Salone del Mobile.Milano Launches Three-Year Partnership with Art Basel Miami Beach and Hong Kong
- camilarosiaz
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Salone del Mobile.Milano has entered a major new chapter in its global strategy with a three-year partnership with Art Basel Miami Beach and Art Basel Hong Kong, marking the first time Italian design takes center stage within the prestigious Collectors Lounge at both fairs. The initiative places the Salone inside one of the world’s most influential art ecosystems, connecting Italian design directly with top collectors, curators, gallerists, and cultural leaders.
From left: Marco Sabetta, Marco Verna, Marva Griffin Wilshire, Maria Porro, Michele Mistrò, Vincenzo de Bellis
The first Collectors Lounge conceived by Salone del Mobile.Milano debuted on December 3 during the VIP preview of Art Basel Miami Beach 2025. Designed by Lissoni & Partners, the space was brought to life through the collaboration of leading Made in Italy brands including Arper, Artemide, Calligaris, Edra, Molteni&C, Poltrona Frau, Porro, Paola Lenti, Visionnaire, and others. The installation blends aesthetic refinement, comfort, and cultural identity—an environment where the craftsmanship of Italy meets one of the most influential global audiences in art and design.
“This milestone at Art Basel Miami Beach represents a natural and strategic evolution of our international path,” said Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano. “Our role is to anticipate global market changes and create conditions for Italian design companies to build relationships in spaces where art, design, and cultural investment intersect. This partnership amplifies the international visibility of Italian craftsmanship and positions design culture as a competitive asset.”
During Miami Art Week, Porro and artist Es Devlin also participated in a public conversation at Faena Theater titled Portrait of the Artist as a Library, exploring the creative process behind Devlin’s Library of Us—an evolution of Library of Light, presented earlier at the 63rd edition of the Salone del Mobile in Milan.
The United States: A Strategic Market for Made in Italy
The U.S. remains the most important non-European destination for Italian furniture exports, totaling €2.1 billion in 2024. Demand continues to grow across luxury residential projects, hospitality, cultural institutions, and high-quality public developments. Miami, in particular, has become a global hub for cultural investment and high-end real estate—and now represents 21% of all U.S. imports of Italian furnishings, far surpassing the national average.
A Global Roadmap for Italian Design
The partnership with Art Basel is part of a broader international plan supported by Agenzia ICE, advancing the presence of Italian design in strategic markets. From Expo 2025 Osaka to editions of Salone Raritas in London and Shanghai, Salone del Mobile.Milano continues to strengthen its global reach. The multi-year participation in the Collectors Lounge at both Miami Beach and Hong Kong consolidates this long-term vision, previewing themes and ideas ahead of Salone del Mobile.Milano 2026, taking place April 21–26 and featuring EuroCucina / FTK and the Salone Internazionale del Bagno.
The effort underscores the Salone’s mission: to engage with international cultural ecosystems, expand audiences, and promote Italian design as a defining force in global creativity.