Luxury, here, is about care rather than creation.
Diego Della Valle, Chairman of Tod’s Group, has announced the completion of its restoration of Palazzo Marino, Milan’s town hall. The historic building stands at the center of Milan and has been its municipal seat since 1861. Its origins, however, date back to the 16th century, when it was designed by Galeazzo Alessi in 1557. The building reflects Italian Renaissance aesthetics, structural balance and fine detail, and stands as a symbol of civic importance.
Over time, pollution dulled the structure’s exterior and its ornate details were obscured through natural aging. The precision of its design needed to be faithfully restored while honoring Italy’s traditional architecture. Tod’s Group completed this task with care, not by reinventing the palace, but by uncovering and reviving what the original designer had in mind.
The project took 16 months and covered 7,500 square metres of the building, inside and out. The work focused primarily on cleaning and repairing the original materials and strengthening internal structures. Damaged stone details were sharpened, plasterwork was renewed, protective treatments using compatible materials were applied, and the architectural rhythm became visible again. Nothing about the building was changed unnecessarily. The goal was to bring the landmark back to its original iconic state. The project was funded entirely by Tod’s Group, with its Chairman leading the process from start to finish. The team remained in close communication with local heritage authorities like the Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Milan, and Superintendent Emanuela Carpani, to ensure that the work maintained technical accuracy and respected the building’s history.
The result was modest but meaningful. Palazzo Marino was not made new but renewed. Its elegance has been uncovered and revealed, showing that true luxury is not always about pioneering but conserving what already exists. The collaboration stands as an example of how public and private sectors can work together to protect shared spaces, promote artistic heritage, and give back to the public. Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, communicates the spirit of this philanthropic endeavor perfectly: “Palazzo Marino is the home of the people of Milan. Thanks to what has been achieved, we are pleased to return to them, and to the many visitors to our city, the opportunity to discover and appreciate this building in all its history and beauty.”
The idea behind the project is simple: companies can participate beyond business pursuits and help protect culture and history. For Tod’s Group, this is part of a larger commitment to Italian craftsmanship, heritage, and community.
