Luce&Light is behind the lighting scheme for HIGHLINE Milano, the new cultural destination that opens the rooftop walkway of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to the public for the first time. This redevelopment project restores a previously inaccessible pathway to the city, transforming it into a cultural and panoramic experience in the heart of Milan.

Promoted by Duomo 21 S.r.l. and developed by a team of Italian professionals all aged under 35, HIGHLINE Milano was conceived as an open, inclusive space, connecting past, present and future. The skywalk – a walkway over 250 metres long and around 40 meters above the ground – connects Piazza della Scala to Piazza Duomo, complementing the Galleria’s storied iron-and-glass roof with new visual narratives, infographics and panoramic viewing points. The project also includes the restoration and opening of previously inaccessible historic spaces, such as the Sala degli Orologi, now transformed into ArtSpace – which houses the main exhibition – and the hidden panoramic terrace overlooking Milan Cathedral.

The lighting has been designed to have a functional, narrative and safety role. Step by step, it accompanies visitors along the entire route, making the experience intuitive and safe while enhancing its appeal. It guides people’s movements, ensures the displays can be easily read and invites visitors to linger, allowing them to take in previously unseen views across the city.

On the grated walkway, Neva Pro Mini linear profiles (3000K, 8W, wall grazing), installed along the route, illuminate the walking surface with a warm, controlled light. The output guides without glare, ensuring safety and visual continuity, while particular attention is paid to visual comfort and to reducing light pollution.

The infographics along the skywalk are lit by Trevi 1.1 and 1.2 profiles installed above the panels. Their minimalist design, featuring stainless steel elements and an industrial aesthetic, speaks to the walkway’s metallic texture and is part of the project’s architectural language.

On the steel arches that punctuate the walkway, light interacts with climbing plants. Here, Reiko 1.0 projectors, in a jasper green finish, gently outline the jasmine, blending into the surroundings and creating soft, three-dimensional accents.
At the panoramic platforms, referred to as “Clouds”, Ginko 3.0 projectors illuminate soft-seating areas with a measured light, balancing safety with the enjoyment of unique views across the city. Completing the scheme, Pivot Mini 1 fixtures in the planters on the terraces highlight the greenery with a precise, unobtrusive output.

The skywalk culminates in the Sala degli Orologi, where Krill Track 4.0 track-mounted projectors illuminate historic photographs of Milan and exhibited works. At the same time, Krill Track 4.5 fixtures, fitted with Light Shapers, are trained on the storied clock mechanism from 1932. Their shaped beams frame and highlight the most significant timekeeping elements, ensuring a clear reading of this remarkable device.

Finally, on the panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking Piazza Duomo, with its exclusive view of Milan Cathedral, a continuous line of light, integrated beneath the inner parapet, outlines the entire perimeter. The light defines the space and illuminates the terrace from within so it does not disturb the view, preserving the integrity of the panoramic experience.

At HIGHLINE Milano, light becomes a silent guide and companion along the route, revealing with precision and sensitivity the beauty of a place long hidden from view. In this project, Luce&Light places its expertise at the service of architecture, using light as a medium for exploration and discovery – one that guides the gaze and amplifies the emotion of walking above the heart of Milan.