If you are visiting Milan this summer and you are an art lover or somebody who loves museums and culture, this article is for you. I will be sharing with you the best art museums to visit in Milan, Italy.
If you are in a hurry, here is a list of the destinations I’m recommending:
- See Da Vinci’s Last Supper in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
- Visit Sforza Castle
- Discover what’s inside the Leonardo Da Vinci Galleries
- Visit pinacoteca di brera
- La Scala Theatre Museum
- Villa Necchi Campiglio
The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
Da Vinci’s Last Supper is one of the most famous paintings in the world, and it is located in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. I believe that if you visit Milan, seeing the Last Supper is a must-do.
Why is the Last Supper very famous?
The Last Supper is incredibly known for its artistic and historical significance, particularly its depiction of a pivotal moment in Christian tradition. It captures the dramatic scene where Jesus announces his impending betrayal by one of his apostles and the subsequent emotional reactions of the disciples. Beyond its religious context, the painting is celebrated for its innovative composition, use of perspective, and the psychological depth of the figures, according to art historians.
It was also featured in the movie “The Da Vinci Code,” where the painting is supposedly connected to a hidden secret about Christianity.
You can book your ticket here.
Sforza Castle
About a 10-minute drive from the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, you find the Sforza Castle. It is home to several museums, including the Pietà Rondanini-Michelangelo Museum, the Ancient Art Museum, and the Museum of Wooden Sculptures. It is also a beautiful medieval castle that served as a private residence for royalty, a weapons depot, and military barracks. I would hands down consider the Sforza Castle as one of the best art museums to visit in Milan.
You can book your entry ticket here or look for a guided tour of the castle here.
Leonardo Da Vinci Galleries
The Da Vinci galleries are the largest permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci as an engineer and humanist.
If you are a fan of Da Vinci, I recommend visiting the galleries. However, if you are looking for a more exciting art museum experience, I would recommend skipping this one, as it is far more technical and niche.
You can book your ticket here.
Pinacoteca di Brera
The Pinacoteca di Brera is the main public gallery for paintings in Milan, Italy. It contains one of the foremost collections of Italian paintings from the 13th to the 20th century, an outgrowth of the cultural program of the Brera Academy, which shares the site in the Palazzo Brera.
You can book your entry ticket to the gallery here.
La Scala Theatre Museum
Besides the permanent collection of the museum, the theater is regarded as one of the leading opera and ballet theaters globally. The hall is gorgeously beautiful, and the collection is interesting. I would recommend visiting if you are in Milan.
You can book an entrance ticket here, or you can book a guided tour to both the theater hall and the museum here.
Villa Necchi Campiglio
The villa is an architectural masterpiece, and it hosts a significant selection of artworks. This again is a very niche cultural attraction that I would recommend visiting for those who are interested in the history of the family, the building, or the featured collection.
Book your entrance ticket to visit the villa here.
