MOLTENI&C INAUGURATES PALAZZO MOLTENI TOKYO

Images courtesy of Molteni&C

Designed by Vincent Van Duysen

Molteni&C has opened its new Flagship Store, Palazzo Molteni Tokyo, in Minami Aoyama, following the triumphant grand opening of Palazzo Molteni in Milan. The store, designed by architect Vincent Van Duysen, showcases the Molteni&C home and lifestyle in the heart of Tokyo.

This new location is over 1,000 square meters and has four levels—three above ground and one below. The opening marks an important step in Molteni&C’s growth around the world, thanks to a partnership with Arflex Japan Ltd., a well-known design firm in Japan.

Vincent Van Duysen, who has been the Creative Director of Molteni&C since 2016, has completed his first architectural project in Japan with Palazzo Molteni Tokyo. The Flagship Store is a striking example of how sculpture and architecture can come together, highlighting Molteni&C’s commitment to innovative design.

Presented by Molteni&C

“Palazzo Molteni Tokyo is a very important project both for me and for Molteni&C. It’s a building that has been conceived as a real house, where the façade follows the layout of the interiors and domestic environments.  It is, without a doubt, a project that embodies Molteni’s soul and DNA, and I am confident it will make a strong visual impact with its interplay of volumes, full-height windows, and terraces. When I started thinking about this project, I wanted to create a very sculptural volume, monolithic…we could also describe it as tectonic, where there is an interplay between masses and voids. We aimed to express something very geometric in terms of patterns and playfulness, yet using a very restrained and quiet architectural language.” — Vincent Van Duysen —

Vincent Van Duysen, Giulia Molteni, the Chief Marketing Officer of the Molteni Group, and Andrea Molteni, the Vice President of Molteni&C, participated in the celebration marking the grand opening of Palazzo Molteni Tokyo. This occasion represents a significant milestone in the company’s sustained international expansion efforts.

Palazzo Molteni Tokyo aimed to create a façade that looks like a single sculpture while also reflecting the layout of the indoor living spaces. The building’s solid shape has been carefully carved to provide large outdoor courtyards and terraces, allowing natural light to enter and connecting the indoors with the outdoors.

The façade features a thoughtful design of solid and empty spaces that makes it appear sculpted from one block. This design creates rhythm and depth with a series of stacked, offset blocks and dark spaces, along with metallic elements that have a modern feel. The façade has a lively look without being dull, and each side offers a different view. The vertical arrangement in the architectural grid adds to its visual interest.

Vincent Van Duysen, the Creative Director, designed the interior of Palazzo Molteni Tokyo to help visitors explore the Molteni&C way of living. Upon entering through the main entrance, guests find an elegant and welcoming ground floor where they can receive visitors. This space combines living and dining areas, featuring the Hi-line 6 kitchen, which can also serve as a counter for welcome drinks and light snacks during special events.

The ground floor displays key pieces from Molteni&C’s collection, such as the Augusto, Lucio, Cleo, and Surf sofas; the Old Ford and Arc tables; the Picea, Fonte, Aster, Panna Cotta, and Regent small tables; along with the Hector and Graduate bookcases. It also includes selected works from the Heritage Collection, like the D.156.3 armchair by Gio Ponti and the Continuum D.163.7 armchair, created in collaboration with Bonacina 1889. The carefully chosen furniture and the open atmosphere set the stage for visitors’ journey through the rest of the Palazzo.

As guests descend the staircase, they arrive at the basement floor, where the Ratio kitchen, also designed by Van Duysen, welcomes visitors warmly. Sincro sliding doors lead into the first living area, furnished with the Octave sofa, the Logos sideboard by Van Duysen, and the Cinnamon armchair by Naoto Fukasawa, along with other selected pieces. This floor is designed for larger gatherings, inviting lively events, from chef-prepared dinners to relaxed evenings with drinks, in the spirit of an Italian “Sala Grande.”

Beyond the Arial door is a more intimate space. The Intersection kitchen blends smoothly with a second living area, where the Albert sofa is the focal point, creating a cozy setting for family time and close gatherings.

Upon ascending the stairs, guests enter a calm foyer, where the Mateo table and Porta Volta chairs create a warm first impression. This area prepares visitors for the intimate space of the upper floor. Beyond the foyer, a kitchen and living area reveal themselves, anchored by the sleek Prime kitchen and Devon stools, complemented by the inviting Turner sofa and the sculptural D.153.1 armchair by Gio Ponti.

This living area is a high-end space that combines bold architecture with a cozy atmosphere, thanks to the creative director’s deep respect for Japanese culture. The apartment includes a private area with a bedroom featuring an Ovidio bed, a small lounge with a Mateo table, and Porta Volta chairs designed for relaxation. It also has a stylish sculpted bathroom that completes the upscale living experience. Overall, this space is warm and inviting, designed with quality Italian materials and showcasing the beauty of Molteni&C collections. It promotes a lifestyle of high-quality living.