Milan Pinacoteca Tickets and Visits

The Pinacoteca di Brera is an essential part of the complete cultural tours in the capital of Lombardy. Although the city's main attraction is the Sforzesco Castle, just two streets away is this museum, a must-see when planning what to see and do in Milan.

The collection of this temple of art ranges from Bramantino's famous Holy Family to Andrea Mantegna's Madonna with Angels. There are more than 400 renowned works. Without a doubt, this is a paradise for art lovers and those interested in general culture. Read on to find out more about visiting the Pinacoteca in Milan.

Thanks to this guided tour of the Pinacoteca di Brera you can enter the museum directly and without waiting at the ticket office. Inside you will be able to admire the beautiful works of Raphael, Caravaggio, Rubens, Titian and many others. Thanks to the explanations of the guide who will accompany you on the tour, you will learn about the historical and artistic context.

But the approximately two-hour guided tour also includes a stroll through the central Brera district, where the Pinacoteca is located and one of the most select in Milan. You will be able to wander through the narrow streets and discover its exclusive shops and restaurants.

Recommended if... You want to get to know in depth one of the most important Italian art collections in the world with a guide who will explain its history and get to know the culture of Brera, one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Milan.

General admission tickets to the Pinacoteca di Milano can be purchased for about 15 €.

Tickets must be purchased online and in advance, as the museum ticket office is for visitor assistance only and does not sell tickets.

Reduced price tickets: who can buy them?

• Senior citizens over 65 years of age have a special rate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Their ticket costs €1.
• European Community citizens between 18 and 25 years of age pay only €2 for their tickets.
• Italian citizens with an unemployment certificate pay only €5.
• Citizens of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein pay only €2 for their tickets.

The best option, the guided visit with tour of Brera

However, tickets do not include an audio guide. They cost extra and are in English and Italian. For this reason, I recommend that you book a guided tour of the Pinacoteca di Milano for a little extra.

You will take a 2-hour tour of the museum where a guide will teach you to appreciate the significance of such important works as 'The Finding of St. Mark' by Tintoretto or 'Christ Dead at the Sepulchre' by Raphael, among many others.

This visit also includes a tour of the Brera district where the art gallery is located, a complete experience not only for art lovers but for anyone who wants to get closer to the historical and cultural heritage of the city of Milan.

Of course there are, especially if you are not an art connoisseur and you are interested in knowing the history of the works, the styles, messages and curiosities of each piece. Remember that there are five centuries of history, tradition and culture.

The important collection of works by artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Hayez and Mantegna at the Pinacoteca di Milano is well worth a guided visit by an art expert to help you contextualise and understand the symbolism of each piece. Moreover, if you are interested in a more personalised tour, when you book your guided tour of the Pinacoteca di Milano you can select the option of a private tour, exclusive for you and your group.

In addition, the specialised guide will take you to discover the Brera Palace, where the museum is located and which was founded by the Jesuits. On your tour, you won't miss the inner courtyard of the building, a marvel of Italian architecture.

• People with certified disabilities. If an accompanying person is required, this person will also be entitled to the same benefit.
• Italian citizens living abroad who present their certificate (AIRE).
• Italian teachers with their MIUR certification.
• Members of the Museums of Lombardy.
• Members of I.C.C.C.R.O.M.. They must present a valid card.
• Inspectors and honorary curators of the Italian Ministry of Culture.
• Military personnel of the Italian Cultural Heritage Protection Unit.
• Teachers and students of:

1. The Italian Academy of Fine Arts or its equivalent in the European Community. 2. Architecture, Cultural Heritage Conservation, Education, Art-oriented Literature or Archaeology at Italian Universities or their equivalent in the European Community. 3. Advanced training courses in the Schools of the Italian Ministry of Culture.

The Pinacoteca reserves the right to grant this privilege to other groups in order to protect the museum and promote the study of art in Italy.

No, tourist passes such as the Milano Pass include entry to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana but not the Pinacoteca di Brera. However, the Brera district being the bohemian luxury district, the La Grande Brera Passport was created.

By visiting 5 of the points of interest in Brera such as the Palazzo Citterio or the Scala Theatre Museum, you can fill in the stamps that fill in your passport and get your free admission to the Pinacoteca di Brera!

