Esselunga restores historic student protest murals in Milan

Esselunga, the Italian grocery chain, has brought back to life five classic murals from the 1970s at its new laEsse urban market located at Via Temistocle Calzecchi 17 in Milan's Città Studi area, specifically on Largo Murani. Initially set for demolition, the former DIY store now showcases murals created by the Gruppo Aerostatico between 1977 and 1979. These pieces include a Native American chief symbolizing the 'Indiani Metropolitani' protest, an oil-slicked cormorant addressing environmental concerns, the cover art of Pink Floyd’s 'Atom Heart Mother', a representation of Jimi Hendrix, and the anti-nuclear 'Riding Sun' symbol. The restoration, led by Davide Riggiardi from the Accademia di Brera with help from various restorers, received support from the Municipality of Milan. The project was backed by Municipio 3 and the 'Salviamo i murales di Largo Murani' committee, who worked with Esselunga. The market spans over 420 square meters.