The new curatorial chapter for 2026 invites the international design community to explore darkness as a fertile space of possibility
In the fast-paced world of global design, constant visibility is often the only imperative. However, to celebrate a decade of radical cultural production, BASE Milano 2026 is choosing a different path. After exploring conviviality and relationships, the cultural hub presents its new project: HELLO, DARKNESS. This initiative marks the final chapter of a trilogy dedicated to human bonds, shifting the gaze away from the glare of hyper-exposure and toward the shadows.
A Decade of Cultural Innovation
Since its birth within the regenerated spaces of the former Ansaldo factory, BASE Milano 2026 has acted as a frontier for social and artistic experimentation. To celebrate its tenth anniversary, the institution is transforming into a “contemporary gymnasium”: a place to train sensitivity and mutual trust. Rather than seeing darkness as a void or a lack, the 2026 program frames it as a condition of possibility, where new alliances and imaginaries can grow sheltered from the pressure of constant performance.
Exploring the Depths of the Present
The public program of BASE Milano 2026 is configured as an open square where artists, designers, philosophers, and scientists meet. The curatorial vision led by Linda Di Pietro suggests that, just as in the ocean depths, life adapts to pressure by developing alternative sensitivities. Through a series of multidisciplinary events, the program addresses the complexities of our time—from ecological crises to social changes—recognizing instability as a generative condition rather than an obstacle.
BASE Milano 2026: Beyond the Traditional Showcase
While the program features a dense calendar of talks and performances throughout the spring, the hub remains a global magnet for the world of design. A central moment will be We Will Design, the signature event for Fuorisalone, which continues to position BASE Milano 2026 as a leader in contemporary research and international dialogue between studios, academies, and independent creatives.
The journey into darkness is only just beginning, offering a year-long laboratory for those who wish to look beneath the surface of the design industry.
Click here to view the full calendar and discover all the appointments for HELLO, DARKNESS 2026.
