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Between the Monumental Cemetery and ChinaTown, the Milan Steam Factory stands as tangible evidence of the city’s urban and cultural transformation.
This former industrial complex, once dedicated to the production of locomotives and railway equipment, has undergone an extraordinary metamorphosis, becoming a hub for artists, creatives and young people seeking cultural stimulation.
Its history is rooted in the early 20th century, when the area was the hub of Milan’s heavy industry. With the decline of the industry, this space was in danger of becoming yet another urban wreck, but thanks to a far-sighted vision of the city administration and the commitment of numerous cultural operators, the Fabbrica del Vapore has taken a new path, reinventing itself as a nerve center for contemporary art and creative innovation.
Today, this multifunctional space hosts avant-garde exhibitions, art workshops, performances and events that attract a diverse audience, with a focus on the younger generation.
The Fabbrica del Vapore has become a reference point for those seeking cultural experiences outside the traditional box, offering a stimulating environment where ideas can germinate and take shape.
A cultural center with unique architecture
Crossing the threshold of the Fabbrica del Vapore, one is immediately struck by the contrast between the imposing industrial structure and contemporary design interventions. The tall red brick vaults and large windows tell the story of the place’s industrial history, while modern installations and flexible exhibition spaces testify to its cultural renaissance.
The architects in charge of the conversion expertly preserved the building’s industrial essence, retaining elements such as exposed beams and concrete floors. These details create a unique atmosphere, where Milan’s industrial past dialogues with the most contemporary artistic expressions.
One of the most striking spaces is the Cathedral, the former main workshop now transformed into a majestic exhibition hall. With its 2,000 square meters of floor space and a height of nearly 20 meters, it offers endless possibilities for visually striking installations and site-specific installations.
The corridors that once housed the heavy machinery of the Carminati & Toselli company are now galleries where young artists display their work. The old workshops have been transformed into creative laboratories, where designers and digital artisans experiment with new forms of expression.
Upcoming must-see events on the calendar
The Fabbrica del Vapore has established itself as one of the most vibrant and dynamic venues in Milan’s cultural scene, with programming ranging from visual art to music, from design to technology. The calendar of events is constantly evolving, always offering new reasons to visit this unique space.
OBEY: The Art of Shepard Fairey
Among the most anticipated events in 2024 is the exhibition dedicated to Shepard Fairey, scheduled from May 16 to October 27. This exhibition represents the first Italian retrospective entirely dedicated to the American artist, known for his distinctive graphic style and social commitment. The exhibition promises to be a must-see event for fans of street art and urban culture.
📍 Space: Cathedral.
Legacy 3.11. The Power of art and creativity from 3.11, Japan Past, Present, and Future
Through Oct. 12, the Fabbrica del Vapore will host “Legacy 3.11. The Power of art and creativity from 3.11, Japan Past, Present, and Future,” an exhibition exploring the impact of the devastating 2011 earthquake in Japan. The exhibition features more than 100 works by 30 Japanese artists, including Makoto Aida, a leading figure in contemporary Japanese art. Through different forms of expression, the artists reflect on the aftermath of the disaster, promoting a message of hope and collaboration to build a more inclusive and resilient society.
📍 Space: Tanks.
ALF, women’s film awards night
For film lovers, on Sept. 27, 2024, the Fabbrica del Vapore will host ALF Premi Cinema, a biennial event that celebrates female talent in the world of film and advertising, actively promotes training and networking for female professionals in the industry. The evening, hosted by Sky’s Roberta Poggi and enriched by the presence of Lella Costa, will conclude with a free screening of the film “Houria,” in the presence of director Mounia Meddour.
📍 Space: piazzale, Arianteo cinema space.
Fabbrica del Vapore is not limited to the visual arts: independent music concerts, contemporary dance performances, and design festivals are just some of the events that regularly enliven the space.
A creative hub: workshops and spaces for emerging artists
In addition to being a place for cultural enjoyment, the Fabbrica del Vapore stands out as a incubator of creativity. Its spaces are not only showcases for established artists, but real laboratories where emerging talents can experiment and grow professionally.
Within the complex, several studios and coworking spaces offer young creatives the opportunity to work in a stimulating and collaborative environment. These workshops cover a wide range of disciplines: from painting to sculpture, from digital design to music production.
The artist residencies
A concrete example of how Fabbrica del Vapore nurtures emerging talent is the “Artist Residencies” project. This program o offers selected young artists the opportunity to live and work in the Fabbrica‘s spaces for a set period, providing them with not only a physical place to create, but also the opportunity to interact with other artists and professionals in the field.
The workshops
The Fabbrica del Vapore stands out for its ability to offer experiences that go far beyond the traditional museum visit. Here, the public is not a mere spectator, but becomes an integral part of the creative process. Workshops represent one of the most popular offerings. These hands-on courses, taught by industry professionals, cover a wide range of disciplines:digital photography, ceramics, creative writing, video mapping and more.
For those who wish to propose projects or participate in Fabbrica del Vapore’s initiatives, the official website offers detailed information on calls and collaboration opportunities, which are open to artists, designers, musicians, and creatives of all disciplines, with a focus on projects that promote innovation and social engagement.
Hours and Tickets
The Fabbrica del Vapore is generally open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Event and exhibition times are independent, so it is always advisable to check them on the official website before visiting.
Ticket prices vary depending on the event or exhibition. Many activities, such as exhibitions in common spaces or outdoor events, are often free.
For major exhibitions, ticket prices are usually between 10 and 15 euros, with reductions for students and the over-65s.
Address and how to get there
The Fabbrica del Vapore is located at via Giulio Cesare Procaccini 4, in the Chinatown district of Milan. It is easily accessible by public transportation:
- Metro: line M5 (lilac), Monumentale or Cenisio stop.
- Tram: lines 10, 12, 14, stops Bramante, Monumentale or Procaccini.
- Bus: line 57, Monumentale stop.
For those who prefer biking, there are several BikeMi (Milan’s bike sharing service) stations nearby.