Meet our Neighbours in Milan
As we settle into our new neighbourhood, Cinque Vie, located in the heart of the historic city, get to know some of the friendly faces and their unique businesses – from artist studios, boutiques, and cosy family-run restaurants – that will turn you into a repeat visitor when you stay with us at Max Brown Missori.
SiMa Townhouse, Where locals sip and eat
Meet Sina Ghahreman, co-founder and manager of SiMa Townhouse, a four-story bar full of eccentric style and loungey vibes loved by locals. Just steps from our hotel, the former home of architect Massimiliano Locatelli, the bar attracts a friendly international crowd – making it the perfect spot to enjoy specialty cocktails and light bites while looking out at the busy streets below.
Tell us about SiMa Townhouse…
SiMa Townhouse is a cocktail bar in the heart of Milano. Spanning over four floors, there are many different spaces to enjoy. Former home of architect Massimiliano Locatelli, we are a beautifully designed bar with great drinks and a friendly mix of locals and visitors.
What makes Milan special to you?
It’s a beautiful international city that is small enough to still feel neighbourhoody. And the people!
What’s your favorite thing about the neighbourhood and its community?
Our neighbourhood is a bit residential and has great local spots like Bar Quadronno on the corner and Stadera at Crocetta. We’re also near the different universities and fashion houses giving us a nice mix of people.
How would you describe a typical Milanese?
Nice on the eyes and better on the ears, especially over a good martini.
Secci Gallery, Where art lovers meet
Your stay in Milan wouldn’t be complete without a visit to some incredible local galleries. One of our personal favorites happens to be located in the same neighbourhood as Max Brown Missori and is overseen by the impeccably dressed Founder, Edoardo Secci.
Tell us about Secci Gallery…
Secci started in Florence in 2013 and quickly gained an international reputation for its top-notch art exhibitions. In 2021, we opened a second location in Milan. This led to the creation of NOVO, a new Milan program focused on contemporary art, currently curated by Pier Paolo Pancotto.
What makes Milan so unique?
Milan is a very unique city where modern elements stand in harmony with centuries-old architectural buildings, making it an exciting place to live or visit.
What’s your favorite thing about the neighbourhood and its community?
Milan is a fashion-forward city famous for trendy areas like Brera and Navigli, with art galleries, boutiques, and lively cafes. What’s great is the city’s focus on sustainability and green initiatives in different neighbourhoods, benefiting both Milan and its community.
THE CLOISTER, Where our neighbours like to shop
No trip to Milan is complete without a visit to its iconic clothing shops. The Cloister is no exception, the must-see concept store offers carefully chosen pieces, ranging from luxury brands to unique designs, and even unknown fashion gems. Located right in our neighbourhood, the shop also has a space for independent magazines and books, and the founder of The Cloisteri, Daniela Cavero, regularly hosts art, design, and fashion events throughout the year, that you’ll want to bookmark the next time you visit.
Tell us about The Cloister…
At The Cloister, you’ll find our handpicked collection of vintage clothing, designer brands, unique mid-century furniture, as well as independent magazines, and we also host regular events that bring together local creatives and the community.
What makes Milan so unique?
The architectural and artistic presence in Milan represents one of the points of attraction of Lombard’s capital. Without forgetting fashion! In fact, Daniela, the owner, fell in love with the space in 2017, when she opened the doors of her shop for the first time. Its original industrial interiors are housed in a classic Milanese palazzo overlooking a Bramante-style courtyard – Casa dei Griffi – and located just steps from Duomo Di Milano (Milan Cathedral).
What’s your favorite thing about the neighbourhood and its community?
Cinque Vie is the oldest neighbourhood in Milan. This area was a crossroad of dynamic exchanges already in Roman times. Even today the neighbourhood continues to have a predominant commercial character, being a true concentration of galleries, craft and antique shops, ateliers, and artistic studios, but also of shops dedicated to clothing and more contemporary design, all characterized by a profound vocation for research.
How would you describe a typical Milanese?
In one word: fashionable.
