About us
Founded in 1949, the Salotto di Milano Association represents the shops, bars and restaurants in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the “Portici Settentrionali” (covered walkways) on Piazza del Duomo, and the surrounding streets.
We are in Piazza del Duomo, home to Italy’s most famous Gothic cathedral, whose construction began in 1386. Nearby is the historic “Galleria”, designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni and opened to the public in 1867.
As a precursor of the modern ‘shopping mall’, the Galleria immediately captivated the Milanese with its elegance, earning the nickname “salotto buono” (the “salon” for the city’s elite).
Nestled in the historic heart of Milan, the Galleria connects the iconic Piazza del Teatro alla Scala with Piazza del Duomo. From this central location, one can swiftly reach the Castello Sforzesco and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, both of which are home to masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci.
The history of the Galleria
1864
Architect Giuseppe Mengoni completes the final project
1865
MARCH 7
The foundation stone is laid in the presence of the King of Italy
1867
SEPTEMBER 15
The Galleria opens to the public
1867
The ``Ratin`` (or ``Rattin``), a spring mechanism, is introduced to light the gas flames in the dome of the Galleria
1869
The Municipality of Milan assumes ownership of the Galleria
1874
JUNE 13
A hailstorm shatters 7,000 panes of glass in the Galleria
1877
DECEMBER 30
Architect Giuseppe Mengoni tragically falls to his death from the Galleria's Archway
1878
FEBRUARY 24
The Galleria's Archway opens to the public
1883
Electric lighting is introduced to the Galleria
1920
The Galleria during the “Belle Époque”
1943
AUGUST 13-15
Bombs strike the Galleria
1945
Post-war queues for groceries fill the Galleria
1949
The Salotto di Milano Association is founded
1955
DECEMBER 7
The Galleria reopens with a grand ceremony
2017
SEPTEMBER 15
The Galleria celebrates 150 years of elegance and history
Board of directors
President
Rossana Galli
Vice President
Marco Saba
Advisors
Pier Antonio Galli
Sabrina Camata
Guido De Nardo
Carlo Grimoldi
Steven Parlati
Sebastian Gatto
Treasurer
Franco Verdi