McDonald's debuts Damien Hirst-inspired ball pit at Milan design week
McDonald's made its Milan design week debut with 'Pool: Unlock happy memories', an installation featuring a giant ball pit informed by Damien Hirst's Spot Painting. Curated by Nicolas Ballario, the installation marks 40 years since McDonald's opened its first restaurant in Italy at Piazza di Spagna in Rome. Set within Tortona Rocks, the space includes 100,000 coloured balls and an enlarged version of Vedovamazzei's 'Early Work (Damien Hirst at 7 years old)'. An exhibition of memorabilia and archival materials traces the brand's history in Italy. McDonald's Italy managing director Giorgia Favaro said the brand aims to be part of collective culture. The installation runs until 26 April 2026 at Via Tortona 58.
Key facts
- McDonald's debuted at Milan design week with a ball pit installation
- The ball pit was informed by Damien Hirst's Spot Painting
- The installation is named 'Pool: Unlock happy memories'
- Curated by Nicolas Ballario
- Marks 40 years since McDonald's opened its first restaurant in Italy
- First restaurant opened at Piazza di Spagna in Rome
- The ball pit contains 100,000 coloured balls
- Includes an enlarged version of Vedovamazzei's 'Early Work (Damien Hirst at 7 years old)'
- Part of Tortona Rocks exhibition
- Runs until 26 April 2026 at Via Tortona 58, Milan
Entities
Artists
- Damien Hirst
- Vedovamazzei
- Nicolas Ballario
- Laila Gohar
- Lina Ghotmeh
- Stella Scala
- Simeone Crispino
Institutions
- McDonald's
- Tortona Rocks
- Dezeen
- Collater.al
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Rome
- Piazza di Spagna
- Via Tortona 58
- Via Tortona
Sources
- Dezeen —
- Collater.al —