Given its spectacular structure (designed by the architectural firm, Herzog & De Meuron) and impressive cultural ‘content’, it can truly be defined as a record-breaking pyramid. Boasting a heritage collection of 12 linear km of archival holdings, 270,000 books and 16,000 periodicals, the Giangiacomo Feltrinelli Foundation is one of the major European centres of documentation and research in the field of historical, political, economic and social sciences.
The new Milanese headquarters, named ‘Feltrinelli Porta Nuova’, recently opened its doors in viale Pasubio, just steps from Corso Como and the futuristic Porta Nuova district.
This highly unusual architectural and cultural project, was designed as a contemporary meeting place that would be both accessible and useful to citizens.
The building, dedicated to the Foundation’s new headquarters, houses a library, the archives, a multi-purpose room, a bookstore and a cafeteria on the ground floor. Measuring 188 meters in length and 32 meters in height, the style of this five-storey building is inspired by the simplicity and beauty of historic Milanese architecture.
The Multi-Purpose room represents the heart of the project: a place that is accessible to everyone, where people can study, work, obtain information and share experiences, watch performances and screenings, and participate in meetings and conventions on topics organised by the Foundation.
Other highlights include the Feltrinelli bookstore and the Babitonga Cafè on the ground floor. The former, based on a new, distinctive concept, houses a selection of 15,000 books (dedicated to social and human sciences, literature and visual arts), while the latter is an ideal place to indulge in a moment’s relaxation, observe your surroundings, or browse through the bookstore.
[Photo credits: copyright © Filippo Romano]
If you speak Italian, you will enjoy this attraction at its best.
Address: Viale Pasubio, 5
Transport: M2 (green line) Moscova
GPS: 45.48168080000001,9.18325070000003
Tickets: regular tickets from 5 euro, reductions available.
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 9 am – 5.30 pm. Closed on Monday.
If you are planning to visit this location on one of the following dates, we recommend you to check the availability: 1, 6 January, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, 25 April, 1 May, 2 June, 15 August, 1 November, 8, 25, 26 and 31 December.