Milano's Historic Libreria Centofiori Reopens Under New Management

Libreria Centofiori, a historic Milanese bookstore near Piazzale Dateo, has reopened after a period of closure. Founded in 1975, it initially specialized in psychology books—the first in Milan to do so—before expanding to fiction and children's literature. The new management team includes Vittorio Graziani (former manager of Feltrinelli in Piazza Piemonte), Ada Carpi and Andrea Palombi (owners of publishing house Nutrimenti), Fabio Masi (bookseller at L'Ultima Spiaggia in Ventotene and Camogli and L'Amico Ritrovato in Genoa), and Marco and Guido Garavoglia of Milan. The official inauguration took place on September 27, 2018. The bookstore underwent a thorough renovation of its 100 square meters, now divided into three rooms: fiction, non-fiction, and children's literature. It retains its original name. Director Vittorio Graziani stated that the project began in December when they learned 50% of Centofiori was for sale; they negotiated to acquire full management. Future plans include hosting children's activities and thematic meetings centered on broader topics rather than specific books, with a skeptical view of traditional book presentations. Graziani noted the strong community attachment, as many passersby inquired about the reopening during renovations.