Maria Porro is one of the most influential voices in contemporary Italian design. As President of Salone del Mobile.Milano, she combines strategic vision with cultural curiosity, guiding the institution towards a more open and internationally connected future. For Maria, design is more than the creation of beautiful objects; it is a cultural force that brings people together, strengthens creative industries and inspires new ways of seeing the world.
Under her leadership, the renowned Milanese institution has continued to evolve beyond the boundaries of a conventional furniture fair. Maria sees design not simply as a finished object, but as a living, collective process, one shaped by materials, craftsmanship, knowledge, experimentation and human imagination. Her thoughtful approach encourages audiences to look beyond beautiful objects and consider the many people, ideas and skills involved in bringing them to life.
This vision was reflected in A Matter of Salone, the campaign for the 2026 edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano. By returning attention to materiality as the starting point of design thinking, the campaign invites visitors to experience design as something dynamic and constantly evolving. For Maria, materials are not passive elements; they carry stories, possibilities and the potential to inspire entirely new ways of living.
Her international outlook is equally evident in Salone del Mobile.Milano’s growing dialogue with the art world. Through a three-year partnership with Art Basel Miami Beach and Art Basel Hong Kong, the organisation has created opportunities for Italian design companies to connect with collectors, curators and gallerists. The first Collectors Lounge, inaugurated at Art Basel Miami Beach in December 2025, placed Italian design within a wider conversation around art, culture and investment. Maria’s discussion with acclaimed artist and stage designer Es Devlin brought further depth to this meaningful exchange.
Balancing heritage with change, Maria represents a new generation of cultural leadership. Her work strengthens Italian design’s international presence while keeping its deeper values in focus: creativity, collaboration, craftsmanship and curiosity. Through her leadership, design becomes more than an industry, it becomes an open invitation to understand how culture is imagined, created and shared.