21 Best Museums in Milan (2025): Tickets, Free Days & Tips

by Luca | Last Updated September 26, 2025

When people think of Milan, they often picture high fashion, luxury shopping, and sleek skyscrapers. But beyond the catwalks and design showrooms, Milan is also one of Italy’s great cultural capitals — home to an extraordinary range of museums that tell the story of art, history, science, and innovation.
From Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper to futuristic installations at Fondazione Prada, Milan’s museum scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself.
I’ve always believed that Milan is best understood through its museums. The first time I visited, I was drawn to the Pinacoteca di Brera, where masterpieces by Raphael and Caravaggio seem to whisper centuries of history.
On later trips, I found myself wandering through the Museo del Novecento, marveling at bold Futurist works, or taking children to the Science and Technology Museum, where interactive exhibits made learning irresistible. Each museum visit showed me a new side of Milan — refined, experimental, sometimes quirky, but always unforgettable.
What makes Milan’s museums so special is their variety. You can step into a Renaissance palace filled with masterpieces in the morning, admire cutting-edge contemporary art in the afternoon, and finish your day with an evening stroll past Roman ruins or industrial spaces turned into galleries. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, design enthusiast, or family traveler, Milan’s museums have something for you.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best museums in Milan to visit in 2025 — from world-famous highlights to smaller hidden gems. So grab your notebook, charge your camera, and get ready to explore Milan’s cultural treasures.
Map of the Best Museums in Milan
To help you plan your itinerary, here’s a map of the 21 best museums in Milan mentioned in this guide. You can zoom in, move around, and click on each pin to see the museum’s name and location.
How to use the map:
- Zoom in/out with your fingers or mouse to explore neighborhoods.
- Click on pins to view museum names and addresses.
- Use the map to see which museums are close to each other — for example, the Duomo area has the Museo del Novecento and Museo del Duomo within a few steps, while the Brera district is perfect to pair with the Pinacoteca di Brera.
👉 This map makes it easy to group museums by area, saving you time and transport costs during your trip.
Must-See Museums in Milan
Pinacoteca di Brera

The Pinacoteca di Brera is Milan’s most prestigious art gallery and a must for anyone who loves Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Housed in a grand 17th-century palace, the gallery holds works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Mantegna, Bellini, and Piero della Francesca. Standing in front of Raphael’s Marriage of the Virgin or Caravaggio’s Supper at Emmaus is an unforgettable experience — it feels like stepping into the very heart of Italian art history.
🎟️ Tickets: €15 standard, free for under 18s; discounts available for EU students under 26. Free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
📍 Address: Via Brera 28, 20121 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 8:30 am – 7:15 pm (closed Mondays).
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 3 (Yellow) to Montenapoleone or Line 2 (Green) to Lanza.
What makes this museum even more special is its location in the Brera district, one of Milan’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. After your visit, you can wander cobblestone streets lined with cafés, artisan shops, and street artists. I like to spend half a day here — the museum in the morning, followed by lunch and people-watching in Brera’s charming piazzas.
Museo del Novecento

If the Pinacoteca di Brera takes you deep into Italy’s Renaissance roots, the Museo del Novecento brings you into the modern era. Opened in 2010 inside the futuristic Palazzo dell’Arengario right next to the Duomo, this museum celebrates 20th-century Italian art with a strong focus on the Futurist movement. Works by Boccioni, Carrà, and De Chirico dominate the collection, alongside pieces by international icons like Picasso, Kandinsky, and Matisse.


One of my favorite parts of this museum is its layout — spiral ramps and airy galleries that guide you naturally through decades of experimentation. The big windows also offer spectacular views of Piazza del Duomo, so you can enjoy Milan’s Gothic masterpiece framed by modern art. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a quick hour or an entire afternoon, depending on your interest.
🎟️ Tickets: €10 standard, reduced €8, free for under 18s and on the first Sunday of the month.
📍 Address: Via Marconi 1, 20122 Milan (Piazza del Duomo).
🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 am – 7:30 pm; Thursday until 10:30 pm (closed Mondays).
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 1 (Red) or Line 3 (Yellow) to Duomo.
If you’re short on time in Milan, this is one of the easiest museums to fit in — it’s right by the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. I often recommend combining it with a visit to the cathedral or a walk through the square.
Castello Sforzesco Museums

