Is it possible to experience Fuorisalone in half a day – or even better, in a “half-half day”? Paradoxically, the answer is both yes and no. For some, Salone and Fuorisalone are the events they look forward to all year, a vast territory to explore where you can slip into the best exhibitions and quirky shows across the city. Many come from the other side of the world just for this.

But then there are those who simply want to sample the best of Design Week and get back to their regular lives – ideally without getting caught in hellish lines or tangled in the dense web of industry insiders, wannabes, and a few enthusiasts. In that case, two hours are enough – because let’s be honest: what do you remember from last year’s Fuorisalone? Or the one before that, or the pre-Covid editions? Probably only a couple of spots at most, even if you work for Domus. So, really, two hours are plenty to experience Design Week.

But there’s one simple rule to follow: don’t spend those two hours waiting in line at Gucci. No Gucci installation will ever be worth two hours of your time – but there are certainly people who’ll line up hoping to score a valuable gadget, like last year’s Zegna tote bags, which ended up on Vinted for prices even more ridiculous than the two hours spent waiting to get into Gucci.

If the line takes about half an hour or so, the 2050+ installation for Gucci is probably worth it. You’ll just have to “settle” for one of the installations that often create lines stretching several blocks. Our advice? Spend that time outside Gucci, or head to Hermès, or check out Willo Perron’s stunning installation for Vans. Formafantasma’s show for Cassina is also worth the wait, as is Es Devlin’s Library in Brera. Maybe even Mad for Amazon at Statale, but only because there’s other stuff to see too.

Once you’ve tasted the thrill of a large installation, you can spend the rest of your time finding optimism in smaller, high-concept exhibitions. Definitely check out Capsule Plaza with Nike x Pan across the street, Google and Alessi’s urns – especially if you’re already near Statale. By the way, the library where they’re displayed was designed by 2018 Domus guest editor Michele De Lucchi. 

There are also locations you might choose for their architectural value: the Albers Foundation at Torre Velasca, Campeggi’s exhibition at Torre al Parco by Magistretti, or 6:am’s beautiful installation in the basement of Piscina Cozzi.

And then? If you still have time, the most common advice is the simplest: take a walk. If the weather’s nice, you can always head to the Porta Venezia Gardens or Sempione Park, but also to the gardens at the foot of the City Life towers, where Citywave by 2025 Domus guest editor Bjarke Ingels of BIG is under construction. 

If you’re still hungry for design, the shop windows of Via Manzoni always have surprises, or you can get lost in the vast spaces of Base or the 5Vie district.

Final note: If you only have two hours, forget about Alcova.