Sempione Park

Parco Sempione, located in the heart of Milan, is one of the city’s most beloved green lungs, as well as a place rich in history, art, and culture. Inaugurated between 1890 and 1893 based on the design of architect Emilio Alemagna, the park was conceived following the model of English gardens, with winding paths, large expanses of grass, majestic trees, and an artificial lake inhabited by ducks and other water birds. The history of Parco Sempione is closely linked to that of the Sforza Castle, adjacent to the park. The area where the park stands was used for centuries as hunting grounds for the dukes of Milan, and later transformed into a military parade ground during the Napoleonic rule. With the creation of the park, Milan acquired a public green space that was not only a place for leisure and relaxation, but also a symbol of the city’s modernity and urban renewal. One of the most iconic elements of the park is the Arch of Peace, an imposing triumphal arch built in 1807 to celebrate Napoleon’s victories and later completed to commemorate the peace of 1815. The arch, with its majestic statues and reliefs, serves as a monumental entrance to the park and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Milan. Within the park, the Triennale di Milano, located in the Palazzo dell’Arte, is one of the city’s most important cultural centers. Founded in 1933, the Triennale hosts exhibitions, events, and conferences ranging from contemporary art to design, architecture, and fashion. The Palazzo dell’Arte, designed by Giovanni Muzio, is an example of rationalist architecture and a place of great importance for Milanese culture. Another significant attraction in the park is the Arena Civica, inaugurated in 1806 based on Luigi Canonica’s design. Originally intended for games and shows, the arena is now used for sports events and concerts. Its structure, reminiscent of Roman amphitheaters, is a fascinating place where history and modernity meet. Parco Sempione is also rich in artworks and monuments. Among the most notable installations are Giorgio de Chirico’s “Mysterious Baths,” a fountain with surreal and colorful sculptures, and Alberto Burri’s “Continuous Theater,” an outdoor theatrical structure dismantled in 1989 and restored for Expo 2015. Other artworks include Giorgio Roccamonte’s “Sculpture Kiosk” and Arman’s “Musical Accumulation Seating,” an amphitheater with iron seats embedded in concrete. The park also houses the Civic Aquarium, built for the International Exhibition of 1906. This Liberty-style building hosts a vast collection of aquatic species and represents an important educational and recreational resource for the city. Parco Sempione has undergone significant restoration and redevelopment interventions. Between 1996 and 2003, the park was fenced off and its green area was expanded, introducing new plant species and improving the accessibility and usability of the spaces. These interventions have helped preserve the beauty and functionality of the park, making it a safe and welcoming place for everyone.