The Castello Sforzesco is more than just a fortress — it’s a cultural hub with a collection of museums that cover everything from ancient art to musical instruments. Built in the 15th century by the powerful Sforza family, the red-brick castle itself is free to enter if you just want to stroll through its courtyards. But for a deeper dive, the museums inside are worth the small ticket price.
Highlights include the Pietà Rondanini, Michelangelo’s final unfinished masterpiece, housed in a dedicated space that gives you a rare, intimate look at the artist’s last work. The Museum of Ancient Art features Roman artifacts and medieval sculptures, while the Museum of Musical Instruments is a treat for anyone who loves music history.
You’ll also find collections of furniture, applied arts, and even Egyptian antiquities. It feels like walking through Milan’s entire timeline in one place.
🎟️ Tickets: €5 standard, €3 reduced; free for under 18s and on the first Sunday of the month. The courtyards are always free.
📍 Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Museums open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 am – 5:30 pm (closed Mondays). Courtyards open daily 7:00 am – 7:30 pm.
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 1 (Red) to Cairoli or Line 2 (Green) to Lanza.
Whenever I visit, I like to plan extra time for Parco Sempione, the beautiful park just behind the castle. It’s the perfect place to relax after exploring the collections and to enjoy one of Milan’s best free outdoor spaces.
Santa Maria delle Grazie (The Last Supper)

No museum in Milan is more famous than the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece, The Last Supper. Technically part of a Dominican convent rather than a museum, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most sought-after cultural experiences in Italy.
Seeing The Last Supper in person is unforgettable. The painting is larger than most expect, stretching across the wall of the convent’s dining hall. Despite centuries of damage and restoration, the intensity of Leonardo’s work still captures visitors today. Only a small group is allowed in at a time, with visits limited to 15 minutes, which makes the experience feel exclusive and almost sacred.
🎟️ Tickets: €15 standard, €2 reduced (EU youth 18–25). Booking is mandatory, often months in advance.
📍 Address: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie 2, 20123 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 8:15 am – 7:00 pm (closed Mondays).
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 1 (Red) to Conciliazione or Line 2 (Green) to Cadorna. From the Duomo, it’s about a 20-minute walk.
Tip: Tickets sell out quickly, so book as early as possible online. If you can’t get one, don’t skip the church itself — entry to Santa Maria delle Grazie is free, and the Renaissance architecture is beautiful in its own right.
Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science & Technology

The Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci is Italy’s largest science and technology museum — and one of the most fascinating in Europe. Housed in a former 16th-century monastery, it combines history with hands-on exhibits, making it perfect for both curious adults and families with children.
The museum’s highlight is its section dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions. Using his original drawings, engineers and artists have built life-size models of his flying machines, bridges, and war devices. Walking among these reconstructions, you really see how ahead of his time Leonardo was. Beyond this, the museum features galleries on space exploration, physics, communication, and transportation, including an impressive submarine and old locomotives in its outdoor pavilions.
🎟️ Tickets: €10 standard, €7.50 reduced, free for under 18s on the first Sunday of the month.
📍 Address: Via San Vittore 21, 20123 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday–Sunday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm (closed Mondays).
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 2 (Green) to Sant’Ambrogio. It’s about a 15–20 minute walk from the Duomo.
I always recommend this museum for families, but even as an adult, I found it inspiring. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours discovering something new, from Leonardo’s genius to the marvels of modern technology.
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Art Museums & Galleries
Gallerie d’Italia


Located right on Piazza della Scala, just across from the famous opera house, the Gallerie d’Italia is one of Milan’s most elegant museums. Set inside three neoclassical palaces, the galleries showcase an impressive collection of Italian art from the nineteenth and 20th centuries, with a strong emphasis on works from Lombardy.
The highlights include masterpieces by Canova, Hayez, and Segantini, alongside more modern pieces that reflect Italy’s evolving artistic identity. The building itself is part of the charm — wandering through its ornate halls feels like stepping into Milan’s aristocratic past. One of my favorite details is how the museum combines historical grandeur with contemporary curation, making each room feel alive.
🎟️ Tickets: €10 standard, €8 reduced; free for under 18s. Occasionally free on the first Sunday of the month.
📍 Address: Piazza della Scala 6, 20121 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 9:30 am – 7:30 pm (closed Mondays).
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 1 (Red) to Duomo or Line 3 (Yellow) to Montenapoleone. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the Duomo.
Tip: Combine the visit here with a stop at Teatro alla Scala next door. Even if you don’t have opera tickets, the La Scala Museum (covered later in this guide) offers a peek behind the curtain of Milan’s legendary opera house.
Museo Poldi Pezzoli

