano, these talks will explore contemporary art through conversations and panel discussions. Additionally, “Rauschenberg and the Novecento” at the Museo del Novecento during Milan Art Week, curated by Gianfranco Maraniello, Nicola Ricciardi, and Viviana Bertanzetti, will establish a connection between Rauschenberg’s works and some of the museum’s most iconic pieces.
Special Initiatives: John Giorno’s Legacy
Another highlight is the exhibition “John Giorno: A Labour of Love”, curated by Nicola Ricciardi and Eleonora Molignani, at Triennale Milano. This showcase draws on archive materials from the Giorno Poetry Systems (GPS) and highlights the artist’s friendships and collaborations with some of the most influential figures of the 20th century. On April 5th, a special event titled “John Giorno: Poetry Readings & Free Tattoos” will further explore Giorno’s impact on contemporary art and poetry.
John Giorno's Art Installation view: a labour of LOVE. Photo: Gianluca Di Ioia courtesy Triennale Milano
MIART 2025: Milan’s Art Capital
As Milan transforms into the epicenter of contemporary art, miart 2025 stands at the forefront of this creative hub. The fair, which opens to the press on April 3rd, will welcome international visitors from April 4th to 6th, 2025, offering a vibrant and diverse range of artistic expressions and engaging events that reflect the spirit of friendship and collaboration in the art world.
Milano Art Week 2025: A Celebration of Artistic Diversity and Innovation
The Milano Art Week 2025 is set to be a significant event in the contemporary art scene, celebrating the diversity of artistic expression with a wide-ranging program that includes both major institutional exhibitions and experimental projects. Notable highlights include a lecture by Koyo Kouoh, curator of the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026, at the Teatro della Triennale on April 4th. The event also features exhibitions by renowned artists such as Shirin Neshat, Carsten Höller, Nico Vascellari, Gian Maria Tosatti, and Robert Wilson.
As Tommaso Sacchi, Milan’s Councillor for Culture, puts it, “Milano Art Week is an unmissable event for the contemporary art world, offering a chance to rediscover the role of culture as a driver of collective growth and connection between institutions, artists, and the public.” The week’s program is vast and varied, with over 200 promoters and involvement from museums, foundations, galleries, independent spaces, and major international partners, reinforcing Milan’s role as a global hub for contemporary art.
Must-See Exhibitions
At the heart of Milano Art Week 2025 are the numerous exhibitions that will open during the event. At PAC – Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea, Shirin Neshat’s exhibition “Body of Evidence” continues her exploration of identity politics and collective memory. Meanwhile, at the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (GAM), visitors can experience “The Four Faces of a Man” by Anna Boghiguian, featuring new marble sculptures created through the Henraux Sculpture Commission awarded at miart 2024.
Nico Vascellari presents a site-specific installation, Pastorale, at the Sala delle Cariatidi at Palazzo Reale. Fabrizio Ferri’s “Breathtaking” exhibition at the Museum of Natural History reflects on environmental crises and marine pollution. At the Fondazione Luigi Rovati, “Etruschi del Novecento” explores the influence of Etruscan culture on Italian artists of the 20th century.
Honoring Robert Rauschenberg
In honor of the centenary of Robert Rauschenberg’s birth, Milano Art Week 2025 features two major tributes to the American artist. “Rauschenberg and the Novecento” at the Museo del Novecento presents a dialogue between Rauschenberg’s works and those in the museum’s permanent collection.
Additionally, the Gallerie d’Italia showcases a selection of masterpieces from the Luigi and Peppino Agrati Collection, offering a deep dive into the legacy of this iconic artist.
Robert Rauschenberg, Able Was I Ere I Saw Elba, 1983
Independent Spaces and Performances
In addition to major institutions, the Milano Art Week program includes a rich array of events in independent spaces and galleries, emphasizing the participatory nature of the week. Highlights include artist residencies, curator and critic talks, and site-specific performances. At Ordet, there will be a solo exhibition by Cosima von Bonin, while Casa degli Artisti hosts the talk “FARE = RICERCARE | Fumi dal confine“. VIR Viafarini-in-residence will present open studios featuring the artists hosted by Viafarini.
Careof will present “Mirrorball“, a show reflecting on the concept of celebration as an informal suspension from productivity. Additionally, the MASBEDO’s second feature film, ARSA, will have its world premiere at Cinema Anteo on April 4th, while Massimo Bartolini’s film “Due qui / To Hear“, documenting the creation of his project for the Italy Pavilion at the most recent Venice Biennale, will be shown at Cinema Arlecchino on April 5th.
Conclusion
With an extensive program that spans from prestigious exhibitions to experimental performances and film premieres, Milano Art Week 2025 solidifies Milan’s status as a dynamic center for contemporary art. The week offers a unique opportunity to engage with global artists, curators, and galleries, making it a must-visit event for art enthusiasts around the world.