Inspired by the myth of Persephone, the installation blends design, light, and layered symbolism
Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá will take centre stage during Milan Design Week 2025, becoming a hub for international design aficionados through an exclusive collaboration with emerging artist and designer Mirei Monticelli. Her evocative installation, Persephone’s World, will transform the hotel’s grand entrance and part of Isola restaurant from 7 to 24 April, offering guests an immersive journey through light, form, and symbolism – a poetic reimagining of myth through contemporary design.
Inspired by the 2025 Fuorisalone theme, Connected Worlds, the installation becomes a metaphorical gateway between light and darkness, myth and modernity. It also serves as a tribute to one of Palazzo Cordusio’s most iconic design features: the mosaic of a woman picking a pomegranate—an unmistakable nod to Persephone’s eternal narrative.
At the entrance of Palazzo Cordusio, a luminous archway marks the threshold between two realms, symbolising Persephone’s cyclical journey between the earthly world and the underworld. Around it, flickering tongues of flame evoke the elemental power of the subterranean depths, while at the centre of the space, a suspended radiant globe represents the vitality and warmth of life on earth. Enhancing this immersive experience, a reflective mirror by Costantini Design creates an optical illusion that blurs the boundary between reality and the mythical otherworld.
The installation continues through the property, with select pieces—including Monticelli’s award-winning Nebula lamp, first recognised at Milan Design Week 2019—positioned throughout the check-in area and Isola restaurant. This curated luminous pathway draws a visual thread from the ground floor to the fifth, uniting the hotel in a continuous narrative of transformation, light, and mythological symbolism.
All elements of the installation are crafted from Banaca fibres, a natural material sustainably grown in the Philippines and hand-woven by a community of artisans in the Bicol region.
“I am honoured for this collaboration and to be able to exhibit my works in the wonderful setting of Palazzo Cordusio. It is a unique opportunity to make Banaca fibers known as well as our Studio’s goal, which is to enhance the intersection between sustainable materials, craftsmanship, technology and community empowerment – says Mirei Monticelli – We evaluate the best processes and materials for each creation, considering quality, innovation and environmental impact, with the aim of creating sustainable livelihood programs for the growth of the weaver community.”
To celebrate the collaboration, Isola will host an intimate talk with Mirei Monticelli on 10 April. Open by invitation only, the event will offer guests a chance to delve into the artist’s creative process and her vision for Milan Design Week 2025.
For further information, visit Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá
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About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has a portfolio of more than 400 hotels (portfolio and pipeline), throughout more than 40 countries, and 10 brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, ME by Meliá, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company worldwide, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, and it is also a “Top Employer 2023” brand in Spain, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Italy and Germany. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market. For more information, visit www.meliahotelsinternational.com
About Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the first Spanish luxury hotel brand, which takes residence in some of the world’s most beautiful landmarks, combining timeless luxury, stunning architecture and Spanish culture. Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts offers exceptional experiences and services, which are a modern expression of Spanish culture. There are currently 14 Gran Meliá properties worldwide, with the brand continuing to expand its global footprint. All properties are located in the most important global travel destinations, such as Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques (Madrid, Spain), Gran Meliá de Mar (Mallorca, Spain), Gran Meliá Colón (Seville, Spain), Gran Meliá Xi’an (China), Gran Meliá Rome (Italy), Gran Meliá Sancti Petri (Cádiz, Spain) and Gran Meliá Iguazú (Argentina). The brand is set to expand further in Asia, with the launch of Gran Meliá Lombok and Gran Meliá Nha Trang within the next few years. Follow Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts on Instagram @gran_Meliá and Facebook @GranMeliáHotels, www.granMeliá .com
About Mirei Monticelli
Mirei Monticelli is a Filipino designer based in Milan. After earning a Master in Design and Engineering from Politecnico in Milan in 2017, she founded Studiomirei in 2019. In the same year, her Nebula lamp was awarded during Salone Satellite of Milan Design Week. Studiomirei’s work stands out for its innovative approach that blends craftsmanship and advanced technologies, with a particular focus on sustainability. Currently, Studiomirei works primarily with lighting products made from Banaca fibers, a natural material grown in the Philippines and handwoven by a community of artisans in the province of Bicol.
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