From April 8 to 13, 2025, the Salone del Mobile.Milano will return to Fiera Milano, Rho, presenting its 63rd edition with a compelling vision for the future of design. With over 2,000 exhibitors from 37 countries, the event cements its role as the world’s premier platform for fostering creativity, sustainability, and business excellence in the furniture and design industries.
A global stage for design and innovation
The 2025 Salone del Mobile will occupy 169,000 square meters of sold-out exhibition space, with 38% of its exhibitors representing international brands. It will feature a dynamic mix of newcomers and established names, including 148 brands making their debut or returning to the show. Key highlights include the much-anticipated return of the Euroluce Biennial, showcasing over 300 lighting brands from 25 countries, and SaloneSatellite, a platform dedicated to nurturing emerging talent with 700 designers under the age of 35 and 20 international design schools.
“The Salone continues to thrive as a strategic accelerator, creating value for companies, forging alliances, and offering a platform for sustainable innovation,” said Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano.
Porro highlighted the event’s role in navigating global uncertainties while fostering international collaboration. She emphasized strategic partnerships, such as a recently signed Memorandum with Saudi Arabia, which opens new opportunities for Italian design exports, alongside enhanced promotional activities in China, the United States, and other key markets.
A cultural hub with transformative visions
The Salone’s 2025 edition promises an exceptional cultural program led by visionary designers and artists. Three major site-specific installations will captivate audiences:
- Pierre-Yves Rochon’s “Villa Héritage” (Pavilions 13-15), an exploration of timeless elegance in interior design.
- Paolo Sorrentino’s “La dolce attesa” (Pavilions 22-24), offering an immersive cinematic perspective on modern living.
- Robert Wilson’s “Mother” at the Museo Pietà Rondanini, Castello Sforzesco, a dialogue with Michelangelo’s unfinished masterpiece accompanied by music from Arvo Pärt.
A key highlight will be the inaugural Euroluce International Lighting Forum (April 10-11), set in the innovative Forest of Space Arena by renowned Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. The forum will host over 20 global experts, including lighting designers, architects, scientists, and biologists, to explore the future of lighting design through topics like AI integration, biophilic design, and sustainable technologies.
“Euroluce 2025 stands as a beacon for lighting design, offering a unique space for industry leaders to connect and innovate,” said Carlo Urbinati, President of Assoluce.
Industry impact and economic significance
The event is not only a cultural milestone but also a powerful economic driver. The total turnover of Italian brands exhibiting at the Salone exceeds €9.2 billion, representing 34% of the national Furnishing Macro System. This figure is complemented by an additional €7 billion from foreign brands, underlining the Salone’s role as a catalyst for international business and growth.
The exhibition will feature the flagship Salone Internazionale del Mobile, the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition, Workplace3.0, and S.Project, with over 1,000 brands participating, including 73 first-timers. Visitors will experience a fluid, integrated layout, with new themed routes and a loop-shaped redesign of pavilions (13-15 and 22-24) enhancing navigation.
A special focus will be placed on Italian craftsmanship with “A Luxury Way” (Pavilions 13-15), celebrating the nation’s legacy of creating timeless objects that blend heritage and contemporary design.
Sustainability and youth engagement
Sustainability remains a central pillar of the Salone, as it advances ISO 20121 certification and encourages exhibitors to adopt the Salone’s Green Guidelines. Additionally, SaloneSatellite will explore the theme New Craftsmanship: A New World, examining the interplay between traditional craftsmanship and modern design in creating sustainable, culturally relevant products.
“Young designers are the lifeblood of the Salone,” Porro remarked. “SaloneSatellite fosters intergenerational dialogue and equips the next generation to shape the future of design.”
Milan as the epicenter of design
The Salone’s impact extends far beyond the exhibition halls, transforming Milan into a citywide celebration of creativity during Design Week. Partnerships with institutions such as Teatro alla Scala will enrich the cultural offering. For instance, the iconic opera house will host Robert Wilson’s The Night Before, an evening of performances and visual storytelling curated by the acclaimed artist.
More than 100 showrooms across Milan will participate in the festivities, hosting exhibitions and events as part of the Fuorisalone program. The Salone’s Welcome Project, in collaboration with local universities and institutions, will engage over 100 students to guide visitors through the city’s design highlights.
“Milan and the Salone del Mobile share a bond that grows stronger every year,” said Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan. “This year’s theme, enlightened humanism, offers both a creative challenge and a reflection on the role of design in shaping a better future.”
Digital transformation for a seamless experience
The Salone’s new digital platform will provide an intuitive, interactive experience for visitors and exhibitors alike. Features include matchmaking tools, online ticketing, interactive maps, and personalized itineraries. The platform also enhances post-event engagement by sending attendees a tailored summary of their visit.
A testament to resilience and vision
As preparations peak, the 2025 Salone del Mobile reaffirms its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cultural dialogue. It continues to set the benchmark for global design events, offering a platform where creativity, business, and vision converge.
Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region, summed it up: “The Salone is a springboard for growth, showcasing the excellence of Lombardy and Made in Italy. It remains a symbol of innovation, resilience, and cultural leadership.”
This year’s edition is poised to inspire, innovate, and connect, solidifying Milan’s place as the International Capital of Design.
