SEA Aeroporti di Milano responds to criticism of Malpensa airport art exhibitions
In response to Massimiliano Tonelli's editorial that criticized the art exhibitions at Milan Malpensa Airport, SEA, the public entity overseeing Milan's airports, issued an open letter. SEA constructively acknowledges the feedback, stating its main function is airport management rather than curating art spaces. Since 2013, SEA has partnered with prominent cultural institutions in Milan and Lombardy, such as Museo del '900 and Palazzo Reale. The airport's art initiative, launched in 2010 with the 'La Porta di Milano' competition, was won by the 'Soglia Magica' project by architects Pierluigi Nicolin and others. SEA also highlights the revival of Fausto Melotti's 'I Sette Savi' in 2013 and 2019, and announces an upcoming major exhibition featuring Steve McCurry for the Cultural Olympiad of Milano Cortina 2026.
Key facts
- SEA responds to Massimiliano Tonelli's editorial criticizing Malpensa art exhibitions.
- SEA manages Milan airports, not museums or galleries.
- SEA has collaborated with Museo del '900, Palazzo Reale, Triennale di Milano, PAC, ADI Design Museum, MEET, and Museo MAGA since 2013.
- Art program started in 2010 with 'La Porta di Milano' competition.
- Winning project 'Soglia Magica' by Pierluigi Nicolin, Giuseppe Marinoni, Sonia Calzoni, Giuliana Di Gregorio, and Alberto Garutti.
- Restored and displayed Fausto Melotti's 'I Sette Savi' in 2013 and 2019.
- Exhibition space featured artists including Marino Marini, Helidon Xhixha, Gio Ponti, Carlo Bernardini, Matteo Pugliese, Alessandro Busci, Carlo Ramous, Armin Linke, Daniele Sigalot, Corrado Levi, Matteo Mezzadri, Andy Warhol, Max Papeschi, Fabio Viale, Chiara Dynys, Omar Hassan, and Giovanni Frangi.
- Upcoming Steve McCurry exhibition at Malpensa as part of Milano Cortina 2026 Cultural Olympiad.
Entities
Artists
- Massimiliano Tonelli
- Pierluigi Nicolin
- Giuseppe Marinoni
- Sonia Calzoni
- Giuliana Di Gregorio
- Alberto Garutti
- Fausto Melotti
- Marino Marini
- Helidon Xhixha
- Gio Ponti
- Carlo Bernardini
- Matteo Pugliese
- Alessandro Busci
- Carlo Ramous
- Armin Linke
- Daniele Sigalot
- Corrado Levi
- Matteo Mezzadri
- Andy Warhol
- Max Papeschi
- Fabio Viale
- Chiara Dynys
- Omar Hassan
- Giovanni Frangi
- Steve McCurry
Institutions
- SEA Aeroporti di Milano
- Artribune
- Museo del '900
- Palazzo Reale
- Triennale di Milano
- PAC
- ADI Design Museum
- MEET
- Museo MAGA
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Milan Malpensa Airport
- Lombardy
- Milano Cortina 2026