Perched above the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, HIGHLINE Milano (https://highlinegalleria.it/) has rapidly become one of the city’s most distinctive cultural destinations, offering visitors an entirely new perspective on Milan’s architectural heritage through panoramic walkways, immersive storytelling, and contemporary cultural programming. This summer, the experience enhances with the opening of “SOLE IN VIRGO: The Galleria, the Zodiac and the Tarot”, a new exhibition by Italian visual artist Elisa Seitzinger, curated by HIGHLINE Milano’s Artistic Director Flavio Di Renzo. Running from May 19 to October 4, 2026, the exhibition transforms the historic Sala degli Orologi and the Skybridge into an immersive journey where astrology, tarot, history, and contemporary visual art converge in one of Milan’s most iconic locations.
The Reopening
Following an extensive restoration project, HIGHLINE Milano has reopened previously inaccessible spaces above the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, returning an important part of the city’s architectural heritage to the public. Led by a team of Italian professionals under 35, the project combines preservation, sustainability, and cultural innovation, reimagining these historic spaces as a new hub for art, education, and public engagement. Visitors can walk along the spectacular 250-metre Skywalk, suspended 40 metres above ground level between Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Scala, enjoying breathtaking views over Milan’s skyline while discovering the history of the Galleria through more than fifty interpretative panels and a bespoke audio guide. Written as a cinematic script and performed by professional actors, the immersive narration accompanies guests throughout the visit, while landscaped viewing areas create moments for contemplation above the city.
A new Cultural Journey by Milan, inspired by Zodiac and Tarot
At the heart of this summer’s cultural programme is SOLE IN VIRGO, an art project built around a simple yet fascinating question: what zodiac sign would the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II belong to? Since the historic arcade was inaugurated on 15 September 1867, the exhibition symbolically associates it with the zodiac sign of Virgo, traditionally linked to harmony, order, and balance. From this starting point, artist Elisa Seitzinger develops a visual narrative connecting the Galleria with astrology, symbolism, and the passage of time. The show unfolds across the historic Sala degli Orologi and the panoramic Skybridge, inviting visitors into an immersive environment where contemporary illustrations, symbolic imagery, and site-specific installations reinterpret one of Milan’s most recognisable landmarks. For SOLE IN VIRGO, she brings together original tarot illustrations, a newly created zodiac cycle conceived specifically for HIGHLINE Milano, monumental textile works, and sculptural installations centred around the figure of the Sun, creating a dialogue with the permanent light installation by Davide Groppi already housed within the Sala degli Orologi.
The installation also explores Milan’s historic connection with the origins of Tarot. During the Renaissance, the city and the Visconti-Sforza court played a pivotal role in the creation of some of the earliest illustrated tarot decks, making Milan one of the birthplaces of this symbolic tradition. The result is an immersive artistic experience that encourages visitors to reflect on time, identity, and humanity’s enduring fascination with symbols while discovering an unexpected side of Milan’s cultural history.
In discussing the project, Flavio Di Renzo, Artistic Director and Curator of HIGHLINE Milano, states: “As Artistic Director of HIGHLINE Milano and curator of the Sala degli Orologi, it is a privilege to work within such a symbolic and historic space. Our ambition is to activate these places in a respectful yet contemporary way, creating new connections between cultural heritage and today’s visual languages. With SOLE IN VIRGO, Elisa Seitzinger reinterprets themes deeply rooted in Milan’s history, from the city’s Renaissance tarot tradition to astrology and the concept of time, through a contemporary artistic perspective that is both accessible and engaging.” Artist Elisa Seitzinger adds: “SOLE IN VIRGO represents my invisible connection with Milan. The exhibition transforms the Sala degli Orologi into a symbolic chamber inspired by the Renaissance courts of the Visconti and Sforza families, cradle of the earliest illustrated tarot decks. Through zodiac tapestries, tarot works, allegorical imagery and a monumental Sun installation, the project reflects on time, identity and the spirit of the place hosting my exhibition.”
HIGHLINE Milano opens its doors Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. For further details and pre-sale information, please visit the official HIGHLINE Milano website (https://tickets.highlinegalleria.it/webshop/webticket/timeslot). The opening of HIGHLINE Milano was made possible thanks to the City of Milan public tender for the restoration of the panoramic tourist route abandoned in 2019 and the redevelopment of historic spaces never previously opened to the public, awarded to Duomo 21 S.r.l. The project was developed in synergy with sponsors Rossi di Albizzate, L&L Luce&Light, MET Energia Italia, and PF Blu Servizi, as well as partners Insulti Luminosi and WeShort.
About HIGHLINE: HIGHLINE Milano is an innovative cultural hub suspended above the rooftops of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Built around the principles of new generations, local heritage, and sustainability, the relaunch project is promoted by Duomo 21 S.r.l., winner of the municipal tender that enabled the restoration and reopening of these historic spaces. The project is led by a young and dynamic team featuring Matteo Occhipinti and Franck Pascal as Heads, Camilla Rivieri as General Director, and Flavio Di Renzo as Art Director and Curator. Together, they have reimagined one of Milan’s symbolic landmarks as a place of art, history, and inclusivity, bridging cultural heritage with the creative voices of the new generation.
For press inquiries, contact Disclosers via
Carlotta Ruocco (carlotta.ruocco@disclosers.it | +39 3514397168)
Chiara Urzino (chiara.urzino@disclosers.it | +39 346 183 0449)
Isabella Castelli (isabella.castelli@disclosers.it | +39 346 3183982)
Mattia Severgnini (mattia.severgnini@disclosers.it | +39 346).
