Italy

To get a full refund, cancellation must be no less than 8 days before the local start time of the experience.

If traveler cancels their booking from 7 to 0 days before the local start time of the experience, no refund is provided.

A captivating 5.5-hour walking tour, this celebrates the legacy of one of the 20th century’s most influential masters of architecture and design, Giovanni “Gio” Ponti. This journey through Milan showcases Ponti's versatile approach to design, which ranged “from the spoon to the town”: smallest household items to grand urban projects. Starting with his exquisite ceramic collection at Richard Ginori, moving through his contributions to modern lighting at Fontana Arte, and culminating in his architectural marvels like the Pirelli Tower and the Torre Branca, this tour offers an unparalleled insight into Ponti’s innovative vision. Discover the essence of Milanese architecture as you walk through the city, exploring Ponti's contributions to both private and public spaces, including the serene St. Francesco d’Assisi al Fopponino church and his residential projects in via De Togni. A coffee/snack break is included.

This is a route that needs an expert guide to bring it to life. 

Milan is well connected by air, rail and road. This experience is located in the heart of Milan. 

“Architecture is an interpretation of life.”, said Gio Ponti. He focused on keeping designs simple, e.g. how the shape of a building connects to its structure. In a 60-year career, he worked on more than 200 projects and 250 designs, including buildings, urban plans, furniture and ceramics. It's said that more than anyone else, he perfectly captured Milan's essence, blending modern innovation with traditional design elements.

This tour is unique for its focus on Gio Ponti’s holistic design philosophy, illustrating how his work seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics. It provides an immersive experience into how Ponti’s designs, whether a "superleggera" chair or the towering Pirellone, embody a deep understanding of materials and a pioneering spirit of technical innovation. 

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of Ponti’s impact on Milan’s architectural landscape, viewing firsthand the diversity of his work and the lasting legacy he left on the city's design ethos.

Proceed to Fontana Arte, a beacon of Italian lighting and glass design, co-founded by Gio Ponti. Here, Ponti’s work, including iconic pieces like the "Bilia" lamp and "Pirellina" & "Pirellone" lamps, showcases his mastery over light and form. This stop explores how Ponti’s innovative designs in lighting and glassware have illuminated the path for modern design.

Fontana Arte stands as a testament to Ponti’s visionary approach to design, where he seamlessly integrated light, glass, and form to create functional art. His contributions here are celebrated for their ability to blend aesthetic appeal with practical use, transforming spaces with the play of light and shadow.

Explore Ponti's contributions to lighting and glass design featuring iconic pieces. 

Fontana Arte

Let's start with a smaller scale and then expand our view!  

Begin your Gio Ponti journey at Richard Ginori, where you'll first encounter Ponti’s innovative approach to ceramics. Here, his designs transformed traditional porcelain into avant-garde artworks, making everyday objects into masterpieces. This stop sets the stage for understanding Ponti's influence on Italian design, inviting you to explore his vision of beauty and functionality merging into one.

The uniqueness of Ponti's work with Richard Ginori lies in his unparalleled skill to navigate the delicate balance between innovation and tradition, making each piece a timeless reflection of Italian design ethos. Ponti's designs stand out for their imaginative interpretation of classical motifs through a modern lens, infusing each object with a sense of whimsy and sophistication rarely seen in porcelain artistry. 

Your guide will point out the details and help you connect the dots of Gio Ponti's influence across the stops of this Experience. 

Discover Gio Ponti's revolutionary porcelain designs that merged tradition with modernity.

Richard Ginori 

Ascend to the Pirelli Tower, an architectural icon of Milan's skyline designed by Ponti. This skyscraper is not merely a building but a symbol of innovation and modernity, showcasing Ponti's ability to merge functional urban design with aesthetic beauty, redefining Milan’s post-war image.

Meet at the Tower. After the booking, chat with Elena to confirm exact meeting point. 

he Pirelli Tower exemplifies Ponti’s architectural genius, integrating cutting-edge construction techniques with a sleek, modernist design. It represents a milestone in high-rise architecture, influencing future generations of architects with its bold statement on urban development and the potential of skyscrapers. Learn more about the building and Ponti's vision from your expert guide. 

