Echoes of Memphis

From 20 to 26 April, Arte will open a pop-up city showroom during Milan Design Week. In the heart of Brera, the Belgian wallcovering brand will present a bold installation inspired by Memphis and Ancient Egypt, in collaboration with artist Gabriela de Sagarminaga. A monochrome experience where material, texture and craftsmanship take centre stage.

For over 40 years, Arte has been designing and producing refined wallcoverings that bring together aesthetics and innovation. During Milan Design Week, Arte elevates walls to a new dimension, not as a backdrop, but as a statement.

The presentation in Brera revolves around pure materiality. Raffia, cork, woven grasses and shells are applied in unexpected ways, demonstrating the versatility of wallcoverings. Inspiration from Memphis, the ancient Egyptian capital, is translated into a contemporary and refined spacial composition where texture and craftsmanship lead the narrative.

“Milan Design Week is the ultimate international stage to showcase what Arte represents for today,” says Philippe Desart, Managing Director. “With this presentation, we aim not merely to cover walls, but to let them speak through material, texture and imagination.”

For this special installation, Arte has collaborated with Sagarminaga Atelier, an artist known for her work with natural fibres. For Milan Design Week, she translates scenes from Ancient Egypt into refined, life-sized artworks crafted from grasses and organic materials. Her work balances tradition and experimentation, craftsmanship and architectural expression.

The creative partnership between Arte and Sagarminaga is a union of shared values. Both hold a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, tactility and artistic refinement. Their dialogue results in a presentation where innovation and authenticity reinforce one another.

About Arte

Driven by a love for sophisticated interiors and the finest materials, Arte aims to be the world’s most passionate trendsetter in high-quality, exclusive wallcoverings for demanding interior professionals and discerning design enthusiasts. Craftsmanship, creativity and innovation are an integral part of Arte’s family DNA. Arte creates refined, innovative and eclectic wallcoverings for stylish interiors worldwide.

About Sagarminaga Atelier

Sagarminaga Atelier, founded by Gabriela de Sagarminaga in Bilbao, reinterprets traditional fibre techniques in contemporary designs. Working with noble materials such as esparto, wood, metal, and leather, the atelier creates handcrafted objects and installations with a distinctive tactile and architectural presence.

Exclusive press preview

Sunday 19 April
15:00 – 20:00

📍 Corso Garibaldi 65
20121 Milano, Italy