The literary heart of the city beats through the streets of Brera
From November 11 to 17, Milan hosts the 13th edition of BookCity, a celebration of books and reading. Promoted by the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Milan and the BookCity Association, this year’s event centers on the theme War and Peace, offering a profound reflection on how books can interpret, recount, and even envision a future beyond conflict. Among the many areas involved, Brera and its surroundings emerge as a focal point of events that showcase the best of contemporary cultural and literary scenes.
Some of the main events include:
At the Centro Internazionale di Brera, several highly anticipated appointments will take place. Here, on Sunday, November 17, at 5:30 p.m., BookCity Milano – Una città che legge, a documentary tracing the history and spirit of the festival, will be shown. Narrated by actor Toni Servillo, the film offers insight into Milan’s unique role as Italy’s publishing capital, illustrating how BookCity has transformed every corner of the city into a space for cultural sharing and dialogue. Also at the Centro Internazionale di Brera, on November 12 at 6:30 p.m., the roundtable Phenomenology of Norms will explore the evolution of law over time and within a social context, with contributions from Gherardo Colombo and Piergaetano Marchetti.
Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli near Porta Volta, closely linked to the Brera area, will host events on November 16 focusing on War and Peace, including Women’s Bodies, Bodies of Peace, an event dedicated to women’s voices in the struggle for rights and social justice. Intellectuals and activists will examine the central and often innovative role of women in social struggles, addressing topics ranging from civil rights to resilience in times of conflict.
Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori is another vital literary hub in Brera. This year, it is organizing a series of educational activities introducing visitors to the world of publishing and writing. Among these, on Sunday, November 17, at 11:00 a.m., a creative writing workshop led by Giacomo Papi will guide participants through a formative journey designed to foster creativity and mastery of narrative. In the afternoon, at 2:00 p.m., an event in collaboration with the Accademia della Crusca will test visitors’ knowledge of the Italian language with an interactive quiz and moments of cultural discussion.
Brera will also host Mestieri del Libro (Book Professions), one of BookCity’s most popular sections, dedicated to the publishing world. In collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo, the event Cultural Festivals: Use of Digital Channels and State of the Art will take place on November 13. Experts will explore how digital platforms have transformed the experience of cultural events. This event provides a snapshot of the changes in the publishing and event organization sectors, reflecting on the integration of live and digital modes.
The array of events and venues in Brera and its surroundings highlights BookCity’s inclusive nature, as each year, it transforms the entire city into a distributed library, bringing new life to iconic spaces and meeting places. Through screenings, conferences, and interactive activities, the Brera district program represents one of the focal points of this festival, highlighting the value of reading as a tool to enrich cultural perspectives and foster mutual understanding. For participants, BookCity is an open window to new stories, an invitation to be inspired by the words and encounters that will enliven Milan during this special week.
For more information on the full program, visit the website.
