Fragments of Milanese history slowly begin to crumble, and a silent veil of melancholy descends upon the city at the news of the impending closure of the legendary Hotel Diana. Yet, let us take a step back to reflect on the history of a hotel that has borne witness to—and accompanied—the transformation of Milan itself.
The renowned Art Nouveau building at Via Piave 42 in Milan holds a historic legacy that spans over a century. Its captivating story began in 1842, not as a hotel, but as one of the city’s very first public bathing establishments.
Indeed, the Diana was born out of the Milanese bourgeoisie’s growing desire for leisure and well-being. Originally named Bagni di Diana, it featured the first public swimming pool in Milan—a visionary initiative led by a consortium of shareholders headed by Giuseppe Nervo and brought to life by architect Andrea Pizzala.
Surrounding the pool, which was fed by the fresh waters of the Naviglio Martesana, stood a series of buildings housing gyms, a restaurant, a ballroom, billiards rooms, and even a fencing hall. The aim was clear—and achieved: to create the city’s first country club for the elite, where intellectuals and notable figures of Milan’s upper class gathered to exchange thoughts, share ideas, and enjoy moments of carefree sophistication. In fact, the very first Italian diving championship was held there in 1900.
However, trouble soon emerged when local waters became polluted, rendering the pool unusable. It was eventually replaced by an ice skating rink.
The story of the Diana might have ended there, but much like a Phoenix, it rose again between 1907 and 1908, reborn as the Kursaal Diana. This new incarnation was a multifunctional Art Nouveau complex that included the Diana Hotel, a theatre, a restaurant, a ballroom, and a garden. The architectural ensemble, built in the Porta Venezia area (on Via Piave), was designed by Achille Manfredini and, as before, remained a beacon for high society.
Its façade, reminiscent of Parisian grandeur, evokes the entrance to a sumptuous theatre—a symbol of timeless elegance and refinement. Over the years, this luxury hotel has hosted special events and exclusive soirées. During the post-war economic boom, its popularity soared even higher, welcoming celebrities, artists, and entrepreneurs of every ilk.
In more recent years, the Diana Majestic has experienced a fresh surge of fame, becoming one of the most sought-after venues during Milan Fashion Week. The iconic “Diana Aperitivo,” which began in the 1990s, has become a cherished ritual destined to live on in the city’s social imagination.
But the Diana has not been only a place of celebrations and glamour. On March 23, 1921, it became the stage for a tragic chapter in Italian history. During an evening performance, a bomb exploded in the theatre of the hotel’s social club, shattering walls, sowing panic, and devastating the front rows and orchestra pit. It was a brutal act that left a lasting mark on the memory of the place.
In 1988, the hotel became part of the Sheraton chain, adopting the name Diana Majestic. Since then, it has continued to thrive in its own time, hosting fashion shows such as Gucci’s in 2001 and prestigious showrooms like Bally’s in 2018.
Today, this iconic building is preparing for a new transformation (or rather, renovation), moving towards a new positioning: a 5-star hotel. The redevelopment project of the property will be completed in 2027 and aims to preserve its historical identity.
A fate increasingly common, yet no less poignant. To see such storied places alter their appearance is a subtle sorrow, for they represent far more than architecture—they are vessels of eras, of people, of culture.
Perhaps we cannot halt change, but we can choose to preserve memory.
