Last month, the 24th International Exhibition of Triennale Milano officially opened to the public, following its inaugural ceremony. Held in the Palazzo dell’Arte under the theme “Inequalities,” this latest edition of the recurring exhibition of art, architecture and applied arts will run until November 9.
The International Exhibition was officially opened by the Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes; the President of Triennale Milano and Commissioner-General of the International Exhibition, Stefano Boeri; and the Director General of Triennale Milano, Carla Morogallo.
Kerkentzes indicated: “The theme of this 24th edition of the Triennale Milano International Exhibition sheds light on the markers, experiences and struggles of inequalities in today’s world; inequalities between people and places, access and exclusion, opportunity and outcome, present and future. Through its thematic exhibitions, projects and installations, the Exhibition offers a thoughtful examination of the status of people and places. It invites visitors to reconsider the society in which they live and to envision new possibilities for the future”.
Boeri stated: “Inside the halls of our Triennale, for six months, we will talk about inequalities. We will do it by talking about cities and spaces, but also about bodies and lives. We will do so through a series of exhibitions that will show how immense riches are today in the hands of a minute handful of individuals. And how today being born poor is an irreversible condition for millions and millions of the planet’s inhabitants. We will do this by telling how inequalities – the ones we are born with and the ones we encounter or even create over time – act on the life and health expectations of each of us”.
As with previous editions, the 24th International Exhibition of Triennale Milano features both a central thematic exhibition and official international participation, offering a rich tapestry of global perspectives on the theme of Inequalities. Contributions from around the world explore diverse social, cultural and spatial challenges – ranging from emerging design trends from the Musseques of Luanda (Angola), to localized urban strategies aimed at breaking down societal barriers (China), the importance of spaces to rest and relax (Poland) and the preservation and adaptation of ancient oasis environments (Saudi Arabia).
In recognition of these contributions, the Bee Awards were presented at the inauguration to the international and thematic projects deemed by the jury to best embody the theme of Inequalities. The Bee Awards for International Participation were granted to Lebanon and Puerto Rico; the prize for best original project was granted to ‘Two Sides of the Same Coin’ by Laura Krugan, Dan Miller and Adam Vosburg, and an Honorable Mention was given to ‘Grenfell. Total System Failure” by Kimia Zabihyan.
Presented within the Palazzo dell’Arte, the Exhibition unfolds across two main levels: the ground floor showcases reflections on the geopolitics of Inequalities with a focus on cities, while the first floor is centered around the biopolitics of social, economic and gender inequalities in contemporary societies.
Building on the content of the exhibits, special events and initiatives will be organized throughout the duration of the International Exhibition to provide space for diverse voices and to engage people from different places and of various age groups. As part of its outreach, Triennale on Tour will travel to eight Milanese municipalities in June–July 2025, bringing the theme of Inequalities into communities through workshops, performances, and activities for children, adolescents, and families. The International Exhibition will also be accompanied by a public program, which will allow for an in-depth exploration of the themes at the heart of the event and will involve leading figures from different disciplinary backgrounds.
The 24th Triennale Milano International Exhibition was formally recognised by the BIE during its 173rd General Assembly on November 28, 2023.