The address of the Pinacoteca di Milano is Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milan. Due to its central location in the capital of Lombardy, you can reach the museum in several ways:

• By bus: With the city lines 61 and 57.
• By Metro: You can reach the Palazzo de Breda by Lanza line 2, Montenapoleone line 3 or Cairoli line 1.
• By tram: You will connect with lines 1, 4, 8, 12, 14 and 27.
• By private car: You can get there via Via Brera 3, where there is a car park.

One of the family activities offered by the Pinacoteca di Brera is the Arte Orto project, born from the idea of combining art and garden.

The routes offer adults, families and children a series of artistic botanical itineraries, designed to focus attention on the different types of medicinal plants represented in the Pinacoteca di Brera and connect them with their sisters in the Botanical Garden.

The project began in 2014, under the direction of the Brera museum complex (Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Museo del Novecento and Palazzo della Ragione) in collaboration with Aboca Spa. I recommend you check their calendar of activities beforehand.

Alternatively, when budget or time is not enough to visit the Pinacoteca di Brera inside, you can opt to take a bike tour of Milan and stroll around the inner courtyard of the building which you can access for free.

At the Pinacoteca di Brera you will witness a vast list of works, the most complete in Italy according to experts. Its origins date back to 1571 when the Jesuits began construction of the Palazzo di Brera to convert it into a prestigious college. Later, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria founded the Pinacoteca in 1776 together with the Academy of Fine Arts.

Interestingly, at the entrance you are greeted by a sphinx of Napoleon Bonaparte, who reopened the place on 15 August 1809, his birthday. The military man's intention was to gather as many paintings as possible from the Italian areas that had been conquered, it was a symbol of power, which is why he turned it into a museum.

How the Pinacoteca di Brera is divided up

A total of 38 rooms make up the Pinacoteca di Brera. In them you will find the works organised according to two criteria. Firstly, in chronological order and secondly, by the artist or school to which they belong.

The most famous collection of works of art in Milan is not only to be found in the Palazzo Brera, as there are other very interesting areas.

Its most important works

The collection of works in this museum brings together an extensive range of frescoes. Some media, such as The Telegraph, claim that there are more than 500 artistic gems, others say that the number is around 450 pieces including Canaletto, Raphael, Modigliani, Bramante, Rubens, Titian, Rembrandt and more.

Although it is not clear on the number of pieces in the collection, there is a top 10 of works from the Pinacoteca di Brera that are often the focus of attention among art lovers:

• The Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio.
• The Kiss by Francesco Hayes.
• The Lamentation over the Dead Christ by Andrea Mantegna.
• The Betrothal of the Virgin by Raphael.
• Christ at the Column by Donato Bramante.
• Madonna with Saints and Federico de Montefeltro as a donor by Piero della Francesca.
• Still lifes by Giorgio Morandi.
• The Virgin of Mount Carmel by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.
• The Pietà by Giovanni Bellini.
• The Miracle of Saint Mark by Tintoretto.

The Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense

It is better known as the Brera Library and was founded in 1770 by Maria Theresa of Habsburg-Lorraine, but its doors were not opened to the public until 1786. It is an essential part of the city's cultural offerings. It specialises in art, literature and curatorial studies. The Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense directly overlooks Piazza Brera, one of the ancient buildings in the historic centre of Milan.

The Brera Astronomical Museum

With its thirty or so scientific instruments dedicated to the investigation of the cosmos, such as Schiaparelli's Amici telescope, it is unique for the prestige it represents.

The Brera Astronomical Museum enjoys social relevance for its commitment to scientific development. If you're looking for things to do in Milan in spring or autumn, this is an ideal stop, especially between May and July, when cultural activities will be the order of the day.

The Orto Botanico

A unique space to take a break from architecture and indulge in nature. The Orto Botanico is considered the little green lung due to its proximity to the Sempione Park.

If you visit the Milan Castle, you will understand the reason for its nickname, while the flowers, trees and ornaments draw a landscape of 10 in front of your eyes.

