Renzo Piano's Monte Rosa 91 in Milan Opens with Art Program

The Monte Rosa 91 complex in Milan, originally an industrial site for Isotta-Fraschini and later Siemens-Italtel, was transformed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop into the headquarters for Il Sole 24 Ore in 2004. After the newspaper left, AXA IM Alts acquired the building in 2020 and re-commissioned Piano to renovate it into a mixed-use office center. The 20,000-square-meter glass structure features a large courtyard, an artificial hill with a garden called Parco della Luce, and amenities including a library, travel agency, auditorium, kindergarten, gym, and restaurant-cafeteria. The official opening took place on June 28, 2023. A contemporary art program includes a suspended sculpture by Susumu Shingu reinstalled in its original location, plus permanent site-specific works and temporary installations. A reduced version of Momentum by MAD Architects, previously shown at Salone del Mobile, will also be placed. The auditorium will host cultural events, starting with the final date of the Premio Strega tour on July 4. The project aims for over 40% energy savings and emphasizes permeability to the surrounding neighborhood, avoiding an enclave effect. AXA IM Alts sees the art and public access as part of social responsibility and long-term value creation.