Imagine stepping off a bustling Milanese street, past the timeless facades of the Centro Storico, and into a space that feels both a part of the city’s soul and apart from it—a place where history breathes new life into modern design, and art meets comfort in a seamless blend. This is Soho House Milan, a long-awaited sanctuary for those who live and breathe creativity. Set to open in one of Milan’s most iconic historic buildings, Soho House will offer milanesi an exclusive home that balances elegance with the pulse of innovation.
Founded in 1995 in London’s Soho district by Nick Jones, the original Soho House began as a humble concept: a small private club for artists and actors to connect and create. Its unassuming Georgian-style building, hidden from view, gave it an air of mystery and an intimacy that quickly resonated with London’s creative minds. Over the years, Soho House evolved into a global phenomenon, with locations from New York to Istanbul, Los Angeles to Mumbai, each embracing the character of its city while staying true to Soho House’s philosophy: a “home away from home” for members who thrive on creativity.
Today, Soho House is a tapestry of unique spaces: more than 8,000 artworks, thoughtfully designed interiors, and exclusive member experiences that echo the cultural soul of each House location. But what remains constant is the ethos—a blend of privacy, creativity, and genuine connection. Now, with its second Italian location opening in Milan, Soho House has chosen a building as rich in history as the city itself: the former Cinema Arti, a 1930s architectural gem near Piazza San Babila and the renowned Fashion District.
Bringing Milan’s Heritage to Life
The choice of the Cinema Arti building is no coincidence. Designed by Lecco-born architect Mario Cereghini in the 1930s, it’s a prime example of rationalist architecture—a style marked by clean lines, symmetry, and purposefulness that reflects Italy’s approach to design as both art and function. Soho House’s decision to restore this building celebrates not just the city’s architectural legacy, but its vibrant history, transforming the space into a sanctuary where creativity flourishes amid echoes of the past.
Inside, Soho House Milano will combine the raw elegance of rationalist design with exquisite Italian craftsmanship, infusing every room with bespoke furniture, hand-laid terrazzo floors, and artisan-made décor that honors the “Made in Italy” tradition. With six floors of thoughtfully designed spaces, the club will feature everything a creative mind might need: a rooftop terrace overlooking the Milan skyline, a courtyard that invites quiet reflection, a pool for a refreshing escape, a gym, and over fifty luxurious bedrooms.
A Community Within the City
For nearly a decade, Milan’s creative community has been part of Soho House through the “Cities Without Houses” program, which connects members in cities without a physical House location. Monthly events, often held during major cultural events like Salone del Mobile and Fashion Week, have allowed Milan’s members to build a vibrant network that will now find a permanent home. Dominique Bellas, Head of Global Memberships, describes the Milan opening as the realization of a long-held dream: “For eight years, we’ve been building a community here, and now we’re thrilled to give it a home that does justice to Milan’s spirit and its creative heart.”
The membership philosophy of Soho House is refreshingly inclusive. While each club maintains a carefully curated selection process, the aim is to attract members who bring positive energy and fresh ideas. The “Under 27” membership offers a reduced fee to foster young talent, supporting creatives at the start of their careers. It’s a place where designers, artists, musicians, writers, and more can mingle and collaborate, finding inspiration in each other and in their surroundings.
Soho House Milan will be more than a gathering place; it will be a space for ideas, a retreat for relaxation, and a stage for artistic exchange. The club is set to offer exclusive events, from art exhibitions to panel discussions, that draw on the city’s rich cultural calendar. Members can look forward to gatherings that celebrate the best of Milanese culture, from curated dinners with local chefs to intimate performances by musicians, creating a rhythm that mirrors the city’s own dynamic energy.
At the heart of Soho House Milan is the desire to foster connections that go beyond professional networking. The club’s spaces are designed to encourage members to put away their phones and be present, savoring conversations without distractions. Photography is limited in most areas, preserving a sense of privacy and encouraging genuine interaction—a rarity in today’s hyper-connected world. In this way, Soho House Milan offers its members not just an escape, but an invitation to truly belong.
Milan and Soho House: A Meeting of Minds
Milan has always been a global capital of style and culture, a city that sets trends while paying homage to tradition. Soho House embodies this duality, embracing the city’s aesthetic while bringing a distinctly international sensibility. It’s a House for visionaries—a place where artists, designers, and innovators will find inspiration and community in equal measure. And it’s no stretch to say that this opening will elevate the city’s cultural landscape, creating a new chapter in the town’s identity, recognized as a hub for creatives.
So, as the doors of Soho House Milan0 prepare to open, the question lingers: What impact will this new House have on Milan’s bustling scene? Will it really become a cornerstone for collaboration and growth? One thing is certain: for Milanesi, Soho House will be more than just a place—it will be a part of their story, the perfect emblem of the city’s ever-evolving spirit.
