Isola Design Festival
The independent design festival in the Isola district, during Milan Design Week
About Isola Design Festival
Design Born from the Grassroots
Isola Design Festival is the event that, during Milan Design Week, transforms the Isola district (Municipality 9, City of Milan, Lombardy) into a laboratory for independent design. Born in 2017 as a grassroots initiative, it has grown to become one of the most dynamic districts of Fuorisalone, capable of providing space for research, experimentation, and self-production projects that would hardly find a place in more commercial circuits.
Fabbrica Sassetti and the Widespread District
The festival's headquarters is the Fabbrica Sassetti (via Filippo Sassetti 31), a former 1930s wool mill that reopens for the occasion, symbolically reconnecting the event to Isola's manufacturing past. Around this hub, events spread throughout the district, along via De Castillia, via Confalonieri, and via Bassi, and in venues such as Fondazione Catella at the foot of Bosco Verticale, Stecca3, and Zona K.
An International Showcase
Each edition brings together over 250 international designers, studios, and brands, selected for the quality of their research and their ability to interpret the year's theme. Isola Design Festival is now a benchmark for emerging design and for those seeking a more authentic and unconventional offering during Fuorisalone. Admission to exhibitions and displays is free.
Isola Design Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Isola Design Festival, the tenth, was held from April 20 to 26 in the Isola district, as part of Milan Design Week. The theme "TEN: The Evolving Now" reflected on the festival's evolution, looking at the formats that have marked its history and, at the same time, at the ever-changing present.
The main hub was the Fabbrica Sassetti (via Filippo Sassetti 31), a former 1930s wool mill reopened for the occasion. Over 250 international designers, studios, and brands animated the district's widespread ecosystem, along via De Castillia, via Sassetti, via Confalonieri, and via Bassi, with supporting venues such as Fondazione Catella, Stecca3, Zona K, Copernico Isola S32, and Atelier Kondakji. Creative direction by Elif Resitoglou, founding direction by Gabriele Cavallaro.
Programme Isola Design Festival 2026
Main Hub
Fabbrica Sassetti (via Filippo Sassetti 31), former 1930s wool mill, hosting the majority of exhibitions and installations.
Opening Hours
- April 20: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- April 21-25: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- April 26: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Widespread Venues
Via De Castillia, via Confalonieri, via Bassi; Fondazione Catella (Bosco Verticale), Stecca3, Zona K, Copernico Isola S32, Atelier Kondakji. Over 250 international designers. Free admission.
Highlights Isola Design Festival 2026
Prices Isola Design Festival 2026
Practical information — Isola Design Festival
How to get there
Isola District, Milan (Municipality 9). Fabbrica Sassetti at via Filippo Sassetti 31. Reachable by metro M5 (Isola stop) and M2/M5 (Garibaldi FS).
Opening Hours and Admission
Free admission to exhibitions and displays; no ticket or reservation required. Hours vary depending on the venue.
Information
Program and map of venues at isola.design.
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Where does it take place — Isola Design Festival
Fabbrica Sassetti e quartiere Isola
Via Filippo Sassetti 31, 20159 Milano