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Gae Aulenti was born in Italy in 1927. He trained between Florence and Turin. After the war, she moved to Milan to study architecture at the Politecnico di Milano, where she graduated in 1953. She worked as a graphic designer and editor for Casabella-Continuità magazine until 1965.

Her interest in industrial design led her to collaborate with the most renowned companies, designing furniture that quickly became iconic, using the most diverse materials. From the April folding chair for Zanotta (1964) to the Jumbo marble table for Knoll (1965), the 4794 polyurethane chair for Kartell (1974) and the wheeled table for Fontana Arte (1980), inspired by an industrial trolley used by the company and which is part of MoMA's design collection. During this time, Aulenti dedicated herself to interior design and renovations; this period is marked by her collaboration with Olivetti, for which she renovated the Paris showroom in 1966-1967, dealing with both architecture and design (with the famous Pipistrello lamp), and designed the Buenos Aires showroom (1968).

Passionate about her profession and keen to share her knowledge, she lectures at various universities around the world (Italy, Sweden, USA, etc.). She likes to multiply her projects, which is why she has dedicated herself to designing private and public spaces, such as the National Palace in Barcelona in 1976. In 1987, François Mitterrand awarded her the Légion d'honneur.

In the 1980s, she designed high-profile museum installations such as the Musée d'Orsay (1980-1986), the Musée National d'Art Moderne at the Centre Pompidou (1982-1985) in Paris and the renovation of Palazzo Grassi in Venice (1985-1986). He was responsible for the refurbishment of Piazzale Cadorna in Milan (2000) and the renovation of the Palavela in Turin for the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Gae Aulenti is one of the greatest designers of the 20th century.