The 23rd International Exhibition of Triennale Milano has been inaugurated in a ceremony in the Palazzo dell’Arte. Themed “Unknown Unknowns. An Introduction to Mysteries”, the latest edition of the recurring exhibition of art, architecture and applied arts will open its doors on 15 July and welcome visitors until 11 December.

The 23rd International Exhibition of Triennale Milano

The International Exhibition was officially opened by the Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, the President of Triennale Milano, Stefano Boeri and the Director General of Triennale Milano, Carla Morogallo.

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the BIE declared:“This 23rd International Exhibition of Triennale Milano will take us all on an unforgettable discovery of the unknown that will tell us more about how we can anticipate and respond to all that is beyond our reach. By convening artist and ideas from all over the world, the XXIII Triennale will give rise to new encounters, surprising discoveries and thought-provoking exchanges”.

The Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, during the inauguration of the 23rd International Exhibition of Triennale Milano

The President of Triennale Milano, Stefano Boeri, stated:“The great and plural constellation of exhibitions, installations, and events pertaining to Unknown Unknowns. An Introduction to Mysteries does not aspire to gradually conquering the vast territory that escapes our knowledge. Rather, it aims to explore with the mindset of those who choose, in the first place, the challenge of empathy, the exclusively human ability to look through the eyes of other living subjects, and of mapping, from these various angles, the boundaries of the contemporary unknown. What we do not know that we don’t know is not the declaration of a limit, but the perception of a form of knowledge that respects the unknown, at times embracing it, at times crossing it, at times avoiding it. But always accepting it as a constant presence in our life”.

The inaugural ceremony included a video address from Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi di Maio, who indicated:“The 2022 edition confirms the international vocation of Triennale Milano, a vocation that makes it an essential partner for the Farnesina (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) and for the BIE, as one of the few International Exhibitions to receive its recognition. This vocation is this year projected towards Africa and the great global challenges of the climate and the environment, energy and the ecological transition, and the inclusion of women and young people in sustainable development”.

"Unknown Unknowns. An Introduction to the Mysteries" in the Palazzo dell'Arte

Composed of a constellation of exhibitions bringing together 400 artists, designers and architects, the XXIII Triennale has 23 international participants, including six African countries. Astrophysicist Ersilia Vaudo is the curator of the thematic exhibition, while architect and 2022 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate Francis Kéré has curated installations in the common spaces of the Triennale, including Yesterday’s Tomorrow, which is dedicated to the voices of Africa and its diaspora.

The thematic exhibition presents over 100 works including four special commissions entrusted to Japanese designer Yuri Suzuki, Italian designer Irene Stracuzzi, USA architecture collective SOM, and Turkish-American artist Refik Anadol. The Triennale experience also includes a welcome video installation created by philosopher Emanuele Coccia, the “Traditional of the New” exhibition from the Museo del Design Italiano, and the “Mondo Reale” exhibit in partnership with the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain.

During the course of the International Exhibition, a series of meetings to further explore the theme will also take place as part of the Public Program. Digital projects, from gaming to podcasts, as well as two dedicated publications, are also part of the programming.

The 23rd International Exhibition of Triennale Milano was formally recognised by the BIE during its 167th General Assembly on 1 December 2020. As with previous editions, the XXIII International Exhibition of Triennale Milano is composed of a thematic exhibition and international participation, showcasing ideas, projects and research from around the world.