Milan Design Week 2026: a guide to Domus Academy events
- Check out the times below
- Milan, multiple locations
Get ready for the Milan Design Week 2026!
EXPLORE THE EVENTS FEATURING DOMUS ACADEMY DURING THE MOST VIBRANT WEEK OF THE YEAR
Milan Design week returns from 20 to 26 April 2026, transforming the city into the global capital of design, innovation and creativity.
During this vibrant week, Domus Academy will take part in exhibitions, conferences, workshops and networking events across Milan, bringing together students, faculty, alumni and international partners.
Below is a guide to all the events involving Domus Academy during Milan Design Week 2026.
BASE Milano | Via Bergognone 34, 20144 Milan
20–26 April 2026
Mon-Sat 10.30 am – 8 pm
Sun 10.30 am – 6 pm
Now in its third edition UNFOLD, curated by Domus Academy, returns to BASE Milano as a collaborative platform bringing together 20 international design universities.
The 2026 edition explores the theme: ENGAGE FRICTION://designing through conflict
Selected students from around the world will present prototypes, speculative projects and experimental design concepts developed in response to this theme. The exhibition highlights how design can address tension, disagreement and conflict as productive forces for innovation and coexistence.
Projects created by Domus Academy students will be exhibited alongside works from participating institutions.
Domus Academy | Via Darwin 20, 20143 Milan
22 April 2026
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Engage Friction Symposium is dedicated to faculty members and academic researchers.
During the event:
- Six selected professors from international design schools participating in UNFOLD Exhibition will present their research
- Discussions will examine the generative potential of friction as a condition for coexistence and innovation
The symposium offers a unique opportunity to exchange perspectives on global design education and research practices.
Domus Academy | Via Darwin 20, 20143 Milan
23 April 2026
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
The UNFOLD Conference brings together the students and designers whose projects are featured in the UNFOLD exhibition.
Throughout the day, participants will:
- Present their design projects and research
- Share insights into their creative processes and methodologies
- Discuss emerging perspectives shaping the future of global design practice
The conference offers visitors the opportunity to engage directly with forward-thinking design ideas developed by international students gathered in Milan for Design Week.
Domus Academy | Via Darwin 20, 20143 Milan
20–24 April 2026
During Milan Design Week 2026, Domus Academy will open its campus to prospective students with a week of guided tours and hands-on workshops.
Visitors will have the opportunity to:
- Explore the Domus Academy campus and facilities
- Experience the creative atmosphere of a leading design school in Milan
- Participate in free interactive workshops led by faculty members
Activities are designed for both high school students and university students interested in studying Design, Fashion and Business
Book here your personalised campus tour or creative workshop.
Corso Monforte 30/3, 20122 Milan
20–26 April 2026
The Italian furniture brand Desiree collaborated with Domus Academy in an intensive design workshop involving 30 students from different Master’s programmes.
The project brought together participants from:
Students were invited to develop innovative furniture concepts and storytelling strategies inspired by Desiree’s philosophy “Home Soft Home”, exploring cultural gestures and everyday living rituals.
The project Komorebi, designed by Taylor Kulczycki, Melisa Ozkok, Berra Bayraktarand Yu Chiao Wang was selected by Desiree to be prototyped and showcased at the Euromobil flagship store in Corso Monforte during Milan Design Week.
In addition, the Desiree booth at Salone del Mobile.Milano (Rho Fiera Milano) will feature a visual storytelling installation presenting the collaboration and the design process behind the project.
23 April 2026
Each year during Milan Design Week, Domus Academy welcomes its global alumni community back to the Milan campus.
The Alumni Reunion is an opportunity to:
- reconnect with former classmates and faculty
- expand professional networks
- share career experiences after graduating from Domus Academy
The event celebrates the international community of designers and creative professionals who have studied at the school.
Many Domus Academy alumni take part in exhibitions and design showcases across the city during Milan Design Week.
Ruya Akyol – Tracing Forward
21–26 April 2026
Rho Fiera Milano, SaloneSatellite – Stand E31
Designer Ruya Akyol, alumna of the Master in Product Design (2016), will present her work at SaloneSatellite.
Founder of a Milan- and Istanbul-based design and consultancy studio, she works across: product design, furniture design, spatial design, brand identity and art direction.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can visitors see Domus Academy projects during Milan Design Week 2026?
Visitors can explore Domus Academy projects at the UNFOLD exhibition at BASE Milano, the Desiree collaboration installation in Corso Monforte, and showcases across Milan during Milan Design Week (20–26 April 2026).
2. Can prospective students visit Domus Academy during Milan Design Week 2026?
Yes, during Open Week (20–24 April 2026) Domus Academy welcomes prospective students to its Via Darwin campus for guided tours and free creative workshops.
3. Which Domus Academy alumni will exhibit during Milan Design Week 2026?
Among the alumni participating in Milan Design Week 2026 is designer Ruya Akyol, presenting her project “Tracing Forward” at SaloneSatellite in Rho Fiera Milano.
