A public-oriented cultural system

La Triennale di Milano came into being, in the early twentieth century, at the time of the great Universal Exhibitions, which symbolised industrial progress and a philosophy that encouraged the sharing of knowledge and understanding. La Triennale immediately developed an organic conception of this knowledge and understanding by offering the public a broader vision of art and of design culture. Muzio's building very soon became a centre of creativity – a container and a powerhouse of ideas for the future.

Today, the cultural programme of La Triennale di Milano has further expanded with a series of events involving architecture, design, the figurative arts, fashion, audiovisual communication and industrial and crafts production. This great opening up of La Triennale to society has led to a whole range of initiatives and to an increase not just in the quantity but also in the quality of visitors.

La Triennale di Milano has become a veritable cultural system, which addresses a very broad, diverse public. It is a world waiting to be discovered, capable of involving people of all ages, social levels and geographical provenance. People who have the same intellectual curiosity and the same desire to come together in their search for new knowledge and understanding.

Who?

Though wide-ranging and diversified, the initiatives offered by La Triennale tend to target students, independent professionals and employees under the age of fifty. This is a generally highly educated public, with at least a higher-secondary-education certificate and often with a degree or PhD. 

What?

A survey of visitors to La Triennale reveals that they habitually go to exhibitions, art museums, theatres, cinemas and, though to a lesser extent, classical music concerts. Almost half of all visitors read at least one national newspaper, and also the number of books and periodicals they read is high.

Why?

Almost all visitors go to La Triennale to see the most important exhibitions, almost a third are interested in the Triennale Design Museum, and half of all visitors say they are attracted by La Triennale as a whole, greatly appreciating spaces like the DesignCafé and the Bookstore.

How?

La Triennale is considered to be one of the best-known and most highly appreciated cultural institutions.

In almost all cases, visitors say they always advise their friends and relatives to go to La Triennale. A very loyal public of visitors who say they are satisfied with their visit, and who say they would like to return a number of times during the course of the year.