Experience the Timeless Artistry of Murano Glass in Milan's Historic Aquatic Gem.
A Fusion of Art and Architecture: 6AM's Glass Creations in a Rationalist Masterpiece
6AM's diverse collection of glass art, ranging from textured columns to delicate wall sconces, is thoughtfully arranged within the now-decommissioned pool house of Milan's Piscina Guido Romano. This 1929 architectural marvel, conceived by Luigi Lorenzo Secchi, provides a dramatic and evocative backdrop for the luminous glass pieces. The studio's creations transform the historic building's corridors, including the former changing facilities, into an immersive art gallery, where each glass object tells a story of craftsmanship and design. The careful placement of these contemporary works within the rationalist structure creates a captivating dialogue between past and present, design and history.
Echoes of History: The Piscina Guido Romano as a Canvas for Glass Artistry
The layout of the Piscina Guido Romano, with its corridors and original changing rooms encircling a central, light-filled hall that once housed the indoor swimming pool, offers a distinctive setting for 6AM's exhibition. The studio's glass works are presented as precious artifacts, meticulously placed throughout these historical spaces. Among the highlights are two monumental columns, nearly five meters tall, crafted from three-millimeter-thick rolled glass panels affixed to metal frameworks. One column shimmers with a vivid blue hue, reflecting light with silvery traces of manganese, while the other presents a striking black surface streaked with white, demonstrating the studio's mastery over material and color.
The Luminous Depths: Unveiling the Enigma of Glass Columns
Rising majestically from the former changing rooms, which once served as a communal hub for the local community, these towering glass columns evoke a sense of both grandeur and intimacy. The studio explains that despite their seemingly dark and opaque surfaces, these glass creations interact with light in extraordinary ways, producing a subtle, ever-changing shimmer throughout the day. This dynamic interplay of light and shadow imbues the pieces with a living quality, inviting viewers to observe their subtle transformations and appreciate the inherent beauty of the material.
Paysage Walls: A Structural Harmony of Glass and Light
Another compelling feature of the exhibition is 6AM's Paysage walls, an innovative structural system conceived by local architect Hannes Peer. This design draws inspiration from Peer's own Paysage chandelier, also created for 6AM. The walls consist of hand-textured glass plates, seamlessly joined to form continuous planes, reminiscent of traditional glass brick constructions. These walls not only serve as a display but also become an integral part of the architectural experience, shaping light and space within the exhibition. One particular limited-edition wall, crafted from rare black Murano glass, stands out as a testament to the studio's technical prowess, considering the challenges and expense associated with producing black Murano glass. This unique piece was made during the final melt of a furnace, highlighting the ephemeral nature of such specialized processes.
The Heart of the Exhibition: Bottega Veneta's Candy-Like Cubes and Historic Remnants
The central hall of the building, notably left unobstructed, houses a dramatic installation of the gleaming glass cubes that served as seating for Bottega Veneta's Spring Summer 2026 show. These textured cubes, available in a palette of ten vibrant, candy-like colors, were created using a cast-iron mold and are dramatically displayed within a floor-to-ceiling transparent glass wall. The hall also retains its original coat racks, a poignant reminder of its past as an additional changing area after the indoor pool was drained. This juxtaposition of contemporary design with historical elements creates a rich tapestry of narratives within the space.
Illuminating Spaces: Sconce Lamps and Amorphous Forms
Throughout other sections of the former changing rooms, sequences of sconce lamps are strategically installed. These lamps feature a captivating mix of striped and transparent patterns, alongside more structured, boxy designs, casting intriguing light and shadow across the historic walls. Elsewhere, a collection of amorphous glass stools, with their vibrant, colorful bodies, are artfully arranged on a reflective platform, further enhancing their sculptural presence and showcasing the versatility of glass as a medium for both functional and artistic expression.
A Signature Glow: 6AM's Iconic Exit Sign
The building's rear entrance is marked by 6AM's distinctive glowing exit sign, a signature piece for the studio. Crafted from screen-printed lattimo glass and encased in a painted iron structure, this sign's design draws inspiration from 1920s emergency lamps, embodying a blend of historical reference and modern aesthetic. This recognizable piece has become one of 6AM's hallmark products, symbolizing their innovative approach to design and their deep appreciation for craftsmanship.