Witness the architectural majesty of the Pirelli Tower, an emblem of Milan's modernity.

Pirelli Tower (Pirellone)

Enjoy a moment of relaxation in a café that reflects Ponti’s mid-century modern design or is housed in one of his architectural works. This break provides a tangible experience of Ponti’s design philosophy, blending the pleasure of Italian coffee culture with architectural and design elegance.

This café break offers more than just a pause; it’s an immersive experience into Ponti’s influence on lifestyle and design. It's a unique opportunity to engage with Ponti’s work in an intimate setting, understanding how his design principles translate into the spaces we inhabit daily.

Savor a moment in a setting steeped in Ponti’s design legacy.

Coffee Break

End your tour with a walk through Via De Togni, observing Ponti’s innovative approach to residential architecture. This area showcases a series of buildings that exemplify Ponti’s ability to blend modern design principles with the traditional Milanese aesthetic. It provides a unique glimpse into how Ponti envisioned living spaces that are both functional and artistically enriching, integrating the needs of modern life with the beauty of Italian architecture.

The Via De Togni buildings stand as a testament to Ponti’s genius in transforming residential architecture into a form of urban art. Here, Ponti challenged conventional design norms, infusing apartments with light, space, and innovative layouts that prioritize both comfort and beauty. This final stop on the tour not only highlights Ponti’s architectural versatility but also his profound impact on Milanese living, offering insights into how his designs cater to the rhythm of daily life while elevating the city’s architectural heritage.

Stroll through Via De Togni, a neighborhood transformed by Ponti's vision for residential living,

Walk Through Via De Togni

The tour continues to Torre Branca and The Church of St Francis of Assisi, embodying Ponti’s architectural versatility. From the panoramic views of Torre Branca to the serene ambiance of the church, these sites showcase Ponti’s ability to navigate between the realms of the monumental and the sacred.

These locations illustrate Ponti’s skill in creating spaces that resonate with the human spirit, where architectural form and the environment harmoniously converge. They provide a comprehensive view of Ponti’s architectural language, celebrating his innovative approach to designing spaces that uplift and inspire.

Discover Ponti’s capacity to design both towering landmarks and serene sacred spaces.

Torre Branca + Hidden Church

Architecture Tour in Milan, exploring Gio Ponti’s work from early projects to landmark buildings.

1.	Richard Ginori (30 Minutes)
2.	Fontana Arte (30 Minutes)
3.	Pirelli Tower (Pirellone) (45 minutes)
4.	Break for coffee and a warm snack in a café that embodies the mid-century modern style 
5.	Torre Branca & St. Francesco d’Assisi al Fopponino (45 minutes)
6.	Via De Togni Buildings (30 Minutes)

The per person price of this experience assumes a minimum number of participants to cover base costs and logistics. The supplemental fee enables us to maintain quality and exclusivity for your smaller than minimum group

Gio Ponti's Milan

This Experience accommodates a minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 participants to ensure an exclusive experience and make base costs and logistics work. Fewer people can book but a supplement will be charged to meet the minimum. Included: a coffee/snack break, guided visits to each site mentioned, with detailed commentary on Ponti’s work and its significance within Milan’s architectural heritage.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes for walking through the museum and to the various locations in this walking tour. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of Gio Ponti's creations. 

Milan is well connected by air, rail and road. This experience is located in the heart of Milan.  Meet at the Tower. After the booking, chat with Elena to confirm exact meeting point. 

Led by an expert in Italian architecture with a specialization in Gio Ponti’s work, the tour offers deep insights into Ponti’s design principles, his influence on Milanese architecture, and the broader context of Italian design evolution. The guide's expertise will enrich the experience, providing detailed backgrounds, anecdotes, and an analysis of Ponti's contributions to modern architecture and design.

Pirelli Tower (Pirellone)

Private

Private