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May in Milano
Get outside and explore the city: events and itineraries for the entire month
The days are getting longer and warmer, it’s time to explore the city al fresco. In Milano, May means music, bike rides and picnics in the park. It’s the month of festivals and outdoor exhibitions that will lead us off the beaten path to get to know the up-and-coming areas.
There has never been a better time to explore Milano’s many outdoor cultural monuments, from the Arco della Pace to Cattelan’s L.O.V.E. sculpture in Piazza Affari and De Chirico’s Bagni Misteriosi fountain in Triennale Milano. The latter will be hosting a series of tantalising events and DJ sets as part of their summer programme (soon to be made available). On June 15th and 16th, along with the surrounding Parco Sempione, it will also set the stage for concerts, performances, AV installations and soundwalks by Terraforma EXO.
How to get there: By metro, take the M1 (red) or M2 (green) lines and get off at the Cadorna-Triennale stop. Tram number 1 and 10 or bus number 85.
Meander through Milano’s many stylish secret gardens which, like the Villa Necchi Campiglio’s swimming pool surrounded by stunning floral displays, are always mesmerising in the Spring. Feast your eyes on Porta Venezia’s Art Noveau style architecture, such as Casa Galimberti’s stunningly decorated façade, the balconies of Casa Guazzoni or Casa Campanini’s one-of-a-kind entrance.
Wonder in awe at the ivy-covered facade of Villa Mozart, the ‘vertical forest’ of yesteryear, and see how it compares to the more recent Bosco Verticale in the heart of Isola. While you’re in the area, you can unwind for a picnic on the nearby lawns, and delight at the BAM Circus shows. This contemporary street circus festival will fill the Biblioteca degli Alberi with exuberant fun from May 26th to 28th. Expect to be amazed by dancers suspended in mid-air, stilt walkers, clowns and colourful parades - a carnival for the senses.
How to get there: By metro, take the M2 (green) line to Garibaldi and Gioia or the M5 (lilac) line to Isola.
What do gardens, parks, courtyards, historic buildings and houses in Milano have in common? They all set the scene for this month’s Piano City Milano festival. Expect to hear music playing from every corner of the city as, on the weekend of May 17th to 19th, Milano becomes a stage for talented artists to perform free classical, jazz, pop and electronic music.
As always, the festival’s main stage will be the GAM - Galleria d’Arte Moderna’s gardens which, illuminated for the occasion, will be the scene of many unforgettable Milanese evenings.
Most concerts are free, while others can be booked on the official website. The complete programme is available on the official website.
Piazza Duomo itself will also come alive with music as, on May 15th, Radio Italia Live’s monumental concert is programmed. Twelve of Italy’s biggest acts will be gracing the stage, including Alessandra Amoroso, Annalisa, Emma, Gazzelle, Geolier, Ghali, Mahmood, Angelina Mango, Gianna Nannini, Noemi, The Kolors and Ultimo, accompanied by the Radio Italia Live Orchestra directed by Maestro Bruno Santori.
The best in Italian Indie music will be celebrated at this year’s MiAmi Festival, opening with the iconic CCCP - Fedeli alla Linea at the Circolo Magnolia. The rest of its impressive programme will take place at the Idroscalo, which will host many other well-known bands, the likes of Colapesce Dimartino, Tre Allegri Ragazzi Morti, Venerus, Ditonellapiaga, Ex-Otago, Ministri, Rosa Chemical, Phoenix and many others.
How to get to Duomo: By Metro, take the M1 (red) line or M3 (yellow) line to the Duomo. By tram, take numbers 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19.
How to get to Mi Ami Festival: routes and schedules on the miamifestival.it website
