At the end of the 19th century, in the middle of the industrial revolution, a company was set up to manufacture, repair and sell materials for trains and trams in a semi-central area of Milan. Its buildings, damaged by WWII, were demolished creating a huge open area that the City Council has developed into a youth centre for artistic production and experimental workshops covering music, design, visual arts, theatre, dance and cinema.

Safeguarding the basic industrial appearance, some of the original warehouses are now used for cultural events, fashion shows and as film sets. With a gross surface area of 14,000 square meters, La Fabbrica del Vapore is an animated spot during all year.