Audi returns to Milan Design Week for 2026 with a new installation titled “Origin,” created in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects. The installation is located in the courtyard of the Portrait Hotel Milan on Corso Venezia and is open to the public throughout the week.
Milan Design Week, anchored by the Salone del Mobile and the broader Fuorisalone program, draws global brands and visitors across a network of exhibitions staged in historic buildings, courtyards and temporary structures throughout the city. Audi’s installation is positioned within this wider program rather than as a standalone exhibition.
“Origin” is presented as a spatial installation rather than a traditional display. The structure features a matte metallic exterior that interacts with natural light, with reflections and shadows shifting throughout the day. The experience changes based on movement through the space, with surfaces revealing different details depending on viewing angle and time of day.
Alongside the installation, Audi is displaying the new RS 5 plug-in hybrid and the Audi R26 Formula 1 car. Both are included as part of the brand’s broader focus on electrified performance and future mobility, though the installation itself remains the primary element.
VISITOR INFORMATION
- Destination: Milan Design Week
- Dates: April 20–26, 2026
- Hours: Approximately 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Location: Portrait Hotel Milan
- Admission: Free
- Nearest Area: Corso Venezia / Quadrilatero della Moda
QUICK TIPS FOR VISITING
- Best time to visit: Morning or early afternoon for lower foot traffic and more consistent natural light
- Crowds: Peak midweek, particularly Tuesday through Thursday afternoons
- Time required: 10–20 minutes
- Access notes: Courtyard entry; short waits possible during peak hours
- Nearby stops: Brera Design District, Quadrilatero della Moda showrooms
GETTING THERE
- By foot: Easily reached from central Milan and surrounding design districts
- Public transport: Served by nearby metro and tram lines along Corso Venezia
- By car: Limited access in central Milan; walking or public transport recommended
WHY IT’S WORTH A STOP
Located within one of Milan’s primary Design Week corridors, Audi’s installation is an efficient addition to a broader automotive-focused itinerary. The courtyard setting and short visit time make it a practical stop between larger exhibitions, with the changing light conditions offering a slightly different experience depending on when you arrive.