If you love intimate museums that feel more like stepping into someone’s home than a gallery, the Museo Poldi Pezzoli is a must. This elegant 19th-century mansion once belonged to Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, a Milanese nobleman and passionate art collector. Today, his private collection is open to the public and offers a refined, personal glimpse into Milan’s aristocratic past.
Inside, you’ll find masterpieces by Botticelli, Bellini, and Mantegna, along with a dazzling array of decorative arts — from medieval armor and watches to textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. The rooms are arranged to reflect the atmosphere of a noble residence, making the visit feel like a walk through history. I especially enjoyed the armory room, where suits of armor are displayed dramatically in dim lighting, almost like a movie set.
🎟️ Tickets: €14 standard, €10 reduced, free for under 18s. Included in some city passes.
📍 Address: Via Manzoni 12, 20121 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Thursday–Monday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 3 (Yellow) to Montenapoleone or Line 1 (Red) to Duomo. It’s also just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo.
Tip: The Poldi Pezzoli is right near Via Montenapoleone, Milan’s luxury shopping street. Even if you’re not shopping for designer brands, the area itself is fun to stroll through after your museum visit.
PAC – Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea
For those who want to experience Milan’s cutting-edge art scene, the PAC (Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea) is the place to go. Located next to the Villa Reale and the Modern Art Gallery, this pavilion is dedicated entirely to contemporary art, with rotating exhibitions that feature both Italian and international artists.
PAC doesn’t have a permanent collection — instead, it’s known for its temporary exhibitions, which can range from bold installations to thought-provoking photography. I once visited an exhibition here that transformed the entire space into a walk-through sensory experience, complete with sound and light — something completely different from the city’s classical galleries. This is what makes PAC exciting: every visit is unique.
🎟️ Tickets: €8 standard, €6.50 reduced, free for under 18s and on the first Sunday of the month.
📍 Address: Via Palestro 14, 20121 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 9:30 am – 7:30 pm; Thursday until 10:30 pm (closed Mondays).
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 1 (Red) to Palestro. From the Duomo, it’s about a 15-minute walk through Corso Venezia.
Tip: Since PAC is right next to the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and the gardens of Villa Reale, it’s easy to make a cultural afternoon out of this area. Even if you don’t go inside the Modern Art Gallery, the gardens are free to stroll and worth a visit.
Fondazione Prada
The Fondazione Prada is where Milan’s contemporary art scene reaches its boldest expression. Opened in 2015 in a renovated distillery in the southern part of the city, the complex blends industrial architecture with futuristic design by Rem Koolhaas and OMA. Even if you’re not usually a fan of contemporary art, the space itself is worth the trip — it’s one of the most Instagrammed spots in Milan thanks to its golden tower and sleek lines.
Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibitions of contemporary and experimental art, ranging from multimedia installations to boundary-pushing sculptures and photography. One of the highlights is the Haunted House, a four-story building with permanent works by artists like Robert Gober and Louise Bourgeois. The contrast between the industrial rawness of the old factory and the high-gloss modern additions creates a unique atmosphere.
🎟️ Tickets: €15 standard, €12 reduced; free for under 18s. Entry to the tower is included.
📍 Address: Largo Isarco 2, 20139 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Monday–Thursday closed; Friday 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Saturday–Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 3 (Yellow) to Lodi T.I.B.B., then a 10-minute walk. From the Duomo, it’s a short metro ride (about 15 minutes).
Tip: Don’t miss the quirky on-site café, Bar Luce, designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson. It feels like stepping into one of his movie sets, complete with pastel colors and vintage details. Even if you skip the exhibitions, grabbing a coffee here is a fun experience.

