Summary
1. Portrait Milano Opening
Portrait Milano, the fifth property in the Ferragamo family-owned Lungarno Collection, opened this month and proudly features its own piazza.
It’s been nearly a decade in the making, but Portrait Milano finally opened at the start of the month. Nestled between Corso Venezia and Via Sant’Andrea in Milan’s Golden Triangle, it’s the latest luxury hotel to debut in Italy’s fashion capital. However, in a city that’s already teeming with exquisite properties, there’s one element that truly sets it apart: the historic building.
2. Prime Location in Milan
The landmark that is now home to Portrait Milano dates back to 1564 and is Europe’s oldest seminary. Despite its significance, this remarkable structure has remained unknown to locals due to its closure to the public for decades. Nevertheless, in June 2013, when Leonardo Ferragamo and Valeriano Antonioli—president and CEO of the Ferragamo family-owned Lungarno Collection—were exploring locations for their next project, they stumbled upon this hidden gem by chance.
3. Architectural Significance
Antonioli emphasizes that location is a key pillar for the Portrait Collection, as demonstrated by Portrait Roma on Via Condotti, and Portrait Firenze between the Ponte Vecchio and Via de’ Tornabuoni. Therefore, when searching in Milan, they aimed to be at the heart of the city in the Quadrilatero della Moda. Upon visiting a neighboring building, they discovered the shuttered institution, prompting them to investigate its story. After numerous discussions with the Catholic Church, the Lungarno Collection ultimately edged out nearly 20 other international brands to lease the building.
Passing through an ornate Baroque portal by Francesco Maria Richini on Corso Venezia, a covered passageway reveals a double colonnade-wrapped piazza exceeding 32,000 square feet, meticulously restored by architect Michele De Lucci. This square serves as the property’s crown jewel. “We didn’t want to just build the Portrait Milano; we wanted to also build a portrait of Milano,” says Antonioli, “and the piazza was where the portrait of Milano should take place.” Unlike other brands that may wish to privatize such spaces, Lungarno Collection seeks to create a communal area for locals to enjoy.
4. Culinary Experience
Dubbed Piazza del Quadrilatero, the expansive square will feature a blend of retail and dining outlets, along with the hotel’s main entrance. Accessories aficionados will flock to So-Le Studio, a jewelry brand by Maria Sole Ferragamo, while trendsetters will flock to Antonia, a multi-brand store featuring capsule collections from both established and emerging designers. It is poised to become a culinary hotspot as restaurants come to life by next spring.
Currently, visitors can dine at the casual 10_11 and savor classic Italian dishes. Furthermore, a seasonal cocktail bar will soon grace a beautifully landscaped garden distanced from the bustling piazza, providing a serene evening atmosphere. Beginning in January, Monte-Carlo’s Beefbar will open, followed by a late-night venue with live music in March. Notably, a fine-dining restaurant is set to debut in February, led by Executive Chef Alberto Quadrio, a rising talent trained under renowned culinary figures.
5. Luxurious Accommodations
Upon entering, guests are welcomed in an airy reception area, subsequently leading to one of the three upper floors housing 73 luxurious accommodations. The interiors, designed by Michele Bönan, feature a natural color palette accented with crimson red or emerald green—colors that reflect Milan’s heritage. The well-appointed rooms offer plush beds draped in Frette linens, Florentine rattan boiseries, contemporary artwork, and curated bookshelves. Spectacular bathrooms boast white Carrara marble or a blend of red porphyry and Breccia Medicea marble, complete with premium amenities.
6. Wellness Oasis
The hotel aims to be a paradise for wellness enthusiasts with a subterranean spa opening in the spring. The Longevity Suite will offer an extensive menu that goes beyond traditional massages, encompassing biohacking and anti-aging treatments such as cryotherapy, body sculpting, and personalized wellness programs. The tranquil space will include a pool and a fully equipped fitness center with professional trainers.
7. Future Plans
Looking into the future, Antonioli hints at a potential Venice location and possibly another venue in Rome, asserting confidence in the brand’s success across European capitals.
Nightly room rates start at €850. For more information, visit Portrait Milano’s website.
