Hangarbicocca

Pirelli HangarBicocca, Milan: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Pirelli HangarBicocca, located in Milan’s Bicocca district, is one of Europe’s leading contemporary art venues. Housed in a vast, repurposed Ansaldo-Breda locomotive factory, it fuses Milan’s industrial legacy with cutting-edge artistic innovation. Since opening as a non-profit foundation in 2004, supported by Pirelli, HangarBicocca has become renowned for its monumental installations, free public access, and dynamic programming. This comprehensive guide details visiting hours, ticketing, historical context, architectural highlights, and essential tips for making the most of your visit, as well as recommendations for nearby attractions. (Pirelli HangarBicocca Official Site, YesMilano, Domus)

Introduction to HangarBicocca
Industrial Origins and Early History
Urban Redevelopment and the Bicocca Project
Foundation and Mission of HangarBicocca
Architectural Layout and Exhibition Spaces
Key Permanent Installations
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Getting There: Location and Transport
Highlights: Current and Upcoming Exhibitions (2025)
Visitor Experience: Amenities and Practical Tips
Nearby Attractions and Cultural Context
FAQs
Summary and Recommendations
References

Industrial Origins and Early History

The building that houses HangarBicocca was originally part of the Ansaldo-Breda industrial complex, a central hub for locomotive and railway equipment production in 20th-century Milan. The Bicocca area, home to industrial giants like Breda and Pirelli, was synonymous with heavy industry, shaping both the city’s urban landscape and its economic development (The Art Post Blog). By the late 1900s, as industry declined, Bicocca’s factories fell into disuse, setting the stage for radical urban transformation.

Urban Redevelopment and the Bicocca Project

Responding to Milan’s shifting industrial base, the city launched the Bicocca Project in the 1980s, a sweeping redevelopment initiative. The project revitalized the area with new university campuses, offices, and residential complexes. Rather than demolish the historic Ansaldo 17 plant, Pirelli RE preserved the site’s industrial architecture, setting the foundation for its rebirth as a cultural landmark (The Art Post Blog).

Foundation and Mission of HangarBicocca

HangarBicocca opened in 2004 as a non-profit foundation, with a mission to promote contemporary art and cultural accessibility in Milan (Pirelli HangarBicocca Official Site). The adaptive reuse of the industrial building—retaining its soaring ceilings, steel beams, and raw concrete—provides a dramatic backdrop for large-scale, site-specific art. Central to its ethos is free admission, underlining a commitment to making art accessible for all. Programming emphasizes diversity, experimentation, and cross-cultural dialogue, with exhibitions by leading international artists and dedicated educational initiatives (Pirelli).

Architectural Layout and Exhibition Spaces

HangarBicocca spans 7,000 square meters, making it one of Italy’s largest contemporary art venues (YesMilano). The structure is divided into three primary spaces:

The Shed: An intimate red-brick building for temporary exhibitions and visitor amenities.
The Navate: The main hall, soaring 30 meters high, ideal for monumental installations.
The Cubo: A versatile space for both exhibitions and permanent works (Inexhibit).

Original industrial features—such as overhead cranes, exposed brickwork, and expansive windows—remain, creating a palpable sense of history in dialogue with contemporary art.

Key Permanent Installations

Anselm Kiefer’s “The Seven Heavenly Palaces”
The standout permanent installation is Kiefer’s “The Seven Heavenly Palaces,” a series of seven towering concrete structures, each 14–18 meters tall. Evocative of ancient ziggurats and modern shipping containers, these towers represent both human aspiration and Milan’s industrial roots.

Fausto Melotti’s “La Sequenza”
Located outside the entrance, Melotti’s 1981 sculpture acts as a symbolic gateway between city life and the world of contemporary art.

OSGEMEOS “Efêmero”
A large-scale mural by the Brazilian street art duo on the Cubo’s exterior wall, referencing the site’s locomotive history (The Art Post Blog).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Exhibition Spaces: Thursday–Sunday, 10:30 am – 8:30 pm (last entry: 7:30 pm)
Bookshop: Thursday–Sunday, 10:30 am – 7:30 pm
Iuta Bistrot: Monday–Wednesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm; Thursday–Sunday, 10:30 am – 10:30 pm (Pirelli HangarBicocca)
Admission: Free for all visitors. Online booking is recommended for priority access, especially during busy periods (Domus).
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators throughout. Families are welcome, with dedicated Kids Room and educational activities.

Getting There: Location and Transport

Address: Via Chiese 2, Milan (Bicocca district) (Domus)

Metro: M5 (Ponale station) is the closest stop; a short walk to the entrance (Real Journey Travels).
Train: Greco Pirelli station (regional lines).
Bus: Bus 51 and 87 from Sesto Marelli (M1) or Ponale (M5).
Bike: BikeMi rental station at Ponale (Station 329 Chiese – F. Testi).

Highlights: Current and Upcoming Exhibitions (2025)

Tarek Atoui – “Improvisation in 10 Days”
6 February – 20 July 2025, Shed
Experimental sound installation and performance art, inviting visitor participation and collaboration (Pirelli HangarBicocca).

Yukinori Yanagi – “ICARUS”
27 March – 27 July 2025, Navate
A major European retrospective exploring technology, myth, and ambition through immersive installations (Revenews).

Yuko Mohri – “Entanglements”
18 September 2025 – 11 January 2026, Shed
Kinetic sculptures and installations inspired by natural forces.

Nan Goldin – “This Will Not End Well”
9 October 2025 – 15 February 2026, Navate
A retrospective of the acclaimed American photographer’s most iconic series (Muse Magazine).

Details and updates are always available on the official HangarBicocca exhibitions page.

Visitor Experience: Amenities and Practical Tips

Plan for 2–3 hours to fully explore the exhibitions (Real Journey Travels).
Photography: Allowed in most areas—check signage for exceptions.
Food: The Iuta Bistrot serves Italian and international dishes, coffee, and pastries.
Bookshop: Offering catalogs, artist editions, and souvenirs.
Guided Tours: Free tours offered on weekends; book in advance (Domus). Museum mediators are available for insights during exhibitions.
Family-Friendly: Kids Room and educational workshops make it ideal for families (Domus).
Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Best times to visit: Weekday mornings are quieter; weekends can be busy.
Climate: Interiors are cool, comfortable even in summer.

Nearby Attractions and Cultural Context

University of Milan Bicocca: Modern campus with notable architecture and green spaces.
Sforza Castle: A short metro ride, one of Milan’s most iconic historical landmarks.
Villa Necchi Campiglio: Art deco villa offering a glimpse into Milan’s aristocratic past.
Bicocca District: Experience Milan’s transformation from industry to innovation, with a growing culinary and shopping scene.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are HangarBicocca’s visiting hours?
A: Thursday–Sunday, 10:30 am – 8:30 pm.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, all exhibitions are free; online booking is recommended.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, free tours on weekends—reserve online.

Q: Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, with full accessibility features.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: Metro M5 (Ponale), train (Greco Pirelli), or bus 51/87.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Not inside exhibitions, but dogs are welcome at the bistro.

Summary and Recommendations

Pirelli HangarBicocca is a model of cultural regeneration, offering free access to world-class contemporary art in a striking industrial setting. Its expansive spaces, iconic installations like Kiefer’s “The Seven Heavenly Palaces,” and vibrant lineup of exhibitions make it a must-visit for anyone interested in art, architecture, or Milanese history. For the best experience, book your free ticket online, join a guided tour, and explore nearby historical sites to immerse yourself in Milan’s rich cultural landscape. Stay informed about upcoming events and exhibitions through the official website and consider using the Audiala app for guided tours and updates.