MUDEC – Museum of Cultures
The MUDEC (Museo delle Culture) is one of Milan’s most innovative museums, dedicated to the study and display of global cultures. Opened in 2015, it’s housed in a striking glass-and-steel building in the Tortona design district, an area known for creativity and fashion. MUDEC’s mission is to highlight the connections between Milan and the wider world, making it a fascinating stop for anyone who loves anthropology, history, or cultural exchange.
The permanent collection includes thousands of objects from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania, many of which were brought to Milan during centuries of trade and exploration. Temporary exhibitions are often the real highlight, showcasing themes like ancient civilizations, contemporary design, or the cultural impact of global icons. I once visited an exhibition here about Japanese art and anime that drew huge crowds and offered an unexpected twist on Milan’s art scene.
🎟️ Tickets: Permanent collection is free. Temporary exhibitions vary in price (usually €12–€15).
📍 Address: Via Tortona 56, 20144 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Monday closed; Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Thursday until 10:30 pm.
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 2 (Green) to Porta Genova, then a 10-minute walk. From the Duomo, you can walk in about 25 minutes or take tram line 14.
Tip: MUDEC is in the heart of the Tortona district, one of Milan’s trendiest neighborhoods. If you visit during Milan Design Week, this whole area comes alive with installations, pop-ups, and events — many of them free.
History & Culture Museums
Archaeological Museum of Milan
The Civic Archaeological Museum is one of Milan’s hidden gems, tucked inside the former Monastery of San Maurizio along Corso Magenta. Its collection spans the ancient civilizations that shaped Northern Italy, with Greek vases, Etruscan artifacts, and Roman sculptures. The highlight is its outdoor courtyard, where you can see the remains of the Roman city walls and a medieval tower that still stands tall. It’s a fascinating stop for history buffs who want to connect with Milan’s roots as Mediolanum, the Roman capital of northern Italy.
🎟️ Tickets: €5 standard, free on the first Sunday of the month.
📍 Address: Corso Magenta 15, 20123 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (closed Mondays).
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 1 (Red) to Cadorna or Line 2 (Green) to Sant’Ambrogio.
Museo del Risorgimento
Italy’s path to unification is brought to life at the Museo del Risorgimento, located in the historic Palazzo Moriggia. This museum tells the story of Italy’s 19th-century independence movement through weapons, uniforms, paintings, and documents.
Portraits of heroes like Garibaldi and Cavour line the walls, and the displays show how Milan played a central role in shaping modern Italy. While less famous than art museums, it’s a rewarding stop for anyone curious about Italian history.
🎟️ Tickets: €5 standard; free on the first Sunday of the month.
📍 Address: Via Borgonuovo 23, 20121 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (closed Mondays).
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 3 (Yellow) to Montenapoleone.
Museo della Scala (Opera Museum)

For music and theater lovers, the Teatro alla Scala Museum is a must. Attached to the world-renowned opera house, it houses costumes, original instruments, and portraits of legendary singers and composers. Visitors can often sneak a peek into the lavish auditorium, provided rehearsals aren’t in session. The museum highlights La Scala’s global influence on opera and ballet, making it a cultural treasure even if you can’t attend a performance.
🎟️ Tickets: €12 standard, €8 reduced.
📍 Address: Largo Ghiringhelli 1, 20121 Milan (Piazza della Scala).
🕒 Hours: Daily 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (last entry 5:00 pm).
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 1 (Red) to Duomo or Line 3 (Yellow) to Montenapoleone. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Duomo.
Museo del Duomo

Located inside the Palazzo Reale next to the cathedral, the Museo del Duomo tells the story of Milan’s iconic cathedral. Exhibits include original statues, stained-glass windows, and intricate architectural models used in the Duomo’s construction. It’s an excellent way to understand the craftsmanship behind the Gothic masterpiece and a great complement to a visit to the cathedral and rooftop.
🎟️ Tickets: €7 standalone, often included in Duomo combo tickets (Cathedral + Rooftop + Museum).
📍 Address: Piazza del Duomo 12, 20122 Milan.
🕒 Hours: All week 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
🚇 How to get there: Metro Lines 1 (Red) and 3 (Yellow) to Duomo.
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Niche & Quirky Museums
Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano
This lesser-known gem is actually the former apartment of art collectors Antonio Boschi and Marieda Di Stefano. Today, it’s a free museum displaying its private collection of over 300 works by 20th-century Italian artists. Walking through the rooms feels like visiting an art-filled Milanese home — intimate, personal, and inspiring.
🎟️ Tickets: Free.
📍 Address: Via Giorgio Jan 15, 20129 Milan.
🚇 Metro: Line 1 (Red) to Lima.
Bagatti Valsecchi Museum
The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is a Renaissance-style mansion in the Montenapoleone district. Brothers Fausto and Giuseppe Bagatti Valsecchi recreated a 16th-century noble residence, filling it with paintings, tapestries, and antiques. It’s like stepping into a Renaissance fantasy — but right in the middle of Milan’s fashion quarter.
🎟️ Tickets: €12 standard, €8 reduced.
📍 Address: Via Gesù 5, 20121 Milan.
🚇 Metro: Line 3 (Yellow) to Montenapoleone.
Villa Necchi Campiglio

