Murals and street art: neighborhood identity and urban transformation

In Milan, in particular, streets and certain neighborhoods have been transformed into open-air galleries, where urban art interacts with communities, brands, and institutions.  
In recent years, street art has become a widely used tool for telling stories and conveying values, marking urban regeneration projects and architectural transformations.
The city showcases examples of curated projects and spontaneous collaborations, ranging from works by local and international artists like Obey and Ortica Noodles to corporate and institutional initiatives.

Significant examples of urban transformation


Photo courtesy of Iabsus

Millo in Via Emilio Morosini
The Garden of Cultures in Via Emilio Morosini is a virtuous example of urban regeneration. Thanks to the intervention of the Municipality of Milan and the donation of philanthropist Lino Faccincani, the area was rescued from neglect and enriched with murals by Francesco “Millo” Giorgino. On the right, LOVE SEEKER searches for love among the buildings like a dowser, while on the left, HEART SLINGSHOT launches that love to everyone.

Photo courtesy of Milano Today

Obey in Gallaratese
American artist Shepard Fairey, known as Obey, recently made his mark in Milan with a majestic work in the Gallaratese district. The mural "Tear Flame Peace" combines the artist's iconic aesthetic with a message of hope and social justice, turning this suburban area into a landmark for contemporary art.

Street art and corporate communication

Copyright Gucci

Gucci, Corso Garibaldi
Since 2007, the Gucci Art Wall in Corso Garibaldi has become a landmark for urban art in Milan. Initially designed to celebrate the brand's creativity, it has hosted works by various artists over the years, each tied to specific campaigns, evolving into a symbol of continuity between fashion, art, and city culture.


Photo courtesy of Brand News

Fineco Bank, Headquarters and NoLo
Fineco collaborated with artists Robico and Chekos to decorate its headquarters and other walls in the NoLo area. Robico’s mural “Eternesea” depicts two elderly women gazing at the sea through virtual reality glasses, while Chekos’ “Mission Future” portrays a young girl building a rocket, delivering a message of ambition and trust in a new world.


Photo courtesy of Fastweb

Fastweb, Via de Castillia
Created by artist Rosk and sponsored by Fastweb, the mural “Close the Gap, Open Your Future” is located near the Biblioteca degli Alberi. The artwork celebrates the theme of connection and openness to the future, enriching an area that symbolizes urban regeneration and innovation.


Photo courtesy of Alessandro Ottaviani

Toilet Paper in Via Balzaretti
The murals by Toilet Paper, the artistic project by Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari, have become symbols of a fusion between conceptual art and advertising communication. With their provocative and ironic images, these murals enrich the city, breaking visual conventions and introducing a new language that plays with the surreal and the everyday.

Celebration of local identity

Urban art in Milan plays a key role in creating local identity, giving voice to the stories and culture of each neighborhood. An emblematic example of this dynamic is the mural at Wall Art Piazza Cardinal Ferrari, which celebrates the vitality of the neighborhood with a work that perfectly integrates into the surrounding environment, making the square a symbolic place for the local community.

Another significant example is Miracolo a Milano in Lambrate, a work inspired by the famous neorealist film, combining cinema, popular culture, and historical memory. This mural strengthens the bond between the past and the present, creating an emotional connection with the neighborhood and transforming the mural into a visual landmark.
 

Finally, the project A Name in Every Neighborhood has brought numerous murals to different areas of the city, each representing a unique identity and the stories of the people who live in those places. Through these interventions, urban art not only enriches the visual landscape but also helps build a sense of belonging and community, breathing new life into the suburbs and strengthening collective memory.


Photo courtesy of Yes Milano