Alcova Design Fair Returns to Milan for Fuorisalone 2026 with Two Historic Venues
The Alcova design fair will hold its eleventh edition during Milan's 2026 Fuorisalone, returning to the city after two years in Varedo. The event will occupy two locations in Milan's western periphery: Villa Pestarini and the Military Hospital of Baggio. Organizers Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima emphasize that this move represents not a retreat but part of Alcova's ongoing itinerant nature, selecting venues based on their potential for stimulating interaction with design. Villa Pestarini is notable as the only private residence in Milan designed by architect Franco Albini, completed in 1939 and largely preserved. The Military Hospital of Baggio, which hosted Alcova in 2021 and 2022, will feature newly accessible areas including a church and historical archive. Over 120 exhibitors—including independent designers, studios, companies, galleries, and academies—will participate across the two sites, which are within walking distance. Key presentations include the 'House in Progress' exhibition curated by Davide Fabio Colaci, focusing on the legacy of architect Luisa Castiglioni, and installations from schools like London's AA School of Architecture and Eindhoven's Design Academy. Notable designers featured include Faye Toogood, Patricia Urquiola, and Kiki Goti. Villa Pestarini will require advance online reservations for timed entry slots. The fair will be open to the public from April 20 to 26, 2026.
Key facts
- Alcova's 11th edition occurs during Milan's 2026 Fuorisalone
- Event returns to Milan after two editions in Varedo
- Two venues: Villa Pestarini and Military Hospital of Baggio
- Over 120 exhibitors including designers, studios, galleries
- Villa Pestarini is Franco Albini's only private Milan residence
- Military Hospital of Baggio features newly opened spaces
- Public dates: April 20-26, 2026
- Organizers are Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima
Entities
Artists
- Franco Albini
- Luisa Castiglioni
- Faye Toogood
- Patricia Urquiola
- Kiki Goti
- Magda Jurek
- Valentina Ciuffi
- Joseph Grima
- Sophie Dries
- Andrea Claire
- Ugo Cacciatori
- Osvaldo Borsani
- Luigi Fiano
- Piergiorgio Sorgetti
- Ramona Balaban
- Raptopoulos Alexandros
- Erin Simkin
- Mehmet Ali Kangotan
- Yalin Zabun
Institutions
- AA School of Architecture
- UMPRUM Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design
- Design Academy Eindhoven
- HEAD Geneva
- Cassina
- Haworth
- Noritake Design Collection
- Pani Jurek Studio
- Around the Studio
- Alcova
- Salone del Mobile
- Issé
- Marble Sachanas
- Studio Lugo
- Sten Studio
- Henge
- VOCLA/Club
- Galerie Magazine
- Baggio Military Hospital
Locations
- Milan
- Varedo
- Bocca di Magra
- Tbilisi
- Athens
- Italy
- Paris
- France
- Georgia
- Thessaloniki
- Greece