Fondazione Vico Magistretti Preserves Designer's Legacy in Milan

Run by his granddaughter Margherita Pellino, the Fondazione Vico Magistretti in Milan keeps the prolific architect and industrial designer's legacy alive through its museum, archive, and exhibitions. Housed in Magistretti's former workspace, the foundation holds 7,000 photos, 30,000 designs, 120 diaries, and 50 models. Recent shows include 'More or Less 60 Chairs in 60 Years' for Design Week 2025 and a UK-focused exhibition on his time teaching at the Royal College of Art. The current exhibition, 'Vico Magistretti and Japan' (open until 25 February 2027), curated by ECAL's Davide Fornari, features 20 miniature industrial-design projects from Japan, including lights, beds, tables, and architectural works. Pellino, who previously worked for a photo agency, describes her role as 'heritage marketing' through cultural exhibitions. The foundation is part of a network of family-run archives in Milan, including those of Achille Castiglioni (run by daughter Giovanna) and Gae Aulenti (run by granddaughter Nina Artioli). The archive is protected by the Italian state.