The eight-story Prada Galleria in Milan: a look Inside the brand’s new space
Boutiques, archives and art spaces in a historic building
Prada Galleria has opened in Milan — a new, large-scale Prada space in the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The complex spans eight floors and brings together boutiques, art, archives, gastronomy and private spaces. The project was developed under the direction of Miuccia Prada.
The location holds particular significance for the brand. It was here, in 1913, that Mario Prada opened the first Fratelli Prada store. The shop sold leather goods, luggage and travel accessories. More than a century later, Prada has effectively returned to the place where its story began.
Today, Prada Galleria offers more than the opportunity to shop the latest collections — visitors can quite literally walk through the history of the brand.
The space features expanded boutiques for women and men. A subterranean «secret passage» connects the two. It houses an exhibition of archival materials, lesser-known episodes from Prada’s history and the brand’s early experiments.
Another key part of the complex is Pradasphere, a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of the fashion house. It was previously presented as a travelling exhibition, with stops including London, Hong Kong and Shanghai. It now has a permanent home in Milan.
Gastronomy is also part of the experience. Prada Galleria is home to Marchesi 1824, a historic Milanese pastry shop that is part of the Prada Group.
The complex also includes The Studio, a space designed for private meetings. Next to it is L’Appartamento, an interior inspired by 18th-century interiors. Here, antique Italian furniture is displayed alongside works by photographer Andreas Gursky.
The upper floors are home to the Osservatorio Fondazione Prada, a space dedicated to experimentation with contemporary visual languages. Art, technology, photography and contemporary culture intersect here.
Prada Galleria is therefore much more than a new flagship store. Prada has transformed a historic address into a space where the brand’s past and present can be explored, while also highlighting the ways in which fashion intersects with art and culture.
Photo: Instagram @prada