A 1930s architectural jewel, Villa Necchi Campiglio blends Art Deco style with modernist flair. The villa belonged to an upper-class Milanese family and still has its original interiors, pool, and garden. It offers a glimpse into Milan’s glamorous high society between the wars.
🎟️ Tickets: €14 standard, €10 reduced.
📍 Address: Via Mozart 14, 20122 Milan.
🚇 Metro: Line 1 (Red) to San Babila.
Toy & Dolls Museum
For something unusual, head to the Museo del Giocattolo e del Bambolo, which houses thousands of antique toys, dolls, and playthings from different centuries. It’s small but quirky — and kids often love it as much as adults.
🎟️ Tickets: Around €7 (varies with temporary shows).
📍 Address: Via Rodari 3, 20123 Milan.
🚇 Metro: Line 2 (Green) to Sant’Ambrogio.
Free & Discounted Museum Days
Milan may be home to some of Italy’s most prestigious museums, but you don’t always have to pay to enjoy them. With a little planning, you can take advantage of free-entry days and discounts that make exploring the city’s culture more affordable.
First Sunday of the Month
On the first Sunday of every month, many of Milan’s civic museums — including the Museo del Novecento, Castello Sforzesco Museums, and the Archaeological Museum — open their doors for free. Expect larger crowds, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to see world-class collections without spending a cent.
Cultural Nights & Special Events
During events like La Notte dei Musei (Night of Museums) or Milan Design Week, certain museums extend their hours and often waive entry fees. These occasions also include concerts, performances, and special exhibitions, turning a museum visit into a city-wide celebration.
Always-Free Museums
Some gems are free year-round, including Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano and several smaller cultural spaces around the city. Don’t overlook churches like San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, often called the “Sistine Chapel of Milan,” which are free to enter and rival paid attractions.
Discounts & Passes
Most museums offer reduced tickets for students, teachers, seniors, and EU residents under 26. Children under 18 often do enter for free. If you are planning to visit multiple museums, consider the MilanoCard or Museum Pass Milan, which bundles entry and public transport.
Tip: Book ahead when free days coincide with major attractions (like the Last Supper or Brera), as slots sell out quickly.
Best Museums for Families
Milan’s museums aren’t just for art lovers — many are designed to spark curiosity in kids and keep the whole family entertained. If you’re traveling with children, these are the best museums to visit together.
Science & Technology Museum (Leonardo da Vinci)
We’ve already covered it in the “Must-See” list, but it deserves another mention here. With interactive exhibits, models of Leonardo’s inventions, a submarine, and old trains, this museum is hands-on and perfect for children who love to explore.
🎟️ Family-friendly, with reduced tickets for kids.
Natural History Museum


Located in the Indro Montanelli Gardens, the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale is Milan’s answer to a natural history adventure. Kids will love the dinosaur skeletons, animal dioramas, and geology exhibits. It’s an easy way to mix a museum visit with outdoor playtime in the park.
🎟️ Tickets: €5 standard, reduced €3.
📍 Address: Corso Venezia 55.
🚇 Metro Line 1 (Red) to Palestro.
Planetarium (Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli)


Next to the Natural History Museum, the Planetarium offers regular stargazing shows and educational programs about space. With its giant dome, it’s both fun and educational for children and adults alike.
🎟️ Tickets: €5 adults, €3 kids.
Civic Aquarium (Acquario Civico)
Though small, the Civic Aquarium is a hit with younger kids. It features over 100 species of fish and aquatic plants in themed tanks, set inside a beautiful Liberty-style building at the edge of Parco Sempione.
🎟️ Tickets: €5 standard, €3 reduced. Free on the first Sunday of the month.
Family Tip: Many of these attractions are located near parks or open spaces — like the Aquarium in Parco Sempione or the Natural History Museum in the Montanelli Gardens — so you can combine museum time with a picnic or playtime outdoors.
Practical Tips for Visiting Museums in Milan
Book Ahead for Popular Spots
If there’s one rule for museum visits in Milan, it’s this: book early. Tickets for The Last Supper can sell out weeks in advance, especially in spring and summer. The same goes for special exhibitions at Pinacoteca di Brera or MUDEC. Secure your tickets online as soon as you know your travel dates — it saves stress and guarantees your spot.
Watch Out for Monday Closures
Most major museums in Milan are closed on Mondays, a tradition across Italy. Plan museum-heavy days for Tuesday through Sunday, and keep Mondays for outdoor activities, parks, or neighborhoods like Navigli and Brera.


