Palazzo Mezzanotte, the historic location of Milan's stock exchange, is a fitting symbol for the city's business vocation. Before the Palazzo was built, trading in commodities, stocks and shares took place in various places, including Piazza dei Mercanti (up until the late 18th century), Foro Bonaparte, Monte di Pietà, Palazzo Giureconsulti, and even Teatro alla Scala.
The Palazzo was built in 1932, with design by architect Paolo Mezzanotte, after whom it was named. Its construction required the demolition of a commercial building and two porticoes with shops, while Palazzo Turati and Galleria Buffoni were conserved. Building was made even more complex by the discovery of the remains of an Ancient Roman theatre during the initial excavations. Amidst all these historical artefacts, the new structure incorporated the latest technology of the day. In fact, when it was inaugurated, it was the only building in Italy to have a simultaneous lift-call system, and an air-conditioning system based on the use of water and steam.
Today, the façade is of exceptional interest, while inside, the original electric display-board has been conserved. In the 1930s it was the largest in Italy, and it enabled the prices of the 78 shares admitted for trading at Milan stock exchange to be displayed and constantly updated.
There is also a large stained glass ceiling depicting the sky and its constellations. It permitted the passage of light into the trading hall, known as the “Sala delle Grida”.
As electronic trading systems progressively developed, the trading floor gradually lost its practical significance. Today it is used as a conference centre. Outside, on a lateral façade, there is a marble slab depicting the plan of the ruins of the Ancient Roman theatre under the building.
The Ancient Roman remains have been excavated, and they can be seen under the ground floor covering in crystal glass and steel.