A theater is a strange space for a design installation, it is illusion and structure at the same time, a space made to dissolve the boundary between the real and the imaginary. To take such a stage requires a precise idea and ambition, and GROHE SPAthe luxury sub-brand of the German bathroom brand GROHEarrived at Milan Design Week 2026 with both.
The installation, called Aqua Sanctuaryruns from April 22 to April 26 at the Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato in Milan’s Brera neighborhood, marking a historic moment for the venue. For the first time, the legendary Italian institution opens its doors for an official design week installation, which is sure to be one of the most interesting exhibitions in the region.
‘Wellbeing through Water’ – Aqua Sanctuary by GROHE SPA at Milan Design Week 2026 © GROHE
Atrium Private Collection © GROHE © GROHE
‘Wellbeing through Water’ – Aqua Sanctuary by GROHE SPA at Milan Design Week 2026 © GROHE
Aqua Tiles © GROHE
Aqua Sanctuary © GROHE
Aqua Sanctuary © GROHE
Aqua Sanctuary © GROHE
Aqua Tiles in Supersteel © GROHE
GROHE Aqua Sanctuary explores the idea of a personal sanctuary as a state of ultimate well-being, highlighting GROHE SPA’s understanding of intertwined ritual, craftsmanship and sophisticated design. The installation unfolds through three interconnected sanctuaries, each exploring a different state of being. Rather than focusing on individual products, the space presents a holistic vision of bathroom design, showing how water can shape spaces that cleanse, rejuvenate and relax.
The installation was designed as a way for visitors to step away from the frenzied chaos of the city and pause in a curated environment that reconnects them with one of nature’s most powerful elements: water. Sound and lighting work in harmony to create an immersive experience that draws the senses into tranquility and ease. These theatrically immersive techniques clearly work particularly well in the environment of Teatro Studio Melato, allowing the identity of the location itself to become an integral part of the narrative.
The guiding voice behind the project is Paul FlowersChief Design and Brand Identity Officer & Executive Vice President at LIXIL. About the installation, he tells us, “at Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato, we have envisioned a series of spaces that express the restorative power of water, creating extraordinary moments of transcendence. Milan Design Week is an invaluable moment for the convergence of the global creative community. The GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary showcases the profound fusion of water and architecture, consciously shaping our living and bathing spaces while enhancing well-being. Within these curated spaces, mind, body and space align in perfect harmony through materiality and craftsmanship to redefine our experience of water as a transformative architectural element.”
At the heart of the installation are product collections that embody the GROHE SPA philosophy of ‘Wellbeing through Water’ and the brand’s wider design ethos – just two examples of which are the GROHE SPA Atrio Private Collection and Grohtherm Aqua Tiles.
The GROHE SPA Atrio Private Collection ushers in a new era of bathroom design through carefully selected colors, materials, finishes and handle designs. Extending across the entire bathroom and the GROHE Colors collection, it allows for a cohesive visual language.
The GROHE SPA Grohtherm Aqua Tiles is a hidden thermostat that combines minimalist aesthetics with precise functionality. Its metal buttons allow extremely intuitive control of individual shower settings. Available in the full GROHE Colors collection and designed to blend seamlessly with GROHE Rainshower Aqua Tiles modular ceiling showers, it redefines personalized bathroom design.
Performing from 22 to 26 April 2026 at the Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato in Milan, the GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary introduces a meditative counterpoint to the intensity of Milan Design Week, suggesting that the pace of Fuorisalone might benefit from a moment of pause. He suggests that the most exciting offering for novelty-saturated visitors is not more stimulation, but tranquility. Reconnecting with natural elements and our inner sense of calm can be just what we need, both during Design Week and in our domestic spaces.
He suggests that the most exciting offering for novelty-saturated visitors is not more stimulation, but tranquility. Reconnecting with natural elements and our inner sense of calm can be just what we need, both during Design Week and in our domestic spaces. Explore more about the event.
