An icon of 20th-century Italian Modernism, Gio Ponti's influence on his hometown of Milan cannot be overstated. While visiting the city, be sure to visit the below structures designed by the polymathic architect, designer, academic, editor, and artist.
1. Church of San Francesco d’Assisi al Fopponino
Via Paolo Giovio, 41 (Zona Solari)
Completed in 1964, this church features a strikingly asymmetrical, hexagonal form that is integrated into adjacent parish buildings, and features modern diamond-shaped windows.
Visiting hours
Weekdays: 7:15 AM to 12:00 PM / 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Sundays & Holidays: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM / 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM
2. Via Dezza Apartment Building
Via Giuseppe Dezza, 49 (Zona Solari)
This 1957 apartment building housed Ponti’s last residence as well as his office on the ground floor, and now contains an archive of his works maintained by his grandson.
Hours
The color-blocked stone entryway is accessible during business hours.
3. Piazza San Babila Building
Galleria S. Babila, 4/B (San Babila)
Defining the east edge of the Piazza San Babila, this 1939 structure seems somewhat nondescript until you encounter the curvaceous staircases in the double lobbies off the public passage cutting through the building.
Hours
Lobbies are accessible during business hours.
Nearby: another Milan institution, Ginrosa — home of the curious gin and orange zest cocktail — flanks one of the lobbies.
4. Montedoria Building
Via Pergolesi, 25 (San Centrale)
A walkable distance from the Ponti’s 1960 Pirelli Tower, one of the earliest modern skyscrapers to be built in Italy, this mixed-use structure is clad in distinctive green tiles.
Hours
Lobby accessible during business hours.
5. Church for the Hospital of San Carlo Borromeo
Via Pio II, 3 (Quarto Cagnino)
This 1966 church is sited on a property belonging to a hospital (to which it is connected by a covered walkway).
Hours
9 AM to 6 PM daily (hours are approximate)
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For more information about Gio Ponti in Milan, visit the Gio Ponti Archive website: http://www.gioponti.org/en/gioponti-archives and download the Gio Ponti a Milano app from the App Store.