Combine Museums with Nearby Attractions
To save both time and energy, pair museums with their surrounding highlights:
- Duomo + Museo del Novecento → Gothic meets Futurism.
- Brera district + Pinacoteca di Brera → art plus cobblestone streets and cafés.
- Castello Sforzesco + Parco Sempione + Aquarium → a cultural and green afternoon.
- PAC + Villa Reale Gardens → contemporary art and a free stroll through elegant gardens.
Use City Passes if Visiting Multiple Museums
If your itinerary includes 3–4 museums in a short stay, consider the MilanoCard or Museum Pass Milan. These passes often include public transport and discounted entry, making them convenient for travelers who want to see as much as possible.
Timing Matters
Museums tend to be busiest late mornings (10:30 am–1:00 pm). For a calmer experience, go early as they open or later in the day, especially on Thursdays when some museums stay open late. Evening visits often feel more atmospheric, with fewer tour groups.
Don’t Forget the Discounts
Always carry ID — students, teachers, seniors, and EU residents under 26 often qualify for reduced tickets. Children under 18 are usually free, which helps families save.
Local Tip: Combine your visits with Milan’s excellent cafés. A quick espresso before or after a museum is how locals reset between cultural stops.
FAQs on Museums in Milan
What is the most famous museum in Milan?
The Pinacoteca di Brera is Milan’s most renowned art gallery, home to works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Mantegna. However, many visitors consider The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie to be the city’s most iconic cultural experience.
Which museums in Milan are free?
Several smaller museums are always free, such as the Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano. Many larger museums, including the Museo del Novecento and Castello Sforzesco Museums, are free on the first Sunday of every month.
Is the Last Supper in a museum?
Not exactly — The Last Supper is a mural masterpiece painted on the wall of the Dominican convent at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Tickets are required and must be booked in advance, but entry to the church itself is free.
How much do museums in Milan cost?
Most museums charge between €5 and €15 for standard tickets. Discounts are widely available for students, under-26 EU residents, and children under 18 (often free). Some premium exhibitions (e.g., at MUDEC or Fondazione Prada) may cost more.
Are museums in Milan closed on Mondays?
Yes, most major museums close on Mondays, following the Italian tradition. Plan your cultural visits from Tuesday to Sunday and use Mondays for outdoor activities, markets, or neighborhood walks.
Final Words
Milan’s reputation as Italy’s fashion and design capital is well deserved, but its museums reveal an even deeper side of the city. From Renaissance masterpieces at the Pinacoteca di Brera to Leonardo’s genius at the Science and Technology Museum, from contemporary creativity at Fondazione Prada to the timeless beauty of The Last Supper, Milan’s cultural treasures are as diverse as they are inspiring.
What makes exploring these museums so rewarding is the balance — you can admire world-famous art in the morning, discover quirky private collections in the afternoon, and finish your day in a modern gallery or hidden courtyard. And with free-entry days, student discounts, and family-friendly attractions, there’s something for every type of traveler and budget.
So whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or simply curious, Milan’s museums offer more than exhibitions — they offer stories, connections, and experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
Plan Smarter: Resources & Related Guides
Want to explore more of Milan and Italy? These guides will help you plan the perfect trip:
👉Things to Do in Milan (2025)
👉 Free Things to Do in Milan (2025)
👉 1 Day in Milan Itinerary: Perfect First-Time Plan
👉 2 Days in Milan Itinerary: Best Highlights & Tips
👉 3 Days in Milan Itinerary: Complete City Experience
👉 Best Time to Visit Italy: Seasons & Regional Tips
👉 Best Places to Visit in Italy: Top Attractions & Hidden Gems
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