​Long-standing Milan venue Leoncavallo is under threat of eviction

One of Milan’s longest-running grassroots music venues Leoncavallo is under threat of eviction following a court ruling against Italy’s Ministry of the Interior.

Leoncavallo, which has operated in the city’s Casoretto district for almost 50 years, says that the Civil Court of Milan condemned the Viminale to pay €3 million to the owners of the building in a recent court ruling.

A judicial officer will attempt eviction proceedings on Tuesday, December 10, Leoncavallo said. The venue has operated as a self-managed social centre since 1975, when it was first occupied by anti-fascist squatters.

“This has placed Leoncavallo in grave danger, threatening its very existence,” the venue said in an Instagram post last week. “Milan without Leoncavallo is unimaginable. We can and must defend it!”

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Speaking to Mixmag, the venue said: “Leoncavallo is a unique experience, where self-management, solidarity and inclusion have given life to a living space, a concrete alternative to individualism and speculation. Its cultural and political value is inestimable."

Leoncavallo was first taken over by squatters in 1975, and in its almost 50 years, has been through occupations, partial demolition, a rebuilding, eviction, and relocation. The original 3,600 square metre warehouse was formerly owned by three companies, but was occupied after being abandoned for several years.

Artists who have recently performed at the venue include Om Unit, DJ Storm, dBridge, Mike Paradinas, Yushh, Peverelist, Shackleton, Tasha, Jamz Supernova, and more.

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“Once again, Leoncavallo’s future hangs in the balance,” they said. “A long history of political struggle, the fight for informal social spaces, self-management, and radical critical culture is at risk of being cut short.”

They went on: “For 50 years, Leoncavallo has stood as a symbol of resistance, practicing self-management and fostering an inclusive, solidarity-driven vision of society. It embodies the belief that daily actions define emancipatory horizons and that a just, attainable society can be built here and now.”

Leoncavallo is urging supporters to stand in protest of its eviction at the venue on Tuesday, December 10, at 9:AM. “We need everyone, in person, at Leoncavallo,” they said.

Read the full post from Leoncavallo below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter