The exhibition was originally established in 1923 as a biennial architecture and industrial design event. The first five editions took place in
Monza. In 1933 the exhibition was relocated to Milan and the format was changed to a triennial basis. The designated venue was the new Palazzo dell’Arte designed by architect
Giovanni Muzio, featuring
Gio Ponti's
Torre Branca. The Triennial was recognised by the
Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) in 1933. Other artists who exhibited their work at the Triennial over the years include
Lucio Fontana,
Enrico Baj,
Arturo Martini,
Gio Pomodoro,
Alberto Burri,
Mario Merz,
Giulio Paolini and
Michelangelo Pistoletto. The Triennial was discontinued three times in 1940, 1973 and 1996. ==List of triennials==