ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Beppe Sala's Milan re-election campaign centers on cultural revival

institutional · 2026-04-27

On December 7, 2020, Milan's Mayor Beppe Sala declared his intention to run in the 2021 municipal elections through a social media post, shortly after being honored with the Ambrogini d'oro awards. Collaborating with Culture Councillor Filippo Del Corno, his campaign emphasizes cultural initiatives aimed at post-COVID recovery, built on three main pillars: completing urban projects, enhancing cultural districts, and re-establishing Milan as a global city. Significant initiatives include the expansion of Museo del Novecento, relocating Teatro alla Scala's workshops, transforming the QT8 market into CASVA, and the state-supported Grande Brera project. The restoration of Teatro Lirico is expected to be completed by April, alongside the introduction of museum districts in densely populated areas and a proposed Triennale international performing arts festival to revive Milan’s cosmopolitan essence.

Key facts

  • Beppe Sala announced re-election bid on December 7, 2020, after Ambrogini d'oro awards.
  • Culture is central to Sala's campaign strategy for 2021 municipal elections.
  • Museo del Novecento will expand into second tower of Arengario in Piazza Duomo.
  • Teatro alla Scala workshops move to former Stabilimento Innocenti in Rubattino.
  • QT8 covered market becomes new CASVA (Center for Advanced Studies in Visual Arts).
  • Grande Brera project approved by MiBACT's Directorate General for Fine Arts and Landscape.
  • New Etruscan Museum, ADI Design Museum, and Fondazione Prada art park planned.
  • Teatro Lirico restoration nearly complete, with COVID-safe dressing rooms.
  • Museum districts launched in Porta Venezia, Duomo, Ansaldo, Sempione neighborhoods.
  • Proposed Triennale international performing arts festival with La Scala, Piccolo, civic schools.

Entities

Institutions

  • Museo del Novecento
  • Teatro alla Scala
  • CASVA (Centro alti studi per le arti visive)
  • Grande Brera
  • MiBACT (Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali e per il Turismo)
  • Museo Etrusco
  • ADI Design Museum
  • Fondazione Prada
  • Teatro Lirico
  • Piccolo Teatro
  • Triennale
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Piazza Duomo
  • Arengario
  • Rubattino
  • QT8
  • Scalo di Porta Romana
  • Porta Venezia
  • Duomo
  • Ansaldo
  • Sempione
  • Milano-Cortina

Sources