Automatic doors in Milan's historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Inside the famous Vittorio Emanuele II Galleries, in the heart of Milan's Piazza del Duomo, is a historic café that is part of the city's and Italian culture: Motta Milano 1928. Faced with the need to modernise access to the establishment, the project presented a significant challenge: to adapt our solution to an iconic architectural setting, such as the Galleries, as well as to the image and aesthetics of an almost century-old establishment. To renovate its entrances and achieve a solution that respected both characteristics, Manusa installed automatic sliding doors with a central opening and fixed panels. This solution harmonises perfectly with the café’s style and design, providing a more comfortable, accessible and efficient entrance.

This establishment, with almost 100 years of history, stands as an icon of tradition and a symbol of Italian modernity and quality. It is a famous meeting place for locals and thousands of tourists who visit it every day. In fact, one of the most significant challenges has been to adapt to a limited space with a large influx of people. For this reason, the new automatic doors, thanks to their obstacle detection sensors and automatic reopening, ensure the safety of people and the proper functioning of the access. 

Another goal of the project is to reduce energy consumption. Unlike manual doors, automatic doors only open when necessary and do so quickly, preventing climate control losses and achieving significant energy savings.

Automatic doors integrated into a historic setting

Aesthetic integration is essential. Motta Milano 1928 is the work of the Colli Daniel Architetto architectural studio, featuring a contemporary and elegant interior whose design transcends time. Recently, it was transformed into Sal De Riso, a patisserie owned by master pastry chef Salvatore De Riso, while preserving the original aesthetic of the premises. In this setting, the automatic sliding door features transparent profiles at both the top and bottom. This ensures complete integration and reveals the interior's creativity, inviting visitors to come inside. 

The door leaves have been customised with a black lacquered aluminium top and bottom frame, which provides robustness and harmonises with the overall design. The profiles, available in a wide range of colours, can be tailored to each business’s corporate identity. In addition, this finish makes it easier to identify the entrance, minimising the risk of collisions at busy times.

With this renovation, Manusa illustrates how modernity and history can coexist harmoniously, providing automatic door solutions that align with architectural characteristics.