FotogramMI: Milan puts 20th-century architecture into focus

Milan takes a good look at itself — this time through the lens of photographers. From May 20 to 24, 2025, the city hosts the first edition of FotogramMI, a brand-new Architecture Photography Festival, promoted by the Foundation of the Milan Chamber of Architects and curated by Giovanna Calvenzi.

At the center of the festival is the exhibition “Milano Moderna Oggi. 20th-Century Architecture in Milan”, on view at the Foundation’s space in Via Solferino until July 18. The title is inspired by a 1957 book edited by architect Gio Ponti, which aimed to document the city’s modern architecture year by year. Now, that same idea is brought to life through the eyes of seven photographers — Gabriele Basilico, Giovanni Hänninen, Marco Introini, Delfino Sisto Legnani, Allegra Martin, Filippo Romano and Giovanna Silva — who show us how these buildings still speak to today’s city.
 

But the festival isn’t just about the exhibition. There’s a full program of events, talks, workshops and guided tours designed for both professionals and the general public. Young photographers under 40 can take part in special photo walks led by four of the artists in the show, ending with a group editing session. There are also two masterclasses run by Calvenzi and Introini, focusing on the theory and practice of architectural photography today.

For everyone else, there are plenty of ways to get involved: a panel talk on the role of photography in architecture, and guided visits to important places for photography in and around Milan — including the Gabriele Basilico Archive, Triennale Milano, the Museum of Contemporary Photography, and the Epson showroom.

On Saturday, May 24, the festival wraps up with two hands-on workshops open to all: one for kids and families on instant photography (by Alchemilla Cooperativa Sociale), and another on creative smartphone photography, led by Alessandra Capodacqua.

FotogramMI is more than a festival — it’s a chance to explore how Milan’s 20th-century architecture still shapes the city today, through the powerful lens of photography.