Milan's former Museo del Fumetto space to become new cultural hub via public tender

The Municipality of Milan has issued a public tender for the concession of the Palazzina ex ATM at Viale Campania 12, formerly home to WOW, the Museo del Fumetto. The tender, published in late 2025, requires the winning bidder to create a cultural and social project with a prevailing exhibition focus, integrated with educational, aggregative, and social prevention activities. Commercial or artisanal activities are allowed but must not exceed 30% of the total surface. The concession is open to for-profit entities or Third Sector organizations, with applications due by March 20, 2026. The space covers approximately 1,471 square meters, including exhibition areas, a café, offices, a bookshop, terraces, and a paved area near the Giardino "Oreste Del Buono". The concession lasts 12 years, non-renewable, with an annual fee of €67,000 (reduced by 30% for non-profits). The municipality will contribute up to €1.2 million for extraordinary maintenance. The previous tenant, Fondazione Franco Fossati, which ran WOW for 14 years, was evicted in spring 2025 due to repeated rent arrears. Foundation president Luigi F. Bona criticized the municipality for not covering maintenance costs, which he claims caused damage to the collection. The foundation's debt of €180,000 could not be settled via a proposed transfer of original comic plates, as the municipality's valuation of the lot was significantly lower than Finarte's estimate. A new WOW museum is planned elsewhere.