The history of a place
growing with the territory
Inaugurated on 24 November 1998, Oriocenter has transformed itself from an ambitious real estate gamble into one of Italy's largest shopping centres, thanks to two major expansions and a far-sighted entrepreneurial vision.
The origins of a dream (1996-1998)
In the mid-1990s, in a then peripheral area of Bergamo, an ambitious project took shape: to create a large shopping centre capable of attracting not only local visitors, but visitors from all over Lombardy.
The idea stems from a clear vision: to unite fashion, design, catering and entertainment under one roof, following a model inspired by American malls but with the elegance and quality typical of Made in Italy.
After two years of construction, Oriocenter officially opened to the public on 24 November 1998. With its bright spaces, international brands and a commercial proposal never seen before in the area, it immediately became a symbol of modernity and local economic development.
The years of growth and consolidation (1999-2009)
In the first ten years of its existence, Oriocenter experienced steady growth. The number of visitors increases rapidly, as does the centre's nationwide reputation.
In 2004, a first expansion was realised, bringing new shops, larger spaces and an even more diversified offer.
During this period, Oriocenter became a real “meeting point” for the province of Bergamo: a place where people could spend their free time, meet up, and enjoy a complete experience made up of shopping, dining and services.
Attention to architectural details and the quality of the brands housed consolidates the centre's reputation as a destination of excellence for shopping in Lombardy.
The leap towards modernity (2010-2017)
With the start of the new decade, the management of Oriocenter is embarking on a path of profound renewal. The aim is to transform the centre into a contemporary destination, in line with new consumer habits and the expectations of an increasingly international public.
In 2017, a new wing was inaugurated that revolutionised the face of Oriocenter: the total area exceeded 100,000 square metres, the shops became more than 280, and spaces dedicated to high-end entertainment and catering were introduced.
This expansion marks a turning point: Oriocenter becomes one of the largest and most innovative malls in Europe, capable of fusing physical and digital experiences, and setting a benchmark for a new retail concept.
An experience that goes beyond shopping (2018-2022)
After the 2017 expansion, Oriocenter evolves into a true “shopping city”. The opening of the multiplex cinema with IMAX technology, the creation of themed food areas, seasonal events, cultural initiatives and art installations make every visit a multi-sensory experience.
Oriocenter thus becomes a place to live, not just to visit: a meeting point for families, tourists, workers and students.
Its strategic location - just a few metres from Bergamo airport and connected by a pedestrian walkway - strengthens the link between mobility, tourism and commerce, contributing to the development of a new way of understanding leisure time.
25 years of innovation and a look to the future (2023-present)
In 2023 Oriocenter celebrates its first twenty-five years with a calendar of events dedicated to visitors and the people who made it great. It is an opportunity to look back with pride, but above all to project into the future: a future made of sustainability, digitalisation and new services dedicated to the customer experience.
Today, Oriocenter continues to renew itself, introducing advanced technological solutions, energy efficiency projects and collaborations with international brands.
Its role goes far beyond that of a shopping centre: it is a dynamic ecosystem, a magnet for the area and a meeting point for people, ideas and innovation.
