Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami Transform Milan’s Trams into Immersive Art Experiences
In a bold move that blends luxury, art, and urban culture, Louis Vuitton has partnered with renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami to transform two historic trams in Milan into vibrant, immersive spaces. This unique activation, running until January 28, 2025, celebrates the 20th anniversary of their iconic collaboration, bringing a playful yet sophisticated touch to the heart of the italian fashion capital.
The trams, made available by the Milanese Transport Company (ATM), were originally designed in the 1920s. Now, they’ve been reimagined with colorful elements of the Louis Vuitton monogram and Murakami’s signature smiley flower, creating a striking fusion of heritage and contemporary art.
The Café Tram and Cinema Tram: A Journey Through Art and Culture
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Departing from a customized bus shelter on Piazza Fontana, the Louis Vuitton Café Tram offers a literary café experience dedicated to Japanese culture. Its candy pink interior, adorned with Murakami’s whimsical designs, invites passengers to immerse themselves in a world of art and literature.
Meanwhile, the Louis Vuitton Cinema Tram, departing from Piazza Castello, features a blue-themed interior equipped with benches and screens. Here, passengers can enjoy remastered versions of Murakami’s short films, Superflat Monogram and Superflat First Love, originally created for Louis Vuitton in 2003 and 2009. These films, known for their vibrant visuals and playful narratives, perfectly complement the tram’s artistic transformation.
A Festivity of 20 Years of Collaboration
This activation is part of a broader campaign marking the 20th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collaboration. Earlier this year, the partnership was celebrated with an XXL sculpture, projections, and even a distributor of goodies in Paris. The Milan trams represent the latest chapter in this ongoing celebration, blending art, fashion, and urban life in a way that only Louis Vuitton and Murakami can.
How to Experience the trams
the Café Tram and Cinema Tram operate daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Passengers can book their journey directly on the Louis Vuitton website, ensuring a seamless and exclusive experience.
Louis Vuitton’s Outdoor Strategy
This activation is part of Louis Vuitton’s broader strategy to strengthen its outdoor presence. From a carousel at Place Vendôme to a giant trunk on the Champs-Elysées,the brand has been making bold statements in public spaces,sometiems even sparking controversy. The Milan trams, however, are a celebration of art and culture, offering a unique way for the public to engage with the brand.
Key Highlights of the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami Tram Activation
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Trams | Two historic trams from the 1920s, redesigned by Louis Vuitton and Murakami |
| Themes | Café Tram (candy pink, literary café) and cinema Tram (blue, short films)|
| Operating Hours | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Booking | available on the Louis Vuitton website |
| Duration | Until January 28, 2025 |
A Call to Action: Immerse Yourself in Art
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the intersection of luxury, art, and urban culture. Book your journey on the Louis Vuitton Café Tram or Cinema Tram today and be part of a celebration that redefines public spaces.
For more facts, visit the Louis Vuitton website and explore the full range of activations celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collaboration.
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Exploring the Intersection of Art and Urban Culture: A Conversation on Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami’s Milan Tram Activation
In a bold move that blends luxury, art, and urban culture, Louis Vuitton has partnered with renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami to transform two historic trams in Milan into vibrant, immersive spaces. This unique activation, running until January 28, 2025, celebrates the 20th anniversary of their iconic collaboration, bringing a playful yet sophisticated touch to the heart of the Italian fashion capital. To delve deeper into this extraordinary project, we sat down with Dr. Elena Rossi, an art historian and expert on contemporary collaborations between luxury brands and artists.
The Vision Behind the Tram Activation
Senior Editor: Dr. Rossi, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the big picture. What do you think Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami aimed to achieve with this tram activation in Milan?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Thank you for having me. This project is a brilliant example of how art and fashion can transform public spaces into immersive experiences. Louis Vuitton and Murakami have a long history of collaboration, and this activation is a celebration of their 20-year partnership. By reimagining these historic trams, they’re not only paying homage to Milan’s rich cultural heritage but also inviting the public to engage with art in an unexpected, everyday setting. It’s about democratizing art and making it accessible to everyone, whether they’re art enthusiasts or casual commuters.
