ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

ReverseLab: New Cultural Space Opens Inside Milan's San Vittore Prison

exhibition · 2026-04-26

A new cultural venue, ReverseLab, has been inaugurated within the Casa Circondariale Milano San Vittore "Francesco Di Cataldo" prison in Milan. This initiative, a collaboration among the prison, Politecnico di Milano, and PAC Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea, seeks to bridge the gap between inmates and the external community through contemporary art. Situated in a basement gallery, it provides programs for prisoners while also welcoming the public. Supported by Fondazione di Comunità Milano, the architectural design was executed by Politecnico di Milano's "Laboratorio Carcere" group. The opening exhibition, titled "GLI ARTISTI SONO QUELLI CHE FANNO CASINO," showcases works by Maurice Pefura, produced during workshops held from March to June, and is curated by Diego Sileo, available to view two days a week.

Key facts

  • ReverseLab is a new cultural space inside Milan's San Vittore prison.
  • It was created by the prison, Politecnico di Milano, and PAC Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea.
  • The space had been unusable for at least forty years before renovation.
  • Funding came from Fondazione di Comunità Milano.
  • The inaugural exhibition features artist Maurice Pefura.
  • The exhibition title is 'GLI ARTISTI SONO QUELLI CHE FANNO CASINO. Frammenti dal carcere di San Vittore'.
  • The exhibition is curated by Diego Sileo.
  • The space is open to the public two days a week.

Entities

Artists

  • Maurice Pefura
  • Diego Sileo

Institutions

  • Casa Circondariale Milano San Vittore "Francesco Di Cataldo"
  • Politecnico di Milano
  • PAC Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea
  • Fondazione di Comunità Milano
  • Forme Tentative
  • Philo – Pratiche filosofiche
  • Off Campus San Vittore
  • studio òbelo

Locations

  • Milan
  • Italy
  • San Vittore prison

Sources