ITALY - With an unprecedented 372,151 total attendees, up 4% since the 2014 edition – when the biennial Kitchen and Bathroom exhibitions last took place – the 55th edition of the Salone del Mobile Milano drew has drawn to a close on April 17th. Just on Saturday and Sunday, when the fair was open to the general public, 41,372 people visited the 2,407 exhibitors. 

“With 67% of attendees from abroad, most of them high profile and with robust spending power, according to comments from exhibitors, this edition has yet again confirmed the strong international vocation and importance of exports as a crucial segment of the sector today”, said Roberto Snaidero, President of the Salone del Mobile.Milano.

The relevance of the Salone – which has evolved over time from simple trade fair into “must-see” event – and of the importance of the sector was confirmed by the presence of a large number of institutional figures from all sides of the political spectrum, and especially by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s visit to the fair, presiding over the 7th SaloneSatellite Design Award ceremony on Wednesday 13th April.

Visitors also flocked to the 19th edition of SaloneSatellite, devoted to the theme “New Materials>New Design”, showcasing the work of 650 young designers under 35.

The events in the fairgrounds and in the city were also very well received. Among them ”Before Design: Classic” that put a contemporary spin on classic furnishing, with artistic direction by Ciarmoli Queda Studio and a video by filmmaker Matteo Garrone. As also the “space&interiors” event, devoted to architectural finishings by Migliore+Servetto Architects at the The Mall, Porta Nuova.

Lastly, ROOMS. Novel Living Concepts – the state of the art of interior architecture – curated by Beppe Finessi, runs until 12th September at the Triennale di Milano, as part of the XXI Triennale International Exhibition.