Mimmo Paladino returns to Milan with a major exhibition after 15 years, opening on May 16 at Palazzo Citterio's underground Sala Stirling. The show features his iconic series "Dormienti" (Sleepers), 32 anthropomorphic terracotta sculptures in fetal positions, arranged in a theatrical, immersive installation. The exhibition also includes a soundscape by Brian Eno and a selection of 15 drawings on paper from 1973, curated by Lorenzo Madaro and organized by Grande Brera and the Archivio Paladino. It runs until July 26, 2026.
This exhibition matters because it marks Paladino's long-awaited return to a major Milanese public space, re-engaging with the brutalist architecture of Palazzo Citterio. The "Dormienti" series, first presented in 1998, exemplifies Paladino's sculptural philosophy rooted in ancient, magical, and religious sensibilities, while also paying homage to Henry Moore's wartime shelter drawings. The show highlights the enduring relevance of Paladino's work and its capacity to provoke contemporary reflection through timeless forms.