Art is something to appreciate in every form, and there’s lots of it to see in Milan! From the beginning of time to the modern day, here are four prominent places to see art attractions in Milan.
1. Pinacoteca di Brera
The Brera Picture Gallery was founded In 1809 by Napoleon I and has been established as one of Italy’s largest art galleries. It’s home to many artistic pieces from several different periods, such as Quattrocento, Rocco, Baroque and Renaissance. It also contains a range of newer collections from the Romantic era, as well as the avant-garde and Modernism periods. The museum is located within the Palazzo Brera, which is a Neoclassical structure built in the 18th century. It acted as a Jesuit college, the Academy of Fine Arts and the Braidense National Library. With all of the above to consider, Palazzo Brera and its gallery ensure an insightful visit!
2. Triennale di Milano
Taking a more modern approach when it comes to art, the Triennale Design Museum is home to contemporary art, design and architecture. Instead of having a fixed collection, it switches out exhibitions to regularly refresh the artwork present. The museum works to bring insight to its visitors, to evoke emotions and opinions relating to the works presented before them. This museum is the first of its kind in Italy – it’s defined by its regular thematic changes. Alongside it, there’s also the Studio Museo Achille Castiglioni, where visitors can find a mine of information, designs, photos, books, magazines, and a range of other exhibitions and resources on art and design. The museum hosts a range of activities and workshops throughout the year, why not go along and unleash your creativity? When in Milan and all that!
3. Milan Cathedral
Not your typical museum scenario, but we couldn’t exactly leave out the Milan Cathedral! If statues are your thing, then this is the place to be. Milan Duomo is decorated by a record number of 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures. Crazy, right? One that’s a must-see is the famous Madonnina, which is a gold-toned figure of Mary placed at the tallest spire of the cathedral. Art is everywhere from the second you step into the Milan Cathedral, from the intricately tiled floors to the multi-tonal stained-glass windows throughout. As the fifth largest Christian church in the world, it’s definitely one to tick off your bucket list! If you’re interested in visiting, you can book here for a Milan Cathedral tour.
4. MUDEC
One of Milan’s newest museums, Museo delle Culture hones in on the cultures of the word, as well as how these cultures connect with and are represented within the city of Milan. Its collections are taken from different governmental agencies throughout the city and consist of donations from the 19th century to the present day. These pieces were donated from a variety of sources, such as collectors, explorers, scholars, missionaries, and sometimes war and colonialism. Said pieces also come from a wide range of locations, such as Africa, America, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle and Far East. Expertly designed with an industrial feel in mind, a visit to this museum is a must for fans of modern art.
Here’s a few more art attraction spots in Milan:
- The Last Supper
- Sforza Castle
- Fondazione Prada
- Museo del Novecento
- Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano
- Museo Poldi Pezzoli
- Villa Necchi Campiglio
- Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
- Gallery of Modern Art
- Museum of the 20th Century
Vacationing in Milan? Don’t forget to check our range of Milan tours!
