This April, MENU, designed by Bodo Sperlein, returned to Milan Design Week, offering a bold and immersive exploration of design through the lens of a banquet – not in the traditional culinary sense, but as a celebration of craftsmanship, materiality, and innovation. Within the soaring walls of All Saints Anglican Church in Brera, a space rich in history and tranquillity, a contemporary dining hall emerged. Here, each design element – like a carefully selected ingredient – came together in perfect harmony, creating an experience far greater than the sum of its parts.

At the heart of this grand setting was a striking 7-metre-long sculptural table. Its fluid, biomorphic curves recall the elegance of a lavish dining table, inviting visitors to gather around and immerse themselves in the beauty of fine materials. This centrepiece was meticulously set with Bodo Sperlein’s latest bone china collection for Dibbern, Juno, a testament to delicate craftsmanship and refined luxury. Each piece of Dibbern Fine Bone China, known for its remarkable translucency and durability, enhanced the tactile beauty of the space, reinforcing an atmosphere that is grounded and inspiring.

Schotten & Hansen’s modular wood veneer wall system, designed by Bodo Sperlein specifically for the MENU exhibition, defined the space with a room-within-a-room concept, enveloping visitors in an intimate and refined setting. These wood-panelled walls featured intricate intarsia woodwork detailing, showcasing the brand’s dedication to artisanal precision. This deep materiality extends to the lighting installations as Lobmeyr’s exquisite glass and brass chandeliers bring a refined brilliance to the space by seamlessly merging heritage techniques with contemporary artistry. Debuted at MENU, Lobmeyr’s new, elaborate organic floral light, Orchid by Bodo Sperlein, added a poetic, nature-inspired presence to the exhibition. Alongside this were lighting designs from LZF - the Osca, Voliere, and Arabesque chandeliers. Designed by Bodo Sperlein, Arabesque casts an ethereal, flowing illumination - its sculptural form explores the interplay of light, shape, and natural materials, evoking movement and grace. Together, these lighting elements created a luminous dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Further enriching the sensory experience, GAN Rugs’ Botanica collection, introduced layers of texture and softness underfoot. Inspired by the organic forms of nature, this rug brought an organic richness to the space, mirroring the fluidity and artistry present throughout the exhibition. Before stepping inside, visitors encountered Edelgrund’s kilim rug designs, which set a serene and welcoming tone. Their traditional patterns inspired by Persian heritage, woven in multiple colours, create an atmosphere of tranquillity. On the terrace, Azado’s grills and outdoor kitchens celebrated connection and heritage, offering a taste of the exhibition’s overarching theme before guests enter the church.

With a curated selection of lighting, furniture, and objets d’art, MENU created a compelling narrative of materiality, craftsmanship, and innovation, uniting heritage with modernity. The esteemed lineup of brands – including Schotten & Hansen, Lobmeyr, Dibbern, LZF, Edelgrund, Bodo Sperlein and Gan Rugs – demonstrated the power of collaboration, where exceptional materials and artistry merge to create something truly extraordinary.

Set within the historic surroundings of All Saints Anglican Church in Brera, MENU was based in a unique setting that enhances the dialogue between tradition and contemporary design. It was an invitation to pause, admire, and rediscover how thoughtful craftsmanship shapes not only our surroundings but also the way we connect – with objects, with spaces, and with one another.

MENU was open to visitors at All Saints Anglican Church, Via Solferino 17, Brera, during Milan Design Week 2025.