10 Best Museums In Milan

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Milan is a city that is steeped in history, art, and culture, and it is no surprise that it is home to some of the best museums in Italy. With so many museums to choose from during your visit to Milan, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. That is why we have compiled a list of the best museums in Milan to help you plan your itinerary. So, grab your museum tickets and get ready to explore Milan's top museums.

1. Pinacoteca di Brera

If you are an art lover visiting Milan, you cannot afford to miss the Pinacoteca di Brera. This Milan museum is home to some of the world's most stunning and centuries-old paintings from Italian masters, including Caravaggio, Mantegna, and Hayez. It is one of Italy's best art galleries, located in an art school in Milan's "artists neighborhood."

The Pinacoteca di Brera's exquisite collection is housed inside the beautiful late 18th century Palazzo Brera, near Milan's Duomo. The gallery's collection is housed in a 19th-century former monastery. The museum boasts of over 500 masterpieces of Italian art, ranging from the 13th to the 20th century.

The museum's collection is divided into 38 rooms, showcasing works of art from different eras. The Pinacoteca di Brera is not just an art gallery; it is a journey through the history of Italian art. You will see works of art from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical periods.

One of the most famous works of art in the Pinacoteca di Brera is Caravaggio's "Supper at Emmaus." This masterpiece is a representation of the moment when Jesus reveals himself to his disciples after his resurrection. The painting is known for its dramatic use of light and shadow, which is typical of Caravaggio's style.

In addition to Caravaggio's masterpiece, the Pinacoteca di Brera has several other works of art that are worth seeing. You can admire Mantegna's "Dead Christ," which is a realistic representation of the body of Christ after his crucifixion. You can also see Hayez's "The Kiss," which is a romantic painting that depicts two lovers in a passionate embrace.

Contact:

Address: Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Phone: +39 02 7226 3230

2. Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

As a lover of art, you should definitely visit Pinacoteca Ambrosiana while in Milan. Founded in 1618 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo, it houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings. The museum is situated in the heart of Milan and is easily accessible by public transport.

One of the most famous pieces of art in the collection is the Portrait of a Young Woman by Raphael, which is considered one of his most beautiful works. Another must-see is the drawing of the School of Athens, also by Raphael. The museum also has several works by Jan Brueghel, including the Garden of Eden.

In addition to its impressive collection, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is also home to a library that houses over 600,000 books, manuscripts, and documents. The library is open to the public and is a great place to explore if you're interested in history or literature.

The museum is open every day except Wednesday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The entrance fee is reasonable, and you can buy tickets to visit this museum online or at the museum entrance. Guided tours are available in several languages, including English, and are highly recommended if you want to learn more about the artwork on display.

Contact:

Address: Piazza Pio XI, 2, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Phone: +39 02 806921

3. Museo Nazionale Della Scienza E Della Tecnologia 'Leonardo Da Vinci'

If you are a fan of science and technology, you must visit the Museo Nazionale Della Scienza E Tecnologia 'Leonardo Da Vinci'. This museum is one of the largest museums dedicated to science and technology in Italy, and a museum dedicated to the famous painter and scientist Leonardo da Vinci. The museum is located in the ancient monastery of San Vittore al Corpo and features more than 15,000 items, including models based on Leonardo da Vinci's drawings.

The museum is divided into seven main departments, each of which explores a different aspect of science and technology. Some of the departments include materials, transport, energy, communication, and Leonardo da Vinci's drawings. The museum features a vast collection of exhibits, including steam trains, planes, and Italy's first submarine, Enrico Toti.

One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of Leonardo da Vinci's drawings, which includes more than 130 drawings and manuscripts. The collection features some of Leonardo's most famous works, including the Vitruvian Man, the Codex Atlanticus, and the Codex Trivulzianus.

The Museo Nazionale Scienza E Tecnologia 'Leonardo Da Vinci' is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM. It is recommended to book your visit in advance to avoid long queues.

Contact:

Address: Via San Vittore, 21, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Phone: +39 02 485551

4. Museo del Duomo

If you're interested in religious paintings and Lombard Romanesque architecture, you should definitely visit the Museo Del Duomo in Milan. The museum is situated in Piazza del Duomo 12, inside the Royal Palace. It is open every day except on Wednesday from 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. (last ticket is sold at 6.10 p.m.). The tour also includes the Church of San Gottardo in Corte.

The Museo Del Duomo is dedicated to the Cathedral of Milan, also known as Duomo Milan, and it houses a vast collection of artwork and artifacts related to the cathedral's history. The museum is spread across 26 rooms and four floors, and it offers a fascinating insight into the history and construction of the Duomo.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Lombard Romanesque Hall, which showcases the architectural style of Lombardy during the Middle Ages. The hall features a collection of sculptures, paintings, and architectural fragments that date back to the 11th and 12th centuries.

Another must-see exhibit is the Sala delle Colonne, which houses a collection of 16th-century tapestries that depict scenes from the life of Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan. The tapestries are beautifully woven and offer a glimpse into the religious and cultural heritage of Milan.

The Museo Del Duomo also houses the best collection of sculptures, including the famous Rondanini Pietà by Michelangelo. This sculpture is considered to be one of Michelangelo's last works, and it portrays the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus after his crucifixion.

Contact:

Address: P.za del Duomo, 12, 20122 Milano MI, Italy

Phone: +39 02 7202 3375

5. Leonardo3 Museum

If you're a fan of Leonardo da Vinci, the Leonardo3 Museum is a must-visit destination. This innovative museum is entirely devoted to the life and work of the famous Italian polymath, and it offers an interactive journey through working models of his machines and digital restoration of his paintings.

