Octospider – CityLife

ArtLine Milano is an ambitious public art project initiated by the Municipality of Milan, designed to enhance urban spaces through a collection of outdoor artworks. Located in the public park of the CityLife redevelopment area, the project features over twenty permanent artworks that enrich the landscape and foster cultural engagement. Among these works, eight were selected through a competition for artists under 40, while the remaining pieces are created by internationally renowned artists.

In one of its most innovative collaborations, the project has involved architect Margherita Brianza and award-winning artist Jeremy Deller. Together with Kompan, they transformed a sculpture of an octopus, originally conceived for ArtLine Milano, into an interactive and playful art piece. This sculpture, renamed Octospider, was developed starting in 2018 and merges the features of an octopus and a spider into a functional, elegant, and versatile creation.

The Octospider structure, rising up to 7.80 meters, features a central section resembling the head of an octopus, from which extends a 4-meter-high slide painted in vibrant pink. Both the central body and the slide are made of steel, ensuring durability and strength. The lower part of the sculpture includes various climbing nets and membranes for sliding, arranged to resemble the legs of a spider, offering numerous play opportunities.

This play area will accommodate up to 70 children simultaneously and provide nine different types of recreational activities, designed to stimulate children’s imagination and motor skills. With its innovative design and multifunctional features, the Octospider represents a significant addition to the ArtLine Milano project, enhancing the city’s cultural and recreational offerings.

To date, the park has not yet been opened to the public; the City of Milan, which owns the area, plans to inaugurate it in 2025.