Apple Store at Milan's Piazza Liberty set to open July 26

Apple held an "employee preview" Tuesday for the Piazza Liberty store, which is located next to a giant plaza, as well as a large glass fountain. Designed by Foster + Partners and located on the former site of the Apollo Spazio Cinema, the Milan store is one of the more ambitious architectural undertakings among Apple Store locations.

The company had been using art to promote the new store, leading up to its opening.

There are 16 Apple Stores in Italy; Apple's first store in that country opened in Rome in 2007. Apple is also hosting a developer academy in Italy this year.

"There's no better expression of our vision for Apple stores serving as modern-day gathering places than Apple Piazza Liberty," Angela Ahrendts, Apple's senior vice president of Retail, said as part of the announcement. "In a city with such rich history of art, entertainment and creativity, it's an honor to establish a space where anyone can be inspired to learn, create and connect with their neighbors."