Milan, a city synonymous with style and design, welcomes a new jewel to its crown: Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Nestled in the charming Piazzetta Bossi, a stone’s throw from Teatro alla Scala and the vibrant Brera district, the hotel occupies a meticulously restored Rationalist building by architect Pietro Lingeri. This architectural heritage is not merely preserved, but celebrated, thanks to the vision of internationally renowned architect and designer Patricia Urquiola.
Urquiola‘s design masterfully blends the building’s inherent Rationalist rigor with a vibrant, contemporary aesthetic. The result is a space that feels both timeless and undeniably modern, a testament to Milanese heritage while embracing a cosmopolitan flair. As Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, notes, Casa Brera “reflects the city’s unique spirit and sophisticated style.”
The building, originally designed by Lingeri in the 1950s, serves as the foundation for Urquiola’s design narrative. She pays homage to the existing architecture, enhancing the exterior structure while ensuring the interior design echoes the rhythm of the façade’s vertical lines. This dialogue between old and new is evident in the geometric graphics that adorn the walls, floors (transformed into exquisite marble “carpets”), and ceilings, subtly outlining the interiors. The Rationalist influence extends to the choice of materials, with a focus on Italian marbles, particularly granite, which echoes the building’s facade and serves as a recurring motif.
A curated collection of contemporary artworks further enriches the hotel’s ambiance. A striking piece by world-renowned fashion photographer Tim Walker takes center stage in the Living lounge, a visual celebration of Milan‘s expertise in design, fashion, art, and architecture.
The lobby and Living lounge offer a further nod to Rationalist geometries, mirroring the checkerboard patterns of the façade. A warm, glossy atmosphere is created through a mirrored ceiling, large semicircular sofas, high leather stools at a striking green marble counter, and armchairs in shades of dark blue and light green. The furniture, much of it designed by Urquiola for Cassina, Andreu World, and Moroso, features clean, contemporary lines, harmoniously integrated into the overall design.
The hotel’s 101 guestrooms and 15 suites continue this design narrative. Materials like walnut wood, Fior di Pesco marble, backlit brass, and printed glass reflect the colors and character of Milan. Deluxe and Premiere rooms feature modular Poliform furniture, comfortable seating, and custom artworks, creating a seamless flow between the sleeping area and bathroom. Studios with balconies offer a stylish indoor-outdoor experience, while Junior Suites boast modular corner sofas and mirror-topped drink bars.
For the ultimate indulgence, the Brera Suite provides a luxurious apartment-style experience, with a large bedroom, separate lounge, and a spacious 121 sqm furnished terrace overlooking the bustling streets of Brera. The Presidential Milanese Suite offers an expansive living room with a dining area, complete with enveloping Dudet armchairs designed by Urquiola for Cassina. Two connecting terraces, accessible through wide glass doors, provide a lounge area and a dining table for up to 10 guests, offering breathtaking views of Milan’s rooftops. The en-suite bathroom, with its walk-in shower, egg bathtub, and double vanity, is a haven of tranquility.
Casa Brera is more than just a hotel; it’s an experience. It’s a conversation between architectural heritage and contemporary design, a celebration of Milanese style and sophistication. Patricia Urquiola’s vision has transformed a historic building into a vibrant destination, a place where guests can immerse themselves in the heart of Milan’s rich cultural landscape.