Did you know that

Did you know that some of the classics of the Pinacoteca di Brera are so coveted that they reached the NFTs market? Yes, everyone wants to get their hands on the certified digital copies and you're still wondering if you should visit the museum?

Free visitors have 90 minutes to explore the Pinacoteca di Brera during each visit. Please note that the guided tour lasts about two hours.

It is important to remember that the entrance hours are strict. You will have up to 15 minutes after the time stated on your ticket to enter the museum.

If you exceed this time window, the entrance will be deserted. The recommendation is to arrive 5 minutes before the ticket time to avoid any inconvenience.

How many people can visit the Pinacoteca in a group?

In order to provide the best possible service to visitors and to take care of the museum, a maximum of 24 people including the guide, where applicable, may enter the museum at any one time.

Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30 am to 7.15 pm. These opening hours are all year round except for: Mondays, 1st January, 1st May and 25th December, when the museum is closed.

• Show up at the time of your ticket on time. They are strict on this point.
• Wear comfortable shoes. There are 24.000 mts2 and the visit lasts 90 minutes.
• Hire a guide. The space is very large and the audio guide is not offered in English. A local expert will be able to assist you, provide information and relevant data to your tour.

The philosophy at Brera is to study art in order to know it, respect it and treasure it. This is how it became the "luxury bohemian" and in keeping with this mission, the Brera Pinacoteca shop opened its doors: the Bottega Brera.

This space expresses the deep-rooted cultural identity of Milan. Here you will find a bookshop, a collection of design objects, clothes, jewellery and souvenirs. From the courtyard of honour of the Palazzo di Brera you can take a souvenir home with you.

• Bottega Brera opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Access to this area is free of charge.

There are many options to stop for a good Neapolitan meal in the Brera neighbourhood, however, I highlight a top 5 place that does not disappoint:

• Ristorante Nabucco Its commitment is to classic Italian food. Its risottos, milanesas and fresh pastas do not disappoint and the tiramisu of this restaurant is described by many as a real delicacy. Don't miss it, all diners highlight the quality of the products of this dessert, an unmissable delicacy. It is located in Via Fiori Chiari 10, 20121.
• Tramé: If you are looking for a quick stop to continue your excursion, Tramé is the solution. They sell succulent sandwiches in the Venetian style. They cater to all tastes and the prices are affordable. From 7 € you can enjoy a sandwich and a spritz, doesn't that sound good? Find them in Piazza San Simpliciano Corso Garibaldi 22, 20121.
• Ristorante Lucca: Their menu is versatile, catering for all tastes. They include a variety of traditional, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free food. The style of Tuscany, and central Italy are the central themes of their cuisine. This restaurant is often visited by customers looking for dinner and they stay for the service, music, good food and the possibility of being served in Spanish. It is located in Via Panfilo Castaldi 33, 20124.
• La Tartina: a tapas place in the Brera district, you said, La Tartina is the answer. This quiet place is ideal for enjoying an ice-cold beer accompanied by Italian bruschettas, the local version of tapas, here much more abundant, in the homemade Milanese style. Order the charcuterie and cheese board or the gourmet canapés, they are delicious. You can find it in Via San Carpoforo 4 Brera Area, 20121.
• Carminio: You can eat any dish you like in this place but their salads and soups are on another level. Each dish more sumptuous and richer than the last. Located in Via del Carmine 3, 20121.

The School of Fine Arts has created a virtual catalogue containing around 600 works of art.

A summary of the history of the frescoes, the artists behind them, inspiration and date of creation are available on the Pinacoteca Milan website in English and Italian.

• The Palazzo Citterio, adjacent to the Orto Botanico. It is an imposing 18th century palace where there are often exhibitions of ancient and modern art.
• If you are interested in the world famous Milan Opera, visit the Teatro La Scala, here you will find all the information you need, tickets, opening hours and how to visit the theatre inside.
• The Poldi Pezzoli Museum. This museum is constantly renewing itself by offering exhibitions of ancient, modern and contemporary art. Find out about its itinerary here
• The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where luxury and fine cuisine combine in a fixed meeting point in the city.
• Visit Milan Castle. Two streets away from the Pinacoteca, this Milanese fortress bears the imprint of Leonardo da Vinci throughout his work.