The most interesting up-and-coming art areas in the city can be found on its fringes. Take Hangar Biccoca, an immense and immensely popular contemporary art space located in what used to be a locomotive manufacturing plant on the northern edge of the city. While other buildings in this former factory district—which was one of the most important industrial centers in Italy in the early 19th century—have been repurposed as shopping centers, this wide-open hangar has been transformed into an exhibition space by a non-profit art foundation.
Two of the three galleries host rotating temporary exhibitions, while “The Seven Heavenly Palaces” (the soaring concrete towers by the German artist Anselm Kiefer) are permanently on display in the Le Navate building.
Time Out tip: The brunch buffet at Iuta Bistrot, the sophisticated restaurant housed in this contemporary art space, is one of the best in the city.