exhibition
25 October 2024 > 23 February 2025

Architetture dagli archivi del MAXXILa Torre Velasca dei BBPR

Centro Archivi Architettura
curated by Centro Archivi MAXXI Architettura
e Design contemporaneo
with the scientific advice of Maria Vittoria Capitanucci and Tullia Iori

opening hours

Monday closed
Tuesday to Sunday 11 am – 7 pm

more information

Archive materials and historical photographs tell the story of the first Italian-style skyscraper and the 1950s Milan that saw its birth.

A famous Milanese icon and symbol of the economic miracle, Torre Velasca was vital to the reconstruction of Milan’s historic centre after World War II and was destined to change its skyline.

The fulcrum of the exhibition is the archive materials: graphics, photographs, and documents tell the story of the building, from the initial stages to the letter of commission, from the preliminary studies of towers that were never born to the start of the construction site. Newspapers, magazines, and the views of contemporary photographers open a window to the history, critical fortune and events following the construction of the Tower. The Tower is not just a historical monument; it is currently the subject of a major restoration and urban regeneration project, a symbol of hope and progress for Milan.

The archive materials are not just on display but are part of an interactive experience. They coexist and are integrated with two parallel narrative levels: the structure of the Torre Velasca and its urban context are narrated in an accessible and phygital itinerary through tactile models and tables and augmented and virtual reality episodes as part of the MAXXIperTUTTI accessibility project financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

header: Collezione MAXXI Architettura e Design contemporaneo. Archivio Studio BBPR – Comodato Alberico Belgiojoso