We are a hybrid cultural center, open to the city, shaped by and transforming all the people who inhabit it.
A meeting place and a stage.
A space to dance and make noise.
A former train factory regenerated and given back to the community.
Not a museum, not quite a theater.
We are all these things and much more.
We are a platform for collective imagination.
We serve many functions, both as a space and as a thought hub.
We believe in free and participatory culture.
And we are capable of generating the unexpected.
Like a machine that learns and understands, plays and missteps, we never stop: 365 days of experimentation, bold voices, projects, and events at the crossroads of contemporary art and creation.
We aim to be a plural (non) cultural institution:
A resonance chamber for voices and energies both within and beyond the margins of what is defined as “culture.”
We listen, take a step back when needed, welcome, and reinvent ourselves to ensure BASE’s voice truly tells the story we envision: a plural, shared, and collective story.
From physical space to communication, from staff selection to the cultural program, our work is guided by four principles: inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
It’s a continuous and committed effort to ensure more people feel seen and included.
Before becoming BASE Milano, we were home to the industrial plants of Ansaldo, one of Italy’s leading companies in the metalworking sector during the modern era, active since the 19th century.
After the factory closed, the area was redeveloped as part of a project to revitalize the Tortona district, transforming it into a cultural and creative hub. In 2016, we inherited this innovative vocation and became a center for contemporary culture, art, design, and experimentation.
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do: we work closely with artistic and design communities, national and international networks, individuals and collectives, institutional and cultural partners. They help us expand our perspective, adding voices, visions, and ambitions.
FAQ
So we’ve cleared things up once and for all. Okay? BASE is feminine! We’re waiting for you, AT BASE.
Maybe we were there too.
Did you know that at BASE you can do much more? Browse our programme and discover our productions.
Well done! Organization is key. You can directly contact bistroBASE at +39 392 99 77 049 or visit the dedicated page here.
With such a long ‘about,’ you still dare to say we only rent spaces? Anyway, yes, we do that too. Visit the venue’s dedicated page.
Okay okay, let’s make it short.
We have tons of space that we use to curate artistic and design processes, throw parties, organize or host exhibitions, talks, workshops, labs, and loads of other things.
We have both an indoor and outdoor bistro, a Project House we call ‘burò’ that welcomes the best of the creative and entertainment industries, a guest house – casaBASE – and a magical terrace with a privileged view of our city.
We’re a unique place in size and function, but if we have to keep it short and sweet at BASE it’s all about the people. And that’s why we exist.
BASE IS A PROJECT BY
Esterni is a cultural enterprise active since 1995, specializing in designing public spaces, events, and initiatives that foster social interaction and urban regeneration. Based in Milan, Esterni promotes the concept of the city as a place for connection and participation, enhancing urban heritage through creative and inclusive projects. Its portfolio includes festivals, urban furniture, and revitalization interventions that engage citizens and institutions in a dialogue to improve urban quality of life.
Avanzi, founded in 1997 in Milan, is a sustainability-focused enterprise. It operates as a research and action lab, developing projects that integrate social innovation, urban regeneration, and ecological transition. Working with businesses, public entities, and third-sector organizations, Avanzi drives systemic change for more inclusive and sustainable cities and territories through consultancy, research projects, and incubation initiatives.
A–Cube is a social-impact business incubator founded by Avanzi. It supports startups and innovative projects that champion sustainability and positive change, offering acceleration programs, strategic consultancy, and access to networks of investors and partners. With a focus on circular economy, social inclusion, and urban regeneration, A–Cube nurtures entrepreneurial initiatives that generate both economic and social value, contributing to a fairer, more sustainable future.