The Café Tram: A Literary Oasis
Senior Editor: One of the trams, the Café Tram, is described as a literary café dedicated to Japanese culture. Can you tell us more about its design and significance?
Dr.Elena Rossi: absolutely. The Café Tram is a candy pink wonderland,adorned with Murakami’s signature smiley flowers and playful motifs. It’s designed to evoke a sense of joy and curiosity, much like Murakami’s art. the tram’s interior is a nod to Japanese culture, with books and literature that reflect Murakami’s influences and the broader themes of his work. It’s a space where passengers can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in a world of art and storytelling.This tram is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a cultural experience.
The Cinema Tram: A Moving Theater
Senior Editor: The Cinema Tram offers a different experience, showcasing remastered versions of murakami’s short films. How do these films complement the tram’s design and overall concept?
Dr. Elena Rossi: The cinema Tram is a brilliant fusion of art and technology. The blue-themed interior, with its benches and screens, creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for viewing Murakami’s films. Superflat Monogram and Superflat First Love are vibrant, visually stunning works that reflect Murakami’s signature style—playful, colorful, and deeply layered. These films were originally created for Louis Vuitton, so they’re a natural fit for this collaboration. By bringing them to life in a moving theater, Louis Vuitton and Murakami are offering passengers a unique way to experience art while traversing the city.
Celebrating 20 Years of Collaboration
Senior Editor: This tram activation is part of a broader campaign marking the 20th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collaboration. how does this project fit into the larger narrative of their partnership?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Over the past two decades, Louis Vuitton and Murakami have redefined the relationship between fashion and art. Their collaboration has produced iconic pieces, from handbags adorned with Murakami’s smiley flowers to large-scale installations. This tram activation is a continuation of that legacy, but with a twist—it’s about bringing their art to the streets, literally.By transforming public trams into immersive art spaces, they’re making their collaboration more accessible and interactive. It’s a celebration of their shared history and a bold statement about the future of art and fashion.
Louis Vuitton’s Outdoor Strategy
Senior Editor: This project is part of louis Vuitton’s broader strategy to strengthen its outdoor presence. How do you see this activation contributing to the brand’s identity?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Louis Vuitton has always been a pioneer in blending luxury with innovation. By taking over public spaces—whether it’s a carousel at Place Vendôme or a giant trunk on the Champs-Elysées—the brand is creating memorable, shareable experiences that resonate with a global audience. The Milan trams are a perfect example of this strategy. They’re not just advertisements; they’re cultural landmarks that invite people to engage with the brand in a meaningful way.This activation reinforces Louis Vuitton’s identity as a leader in both fashion and art, while also sparking conversations about the role of luxury in public spaces.
How to Experience the Trams
Senior Editor: For those interested in experiencing the trams, what should they know about booking and timing?
Dr. Elena Rossi: The Café Tram and Cinema Tram operate daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Passengers can book their journey directly on the Louis Vuitton website, which ensures a seamless and exclusive experience. I’d recommend booking early, as these trams are likely to be in high demand.It’s a unique opportunity to be part of a celebration that redefines public spaces and brings art to life in a truly innovative way.
Final Thoughts: A call to Action
Senior Editor: Any final thoughts for our readers who might be considering a visit to Milan to experience this activation?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in a celebration of art, fashion, and urban culture. The Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami tram activation is more than just a ride—it’s an experience that will leave you inspired and in awe of the creative possibilities when two visionary forces come together. Whether you’re a fan of Murakami’s art, a Louis Vuitton enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates innovative public art, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your insights.This has been a fascinating conversation, and I’m sure our readers will be inspired to experience the trams for themselves.
Dr. Elena Rossi: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing this amazing project.
