Milan's Historic Braidense Library Hosts Sponsored Fitness Event Amid Funding Concerns

The Biblioteca Braidense in Milan, a historic library founded in 1770 by Maria Teresa d'Austria and located in Palazzo di Brera, recently hosted a private fitness event sponsored by Irene Forte's natural skincare brand. The event featured a high-intensity dance cardio workout called 'Torch'd Workout,' led by celebrity trainer Isaac Boots, and was attended by influencers and friends. Library director Angelo Crespi defended the initiative, citing reduced public funding and the need to generate revenue, noting that the institution reached a record 630,000 visitors in 2025. Critics raised concerns about potential risks to the library's ancient book collections from increased temperature and acidic substances during exercise. The event gained attention on social media but was not promoted by the library's official profiles.