MICHELE DE LUCCHI PROVIDES THE CREATIVE PROGRESS
At the Palazzo dell’Arte in Milan, Michele De Lucchi has been named its first creative director Milan Triennaletaking on a newly created role that will shape the cultural direction of the institution until 2030. The architect and designer will also lead the Museo del Design Italiano, overseeing its permanent collection and future acquisitions.
His appointment was announced on July 14, 2026, as President Vincenzo Trione and General Manager Carla Morogallo presented the Triennale’s strategy for the next four years.
The appointment comes full circle for De Lucchi, who recalled protesting the 1973 Triennale while still a student. More than half a century later, the architect and designer says he hopes to transform the institution into a “laboratory of vitality,” driven by what he calls the “sustainability of the collective imagination.”
At the design museum, his plans include expanding the collection to more recent periods and shifting attention from finished objects to the ideas and working conditions behind them. It has also highlighted artisans as an essential part of Italian design history.
Michele de Lucchi | image © Delfino Sisto Legnani
A FOUR YEAR PLAN BUILT AROUND QUESTIONS
Under the new strategy, each year will begin with a guiding question that feeds into the exhibition program and continues through research, publications and public events. The space outside the Palazzo dell’Arte will once again host public art commissions from international designers and artists, reviving a format associated with the institution’s historic exhibitions.
The Triennale’s reactivated Centro Studi will determine the annual themes and help shape the 25th International Exhibition, scheduled for 2028.
De Lucchi will work in a new consulting structure alongside Manuela Lucà-Dazio, who will oversee architecture. Andrea Viliani will lead contemporary art, while specialist advisers will contribute to the institution’s wider programme.
The plan also expands the Triennale’s educational role through advanced professional courses and a doctoral research program. Its exhibitions and activities for 2027 will be presented in November 2026.
Palace of Art | image by Matteo Pasin © Triennale Milano
Michele De Lucchi, Carla Morogallo, Maria Porro, Vincenzo Trione, Manuela Lucà-Dazio, Andrea Viliani | image by Gianluca di Ioia © Triennale Milano
project information:
institution: Milan Triennale | @triennamilano
location: Palazzo dell’Arte, Milan, Italy
creative director: Michele De Lucchi | @micheledelucchi
additional role: Director of the Museum of Italian Design
chairman: Vincenzo Trione
general manager: Carla Morrogalo
strategy period: 2026 – 2030
