From Raphael to Caravaggio... the exceptional collections at the Pinacoteca di Brera

Housed in a splendid palace in the Baroque style, the museum is located in a former market-gardening area criss-crossed by canals. The district was originally called Braida, in reference to an enclosed area, before becoming Brera. Legend has it that some works of art were even unloaded by boat in the courtyard of the palace itself.

Built on the site of the former monastery of Santa Maria di Brera Humilati, this building was intended for the Jesuits, who set up a cultural complex with a school, library and astronomical observatory. The architectural complex houses other cultural institutions such as the Lombard Institute of Sciences and Arts, the Academy of Fine Arts, the Astronomical Observatory and the Botanical Garden.

Good to know

This gallery was officially opened in 1810 and was fortunate enough to inherit a magnificent collection created under the influence of Maria Theresa of Austria. Its aim was to provide a selection of edifying works needed for the artistic education of Milan's students. The collection was later enriched under the aegis of Napoleon Bonaparte, when the city became the capital of Italy and he transformed the gallery into a veritable museum. As a mark of his devotion, several statues in his likeness are on display in the gallery.

The Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the most impressive collections in the world. It contains no fewer than 400 Italian works, dating from the late Middle Ages to the 20th century. A victim of its own success, this attraction is one of the must-sees on a trip to Milan, and can therefore be very busy at times.

Not to be missed

Fans of art history will not be disappointed, as the works are arranged in chronological order in the building's 38 rooms. Among the most popular are biblical scenes by Caravaggio, with his unmissable Supper at Emmaus, and The Lamentation over the Dead Christ by the artist Mantegna.

Other famous creations intermingle, such as The Discovery of the Body of Saint Mark by the Venetian artist Tintoretto, The Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael or The Montefeltro Altarpiece by Piero della Francesca, with its surprising perspectives. All the masters of the Renaissance are concentrated here. The most observant will not want to miss the opportunity to contemplate the restorations in progress through the window of the laboratory at the heart of the building.

It's easy to take a relaxing break in the building's pretty botanical garden, whose Latin name we'll spare you. It was Maria Theresa of Austria who founded this little green setting in 1774, an oasis where trees flourish in complete harmony, forming one of the most secret gardens in the city of Lombardy.

Open to the public since 1998, it boasts some monumental trees, including the Ginkgo biloba, which has existed since the garden was created. Among the luxuriant vegetation, you can also see vestiges of the past: the greenhouse and the 18th-century pool.

🚌 How to get there

Located in the popular Brera district 10 minutes' walk from Piazza del Duomo, the monument adjoins the Sforzas' castle.

👛 Price:

• Full: €15

• Reduced : 10 €

⏰ Opening times:

• Tuesday to Thursday: 8.30am - 7.15pm (last entry at 6pm).

• Friday: 8.30am - 4pm (last entry at 2.30pm)

• Saturday and Sunday: 8.30am - 7.15pm (last entry at 6pm)

• Closed on Mondays.

👉 Booking is essential:

We recommend that you book your visit well in advance if you wish to admire the works of Caravaggio, such as The Supper at Emmaus or those of Mantegna, the best known of which is The Lamentation over the Dead Christ. You can find all the information you need in the booking section of the Pinacoteca website.

👉 Accessibility:

The museum benefits from a lift and provides two scooters for visitors with reduced mobility. When you enter the premises, go to the ticket office to borrow them.

The gallery does not currently offer guided tours for blind or partially sighted visitors.

Sanitary measures:

To welcome its visitors, the museum has set up a compulsory entrance to control access to the building. Hydro-alcoholic gel dispensers are scattered throughout and common areas are cleaned regularly.

The Biosseri restaurant offers high-quality recipes in an open kitchen, creating a friendly atmosphere. The suggestions on the menu brighten up our taste buds and whet our appetites. The chef combines raw materials with innovation to surprise us with every bite: we'll come back for more!

Just opposite the gallery, on the corner of Via Brera and Via Fiori Chiari to be precise, you'll find the small but friendly Brera pub. Locals like to go there for a drink at the end of the day or a quick lunch.

📍 Address: 23 Via Brera, Milan (20121)

⏰Opening times: open every day from 6am to 2am