The lesser-known museums of Milan

Italy’s second largest city sits at the north of the country, at the top of the cartographic boot. Famous for its style and fashion, it is also full of experiences that will make you want to return for more. And although Duomo di Milano and Da Vinci’s masterpieces often steal the show, allow us to nudge you in the direction of some of our other favorites.

A contemporary side to Milanese culture

In what used to be the base for Ansaldo manufacturing on Via Tortona, Milan’s contemporary art scene now bides in the museum of culture, Mudec. A short walk around the permanent collection can open your eyes to the city’s incredible culture, which has evolved over the centuries, and no matter when you visit you’ll be given the opportunity to peruse one of several temporary exhibitions which arrive from all parts of the globe. Dinosaurs from Argentina, Mauri art, and even a celebration of the Barbie doll, demonstrate the diversity of those chosen to grace the expansive rooms and halls.

Immersive and classical artwork through the ages

If photography takes your fancy, we’d recommend a look round the Palazzo della Ragione. You’ll be struck by the Romanesque architecture from the moment you glimpse the building and by entering can get up close to some extraordinary camera work as well as frescos from the likes of Hayez, Morbelli and Fattori. Another Milano jewel is the Museo del Novecento. Situated less than 10-minutes walk from our NH Collection Milano President hotel, it displays a fresh look at 20th century Italian art and is designed to give a beautifully immersive journey through the decades, utilizing modern multimedia and sound to bring the pieces to life.

Fashion experience without the shopping

An enthralling Armani experience also awaits you just a short walk away from our nhow Milano hotel, on Via Bergognone, and we’re not talking shops. The iconic designer, Giorgio Armani, has his very own museum, known as Silos, and there you’ll be able to see his works of art – over 600 of them – spanning four decades. Be careful though. After four floors of fabulous fashion items, as well as access to the unique sketches, technical drawings, illustrations and photos, you may be in the mood to get the credit card out as soon as you exit the building.

Da Vinci just can’t be ignored

No matter how hard you try, the labors of Leonardo da Vinci are a challenge to avoid, and why would you try. Some of his lesser-known items feature at the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Technologia and are well worth a trip. The multi-faceted genius’s personal notebooks provide the words for the insightful descriptions to them (translated into English too for those that aren’t fluent in Italian) allowing you to understand more of what you are admiring.