Envision a zinc-titanium structure rising from a former industrial area. That’s the Mudec, Milan’s Museum of Cultures. It stands as a testament to Milan’s multicultural spirit. The Mudec promotes art and culture from all over the world.
The Mudec project began in the 1990s. Milan’s Municipality acquired the Ansaldo industrial area. Their goal was to create spaces for cultural activities. The Mudec finally opened its doors on March 27. It became fully accessible to the public the following October.
David Chipperfield designed the Mudec. He won the contract 15 years before its opening. Bureaucratic complications delayed the inauguration until March 2015. The Mudec covers 17000 square meters.
Inside the Mudec, a world of art awaits. You can admire the permanent collection. It includes African artworks, oriental silks and theatre masks. There are calligraphy boxes and bronze sculptures too. The collection also features post-war private collections. These were influenced by non-European cultures. Avant-Garde art movements inspired them.
The Mudec has hosted many temporary exhibitions. Gauguin’s works have been displayed here. So has an exhibition dedicated to Barbie. Gauguin: Stories from Heaven explored his fascination with “primitive” art. Barbie: The Icon told the doll’s story. It showed how she mirrored social aesthetics and cultural transformations.
The Mudec’s structure has three floors. Visitors can move freely. The entrance features wooden panels and a coffered ceiling. A black stone staircase leads to the Agorà space. This hall is designed as a meeting place. Its flower shape is made with steel and opal glass. This creates a bright and engaging space.
The Mudec is attentive to children too. Mudec Junior offers laboratories and multimedia stations. A large bookshop and a design store are also present. An auditorium, a restaurant and a bistro enrich the Mudec experience.
The permanent collection holds over 7000 items. They include art, objects, textiles and musical instruments. These come from Africa, Asia, South America and Oceania. The Mudec’s zinc surface reflects its surroundings. It mirrors the beat of the city with world cultures.
The Mudec is more than just a museum. It is a multipurpose space. It offers a variety of cultural activities and services. The Mudec stands as a window to the world in Milan’s lively Tortona district.