Milan's hidden WWII bunkers could become permanent cultural spaces

The association Repubblica del Design is leading a project called '100 cose da non dimenticare' to transform abandoned WWII air-raid shelters in Milan's northern suburbs into permanent cultural venues. During the 2026 Milan Design Week, they organized exhibitions in the Rifugio 87 (under a primary school) and the Bunker Breda (under Parco Nord), linked by the theme of Resistance. The initiative was inspired by the fact that the Salone del Mobile dates included April 25, Italy's Liberation Day. Curator Davide Crippa, an architect and professor, noted that Milan increasingly leaves less space for creatives. The project originated in 2019 when Repubblica del Design mapped the neighborhoods of Dergano, Bovisa, Lancetti, and Affori (Municipio 9), discovering the bunker on via Bodio. A crowdfunding campaign running until June 15 aims to raise funds that will be matched by the City of Milan for interventions including exterior work at Bunker Breda, a permanent exhibition at the via Bodio shelter, creative workshops, and a new event in 2027. The goal is to move beyond temporary pop-ups and restore the shelters as permanent civic infrastructure.