One of the highlights of the Last Supper museum is the chance to see a full-scale reproduction of one of Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpieces, The Last Supper. The Cenacolo Vinciano, which is the original painting, is located in a church in Milan and is not open to the public, so this is your best opportunity to see a faithful representation of this iconic work.

In addition to The Last Supper reproduction, the museum features a wide range of other exhibits related to Leonardo's life and work. You can explore working models of his inventions, including flying machines, war machines, and hydraulic devices. There are also exhibits on his anatomical studies, his work in architecture and engineering, and his contributions to the fields of art and science.

Contact:

Address: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 11, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Phone: +39 02 4951 9981

6. Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano

As an natural history enthusiast, you cannot miss the Museo Civico Di Storia Naturale Di Milano. This museum is one of the largest and most important natural history museums in Italy and is located in the heart of Milan.

The museum has an impressive collection of over 6 million specimens, including fossils, minerals, plants, and animals. The exhibits are organized into different sections, each dedicated to a specific topic. For example, the "Geology" section showcases the geological history of the Earth, while the "Zoology" section displays a vast array of animal species from around the world.

One of the highlights of the museum is the "Leonardo da Vinci" section, which displays the famous artist's anatomical drawings. The section also features a replica of one of da Vinci's flying machines.

The museum also has a planetarium, which offers visitors a chance to explore the wonders of the universe. The planetarium has a state-of-the-art projector, which creates a realistic starry sky.

In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions cover a variety of topics, from the evolution of whales to the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.

Contact:

Address: Corso Venezia, 55, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Phone: +39 02 8846 3337

7. Museo Poldi Pezzoli

If you're looking for an art museum that boasts an impressive collection of art and decorative objects, you should definitely check out the Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan. The museum is located in the heart of the city and is one of the best Milan museums for art lovers.

The Museo Poldi Pezzoli is home to a vast collection of beautiful art and decorative objects, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and furniture. The collection was amassed by Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, one of the most refined art collectors of the 19th century. The museum's collection includes works by some of the most famous artists in history, such as Botticelli, Mantegna, and Piero della Francesca.

In addition to the impressive collection of art, the Museo Poldi Pezzoli is also known for its stunning Art Deco interiors. The museum's rooms are decorated with beautiful frescoes, stucco work, and intricate wood paneling. The museum's Art Deco design is a testament to the tastes of the museum's founder, who was known for his love of beautiful and ornate objects.

If you're a fan of abstract art, you'll be pleased to know that the Museo Poldi Pezzoli also houses a collection of works by the famous Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky. Kandinsky was one of the pioneers of abstract art, and his works are considered some of the most important in the history of modern art.

Contact:

Address: Via Alessandro Manzoni, 12, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Phone: +39 02 794889

8. Villa Necchi Campiglio

If you're interested in exploring the architectural and design history of Milan, Villa Necchi Campiglio is one of the best museums to visit in Milan. Completed in 1935 by the architect Piero Portaluppi, this stunning villa is a prime example of the Art Deco style and is considered one of Milan's most important architectural buildings.

The villa is surrounded by lush, private gardens that include a swimming pool and tennis court, making it a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. As you explore the villa, you'll be transported back to the 1930s and experience the quiet, timeless luxury of an Italian society home from that era.

One of the highlights of Villa Necchi Campiglio is the extensive collection of art and Italian design objects on display throughout the villa. These include works by some of Italy's most renowned artists and designers, including Gio Ponti, Tomaso Buzzi, and Paolo Venini.

Contact:

Address: Via Mozart, 14, 20122 Milano MI, Italy

Phone: +39 02 7634 0121

9. Castello Sforzesco

If you're looking for a museum that has everything, Castello Sforzesco is the place to be. Located in the heart of Milan, this ancient fortress turned museum is a must-see for any art or history lover.

Castello Sforzesco is a massive complex that houses several museums and art collections. The museums cover a wide range of topics, from prehistoric and protohistoric times to contemporary art. The castle also houses the Museum of Ancient Art, which contains an impressive collection of frescoes and sculptures.

One of the highlights of the Sforza Castle is the Royal Palace, which was once the residence of the Visconti and Sforza families. The palace has been beautifully restored and is now open to the public. You can wander through the halls and admire the ornate decorations and furnishings.

Another must-see at Castello Sforzesco is the Sala delle Asse, a room that was painted by Leonardo da Vinci. The room is covered in a stunning fresco of intertwining branches and was once the private chamber of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan.

Castello Sforzesco is also home to several historical sites, including the Torre del Filarete, a tower that was built in the 15th century, and the Porta Sempione, a gate that was built in the 19th century.

Contact:

Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Phone: +39 02 8846 3700

10. La Scala Museum

If you are a music lover visiting Milan, the La Scala Museum is a museum you want to visit. The museum is situated in the famous Teatro alla Scala, one of the world's most renowned opera houses.

La Scala Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of opera, with exhibits showcasing the evolution of musical instruments, costumes, and set designs. You can also see the autographed scores of some of the world's greatest composers, including Verdi, Rossini, and Puccini.

One of the highlights of the museum is the spacious foyer, decorated with columns, chandeliers, and busts of famed composers like Puccini and Toscanini. The museum is accessed through the theatre foyer on the first floor, which is an attraction in its own right.

La Scala Museum is not just for music enthusiasts. The museum also houses a collection of modern art, with works by Italian artists like Lucio Fontana and Giorgio de Chirico.

Contact:

Address: Largo Antonio Ghiringhelli, 1, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Phone: +39 02 8879 7473

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