Milan Travel Guide - Museums & Galleries

Known as the 'Museums of the Centre,’ you can visit the Museum of the Risorgimento as well as the famous Scala opera house, while taking in exhibits of Milan history in other museums along the way.

In Piazza Duomo, you’ll find the Duomo Museum, which features exhibits of tapestries, and the Contemporary Art Museum, which has a wonderful selection of contemporary Italian art.

Memorabilia on exhibit includes the piano on which Verdi learned to play, scores written in his own hand and also the baton, encrusted with jewels, that was presented to him after premiering his triumphant Aida. Other composers, including Puccini, Rossini and Toscanini are honoured here as well.
Largo Ghiringhelli, 1. Open: 09:00 to 12:30; 13:30 to 17:30, daily.

Brera Art Gallery (Pinacoteca di Brera): boasts one of the most important collections of art in Italy. Located in north-east Milan, the gallery’s works are displayed in its 30 rooms. Housed in a 16th-century palace, the works of art here include representative pieces by Caravaggio, Mantegna and Raphael. Temporary exhibits and a number of special events are also featured.
Via Brera, 28. Open: 08:30 to 19:15, Tue to Sun.

Antonio Pollaiolo's ‘Portrait of a Lady,’ which depicts in profile an elegant lady, has come to symbolise the style and elegance of Milan itself. Other famous works here include the ‘Virgin and Child’ by Andrea Mantegna, ‘Ecco Homo’ by Bellini, ‘St Nicholas’ by Piero della Francesca and ‘Gray Lagoon’ by Guardi.
Via Manzoni, 12. Open: 10:00 to 18:00, Tue to Sun.

Leonardo da Vinci National Science and Technology Museum: contains a collection representative of the wide-ranging genius of Leonardo da Vinci in his ingenious designs that includes machines of war, architectural visions and more. In another room, the focus is applied physics, keeping with the museum's overall subject matter of the history of science.
Via San Vittore, 21. Open: 09:30 to 17:00, Tue to Fri; 10:00 to 18:00, weekends and holidays; closed on Mon.