Art in Milan: 5 Museums to Visit

Discussing museums in Milan is an essential step in giving maximum visibility to one of Italy's most important artistic centers.
Indeed, in addition to being a significant economic hub, Milan is a magical place for those seeking a cultural holiday. But that's not all.

If you're in the city for work, you can break up your schedule with a visit to the main museums in Milan, where you can admire unique works of art.
While art in Rome is certainly the most famous and monumental, with Pompeii and Herculaneum being the most renowned outdoor museums in Italy, Milan also has much to offer in terms of culture.

Would you like to create an artistic itinerary?

Topics:

• The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci
• Museums in Milan: Pinacoteca di Brera
• Grand Museum of the Cathedral of Milan
• Casa-Museo Bagatti Valsecchi
• National Museum of Science and Technology

The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci 

More than just a museum, this is an exhibition dedicated exclusively to a single work. However, it has written entire chapters related to the history of art and beyond. I am referring to The Last Supper, the masterpiece by Leonardo Da Vinci housed in the sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
The uniqueness of this piece—a wall fresco that must be protected with great care to prevent further deterioration—depicts Christ's last supper and is known to all. Each of us seeks  clues and hidden symbols in this representation of the first Eucharist. For believers in the Christian faith, this moment holds great significance.
Please note that to visit the room housing The Last Supper and to avoid long lines or last-minute surprises, you must book on the website several weeks in advance.
You can do this by visiting www.cenacolo.it.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Let’s move from individual exhibitions to one of the most comprehensive and interesting collections in the city.
Among the museums in Milan that attract thousands of tourists daily, the Pinacoteca di Brera is certainly one of the most fascinating attractions, housing precious works by Caravaggio, Giovanni Bellini, and Mantegna. One detail that few are aware of is that the Pinacoteca di Brera is a museum in Milan dedicated solely to painting, apart from a plaster cast by Canova (Napoleon as Mars).
On the other hand, the quality and quantity of the paintings are hard to match: in the various rooms, visitors journey from Lombard painting to Ferrarese Renaissance.
The museum naturally highlights the great names of Italian art that have made the Pinacoteca di Brera a must-see on any artistic itinerary in Milan. Bramante, Raphael, and Piero della Francesca captivate the gaze of art lovers, along with, of course, the Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio.

Great Museum of the Duomo of Milan

Why not combine two landmarks of beauty and art? Piazza Duomo in Milan offers just that: you can visit one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Italy and take a moment to admire the dedicated museum located in the Royal Palace in the same square. Just a few steps and you'll arrive at the entrance to the Museum of the Duomo.

But what can you expect to find in this museum?

The treasure of the Duomo and the works collected over time by the Veneranda Fabbrica, the institution responsible for the construction, restoration, and maintenance of the church. The exhibition follows a chronological path, allowing visitors to explore the stages that have led to the admiration of one of the most important religious buildings in Italy today.
Among the treasures of the Duomo displayed in the museum, you can admire particularly precious liturgical objects such as the Dittico delle cinque parti.

A Visit to the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum

A visit to the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is perfect, as this residence is located on Via Monte Napoleone, the bustling heart of Milan's luxury and shopping scene.
Moreover, it is one of the best-preserved house museums in Europe, making it a must-see.

What is the strength of this establishment?

The curators' ability to bring together the essence of a Renaissance home in one place-from the building itself to the fixtures and decorations, not to mention the artworks.



Entering the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is like taking a step back in time. Honor Hall – Riccardo Trudi Diotallevi Photography


In each room, a balance is created between the furnishings and the works of art. The paintings of Giovanni Bellini, Bernardo Zenale, and Giampietrino (just to name a few) blend seamlessly with the wooden furnishings bringing together pastiglia boxes, glass artifacts, and precious ceramic objects. The true value lies in the ensemble.

The National Museum of Science and Technology "Leonardo da Vinci"

The National Museum of Science and Thechnology is dedicated to showcasing the state of the art. It certainly ranks among the most interesting museums in Milan for exploring the evolution of technology and is beloved not only by the youth but by people of all ages.

One intriguing aspect is the vast range of topics covered. Here, you can find halls dedicated not just to nutrition, but also to physics and particle science. Everyone can discover a subject to delve into, thanks to the efforts of the curators who have infused their passion for science into this Milanese museum.
The section dedicated to Leonardo's machines is particularly fascinating as the genius from Vinci has influenced everything, including applied techniques.




The railway pavilion is dedicated to the technical evolution of rail transport, and don't forget the outdoor spaces of this museum, where you can find the submarine Toti. If you want to explore the technology that allows a machine to submerge into the depths, this is the attraction for you.

If you're short on time in Milan and want to make the most of your visit...