At Fondazione Prada, architecture and art meet in a former distillery complex, reworked by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. The site dates back to the 1910s. Industrial volumes remain visible, refined with precise interventions.
Entrance of the Haunted House, works of Louise Bourgeois, courtesy of Fondazione Prada
The Haunted House holds a permanent installation with works by Louise Bourgeois and Robert Gober. The entrance is entirely gilded, a striking backdrop for selfies. Inside, the atmosphere feels enclosed, with light entering through large windows.
On the first floor, Bourgeois’ Cell (Clothes) (1996) stands in the centre of the room. Part of her Cells series from the 1990s. A circular structure of doors and iron gates holds garments and personal objects. You can look through the doors or faded windows, though it remains closed. A glimpse of clothing, of a life. You cannot enter or touch. Only Bourgeois’ clothes are visible. Outside, balconies in gold. Beyond the Fondazione Prada complex, new high-rise buildings continue to appear, slowly changing the skyline.
Mona Hatoum’s Over, under and in between, courtesy of Fondazione Prada
In the Cisterna building, opposite The Haunted House, Mona Hatoum presents Over, under and in between. Three large spaces. First, looking up. Web (2026) stretches across the ceiling. A suspended structure of hand-blown transparent glass spheres, delicate and almost invisible. Best seen lying underneath.
Then, looking down. A world map formed by thousands of loose red glass spheres spreads across the floor. Continents without borders. Some appear larger than expected. The glass spheres are not fixed and can shift. Like the earth itself, always in motion.
The last space moves. All of a quiver, a metal mechanical grid structure, slowly collapses and rises again, accompanied by the sound of friction. Across these rooms, the body is constantly repositioned. Looking up, looking down, adjusting. It feels like life. Structure and collapse.
Afterwards, Caffè Luce, designed by Wes Anderson. A Milanese café setting with staff in crisp white shirts, small bow ties and short aprons. Cocktails and tiramisu.
All images by the author, courtesy of Fondazione Prada and the artists.
Discover: www.fondazioneprada.org
