October 26, 2026

Taglietti: Life in Design Opens at the Politecnico di Milano

On 20 October 2026, the Politecnico di Milano opened Taglietti: Life in Design, an exhibition marking the centenary of Milan-born architect Enrico Taglietti. The Australia Italy Business Association (AIBA) supported the event as part of its ongoing work to strengthen professional, cultural, and institutional connections between Australia and Italy.

The exhibition was originally developed by the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) in collaboration with the Taglietti Studio Archive and Australian academic partners. Its Milan presentation reflects a multi-year engagement between Australian and Italian institutions, including the University of Queensland, the University of Canberra, and the Politecnico di Milano.

Australia's Consul-General opens the Milan presentation

Australia’s Consul-General in Milan, Rachel White, delivered opening remarks. She outlined Taglietti’s contribution to Australia’s built environment after his migration in the mid-1950s, noting his influence on Canberra’s civic architecture and his recognition by both the Australian Institute of Architects and the Italian Government. Her comments emphasised the relevance of Taglietti’s work to the broader Australia–Italy relationship, particularly in areas where design, education, and cultural exchange intersect.

Academic leadership across Australian and Italian institutions

The Milan presentation is academically led by Professor Marco Biraghi of the Politecnico di Milano, working with Dr Silvia Micheli of the University of Queensland. Dr Micheli’s research, first presented at the Politecnico in 2022, positioned Taglietti within a global architectural context and contributed to the decision to host the exhibition in Milan. Curator Virginia Rigney of CMAG has worked extensively with Italian archives, including the Milan Triennale, to support the exhibition’s international development. Dr Ann Cleary of the University of Canberra will participate in a student workshop associated with the exhibition, further linking Australian and Italian architectural education.

Why the exhibition matters for AIBA

For AIBA, the event aligns with the organisation’s focus on facilitating collaboration between Australian and Italian institutions across sectors. Our members work every day to design, construct, study, fund and invest in the built environment across Australia and Italy. The exhibition demonstrates how cultural projects can support broader professional engagement, including academic partnerships, research exchange, and industry dialogue.

A shared architectural legacy on tour

As the exhibition continues its tour from Canberra to Melbourne and now Milan, it offers audiences an opportunity to examine a shared architectural legacy and the institutional cooperation that supports its presentation. AIBA will continue to engage with initiatives that promote constructive links between Australia and Italy in business, education, and cultural sectors.