CityOval Milano
The new event space in the heart of the city
A century of events
Opened in 1923 as Palazzetto dello Sport, Pavillon 3 was the first piece of Milan’s western sports district, to which were later added Ippodromo del Trotto (1924), the San Siro stadium (1926), the Lido (1930) and the velodrome Vigorelli (1935).
Designed by architect Paolo Vietti Violi, born in Switzerland to Italian parents and graduated from the National School of Fine Arts in Paris in 1905, the building served as a link between the old urban fabric and the Trade Fair center.
Conceived as a multipurpose space, Pavillon 3 was intended to host cycling races (the track was permanently dismantled in 1935, the year Vigorelli was inaugurated), boxing matches, as well as motorcycle exhibitions and auto shows: the 1923 edition marked its opening.
In addition to that: over the years, Pavillon 3 has hosted sporting competitions, trade activities related to the Fair (hence the name) and classical music concerts during the time when La Scala was closed due to the bombings.
The beginning of a new transformation
The iconic late-Art Nouveau building, with its characteristic iron dome, its concrete and glass structure and its decorative elements set within a rigorous framework, was renovated by Citylife Spa in 2017.
Also known as Palazzo delle Scintille, the City of Milan sold it at a public auction in December 2019.
Generali Real Estate acquired it for 30,1 million euros, defeating the other contender Allianz after 52 bidding rounds.
During the pandemic, Generali made the building available for the creation of the largest vaccination hub in Italy.
Renamed “CityLife Oval Milano” by the new owner, the space will continue to fulfill architect Vietti Violi’s original vision of a versatile and multifunctional venue. The massive central arena will host activities and events on Milan’s calendar, alternating with moments when it can be used as a large, covered square.
The new event space in the heart of the city
CityOval provides a large 4.000 sqm arena alongside ancillary spaces, crowned by a 30-meter-high dome, with a maximum capacity of approximately 3.800 people. It can host events, conferences, and activities of national and international significance, including those under the patronage of the Municipality or in collaboration with the relevant City Council department and/or other stakeholders (including public and private entities and/or Third Sector organizations).
The space is available for events of all kinds: fashion, innovation and design, environment and sustainability, sports and leisure, culture, art and entertainment, art exhibitions, science and food culture or other exhibition events.
To plan your event in CityOval send an e-mail to: [email protected]
