Spirit de Milan forced to close after lease dispute, Milano loses cultural hub

Spirit de Milan, a cultural space housed in the former Cristallerie Livellara factory in Milano's Bovisa district, has closed immediately after the property owner refused to renew the lease. Founded by Luca Locatelli in 2015 for Expo 2015, the venue evolved from a temporary project into a permanent cultural center hosting live music, dance, theater, community events, and the Wunder Markt. The last rental contract (6+6 years) was signed in June 2017. In 2020, the owner filed an eviction notice, which a judge dismissed. The owner then declined to renew for the additional six years, citing a planned full renovation. After a court-ordered conciliation, Spirit de Milan proposed two potential buyers willing to preserve the project, but both negotiations were abruptly terminated. The owner is reportedly in advanced talks with a third party. The space covered about 2,000 square meters within the factory designed by Antonio Sant'Elia, where the Livellara brothers began operations in 1921. Locatelli expressed regret for the 60 employees and the community that considered the venue a home, hinting at a possible relocation. The closure follows that of Fondazione Il Lazzaretto earlier in 2026.