ESE Milan: Unique learning experience and access to Milan’s Cultural Life

Milan, Italy’s vibrant metropolis, is renowned for fashion, design, business, and finance—but it is also a city of culture, creativity, and innovation. Recognized as Italy’s leading smart city, Milan fosters intellectual engagement and cultural exploration, making it the perfect environment for students of the ESE Milan to grow academically and professionally.

From November 10th to 16th, 2025, the city hosts BookCity Milano: a week-long celebration of books, literature, and the transformative power of ideas. With over 1,300 events across the city and in other Lombardy locations. This festival explores contemporary themes under the theme “The Power of Ideas / The Ideas of Power.”

Milan as a Living Classroom

At ESE Milan, students get to both study and to experience the city. Milan’s international energy and cultural vibrancy provide unparalleled opportunities to engage with real-world ideas, trends, and innovations. During BookCity Milano, students can attend literary events, debates, and exhibitions, connecting classroom theory with cultural practice. From political discourse to explorations of literature and philosophy, Milan becomes a living extension of the curriculum.

BookCity Milano 2025 Highlights

Some of the key events of BookCity Milano include the opening Ceremony (November 12, Teatro Dal Verme) with writer Colum McCann, exploring human connections, and journalist Cecilia Sala, reporting from global conflict zones, lead discussions on the impact of ideas on society.

On November 15th at Castello Sforzesco will be held a literary Exchange with Göteborg where Milan, as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, hosts Swedish authors Elisabeth Åsbrink and Lydia Sandgren, fostering international literary dialogue. And for the closing Event (November 16, Teatro Franco Parenti), the program includes a thought-provoking discussion on faith in a secular world with writer Javier Cercas and theologian Vito Mancuso, moderated by Agnese Pini.

BookCity Milano also celebrates major literary milestones: the 100th anniversary of Eugenio Montale’s Ossi di seppia, the 150th anniversary of Corriere della Sera, and landmark anniversaries of Feltrinelli, Oscar Mondadori, and GeMS, all accompanied by exhibitions and city-wide events.

Why ESE Milan Stands Out

Milan is a city of opportunities, and ESE Milan ensures students make the most of them. Guided by distinguished faculty and supported by a dedicated staff, students pursue internships and career paths aligned with their talents and ambitions. The school’s international approach, combined with Milan’s cultural richness, allows students to engage directly with global ideas through festivals like BookCity Milano. The experience also includes connecting with professionals in business, finance, and creative industries in a city that balances tradition, culture, and innovation.

At ESE Milan, education extends far beyond the classroom. Students are immersed in Milan’s cultural heartbeat, participating in events that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and leadership. From attending literary debates to networking with industry leaders, Milan becomes both a home and a platform for growth.

Join the MilanESE Experience

BookCity Milano 2025 is free to attend and offers a unique way for students and culture enthusiasts to explore the city’s literary and intellectual vibrancy. For students at ESE Milan, it represents more than a festival—it is a real-world classroom where ideas, creativity, and professional growth intersect.

Discover how ESE Milan creates an educational experience like no other, with direct involvement with the city’s cultural events. Learn more about programs and campus life at the European School of Economics – Milan Campus.