Alcova has redefined how contemporary design engages with historical and unconventional spaces, transforming abandoned and historical buildings into immersive exhibitions. It has activated diverse locations to showcase emerging talents, experimental projects, and research-driven design. Each edition fosters a global dialogue on sustainability, material innovation, and new production methods, creating a dynamic intersection of past and future.

During Fuorisalone 2019 Alcova will occupy two sites, which will be open to visitors for the duration of Design Week. Both will be intensely programmed for the event's duration with exhibitions, talks, installations and screenings involving over a forty international partners from as many countries.

Alcova is located in the former panettone factory of Giovanni Cova & Co., north of Loreto, an ex-industrial space partly taken over by plants and vegetation, frozen in a state of poetic semi-abandonment. The factory is a key site in the history of Milanese industry. Located adjacent to Stazione Centrale and directly in front of the Rovereto stop on the red metro line (approximately 10 minutes from Duomo), it is easily reachable from all parts of the city.

Alcova Sassetti, organised in collaboration with Alice Stori Liechtenstein and Fondazione Kenta, located at the heart of the Isola neighbourhood, Fabbrica Sassetti is a former cashmere mill built in the 1930s and preserved in its original state. Later converted into a hardware store, it is an rare window onto the urban fabric of pre-war Milan. Located close to the green, yellow and purple metro lines, it is easily reachable from all parts of the city.

Together, these two sites will become a platform for designers, institutions, galleries and companies working at the avant-garde of themes such as contemporary living, design culture, materials and technological innovation