MNAD Milano. Transformations of a Complex Heritage, between Material and Digital

Abstract

Established in 2021 by the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Museo Nazionale dell'Arte Digitale in Milan faces a dual challenge: the first one is to document and make accessible the sector of contemporary art, that incorporates new technologies into creative practices, the second is to carry out a complex restoration and adaptive reuse of the underground area of the former Albergo Diurno di Porta Venezia and one of the adjacent Caselli Daziari buildings. This project is relevant both for the distinct nature of the two structures—originating from different historical periods, architectural typologies, and styles—and for the contextual factors that shape the intervention, which require careful and nuanced consideration.

The transformation is framed around three key themes: the variety of processes and stakeholders involved in mobilizing resources and coordinating cooperation between public and private entities; the balance between preserving the existing architectural heritage and introducing a new cultural function; the layered urban relationships within which the museum’s establishment represents a unique opportunity to rethink and regenerate a still unresolved area of the city.