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From the Past to the Future: Best Museums in Milan

Milan may not be considered as historical as other cities in Italy but with great museums housing art and historical artefacts, experiencing Milan’s cultural attractions might just make you reassess your ideas about the city

The NH Housekeeper’s Tips

Best Museums in Milan

Milan, Italy’s foremost northern city, may not boast the history of Rome but make no mistake: this is the country’s leading city when it comes to cosmopolitan life and culture. Even though many of its historic buildings were destroyed during the Second World War, this is a city with more than 2000 years of history under its belt. People who visit Milan for its fashion may be surprised by just how many superb museums the city has. In fact, when it comes to the quality of museums, Milan is up there with other Italian cities such as Rome and Florence.

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Santa Maria delle Grazie, or Holy Mary of Grace, is actually a church but it functions as a museum, for one very important reason. In its refectory is one of the most celebrated pieces of art, not just in Italy, but the entire world: Leonardo da Vinci’s 'The Last Supper'. You may have to wait to get in but once inside you will not have to jostle with crowds as you view da Vinci’s masterpiece: they only let in 20 people at a time. This is one of the most celebrated works of art ever made and is truly a must-see when in Milan.

Hangar Bicocca

You will not find this art gallery in too many guidebooks but that is a good thing: Hangar Bicocca is a hidden gem. A modern art gallery located just out of the city centre, this is home to some of the best modern art in the city, featuring progressive and challenging art works. You will have plenty of opportunities to see classical art works while in Milan and Italy, so it is worth taking time to see what the artists who are working here now are creating. The regularly changing temporary exhibitions make this a good museum to return to whenever you are in the city as there will likely be something new and exciting on display.

Bagatti Valsecchi

Entering this museum is like stepping back in time, to a very glamourous period. An aristocratic mansion from the 19th century, the museum is in fact the house itself. Excellently preserved, this museum also houses an extensive art collection and a whole host of fascinating rooms, including a library, a labyrinth passageway, an exquisite dining room and a hallway with ‘a gallery of arms’.

Pinacoteca di Brera

The Pinacoteca di Brera is the premier art gallery in Milan and, accordingly, houses some of the most important art works found anywhere in Europe. A grand collection of Renaissance art forms the core of the museum, with works by artists including Raphael, Andrea Mantegna, Piero della Francesca and Agnolo Bronzino. This is a staggering collection of art that stretches from the 13th to the 20th century and should not be missed by art lovers.

Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology

This museum is the largest science and technology museum in Italy and is named after the artist and scientist Leonardo da Vinci. Celebrating everything that has grown out of the Renaissance period, it is divided into a number of sections, including transport, communication, and other inventions. This intriguing collection of oddities is a joy to explore for adults and children alike, and brings together many of the strands in science and design that inspired da Vinci.

Triennale

Milan is a fashion powerhouse, so it makes sense they would have an excellent museum that is all about art and design. The Triennale features many superb exhibitions on architecture, music, design, and just about everything else to do with visual culture. If you have spent the majority of your time in Milan looking back through history, then this museum is there to show you the future.

Planning your trip to Milan? Check out our best city center hotels in Milan.

Where to stay in Milan

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nh-collection
NH Collection Milano President
Largo Augusto, 10,. 20122 Milan
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

The 5 star NH Collection Milano President hotel is in the center of Milan, close to all the city’s major attractions. Partly renovated in 2017, the hotel combines charm, elegance, and design. This, as well as the fact that it's a 5-minute walk from Duomo Square, as well as the Scala Theater and the fashion district, make it the ideal place to stay for both shopping and exploring the city.

  • 0.73km Theater Alla Scala
  • 0.66km Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
  • 1.47km Castle Sforza
  • 2.13km Cenacolo Vinciano
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • gym
    Gym
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • eco-friendly
    Eco-friendly
  • pets
    Pets
  • accessibility
    Accessibility
  • celebrations
    Celebrations
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
nh-collection
NH Collection Milano Touring
Via Ugo Tarchetti, 2,. 20121 Milan
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

When it comes to location, the NH Collection Milano Touring hotel ticks all the boxes. As well as being right next to the Indro Montanelli public park, it’s also only a 10-minute walk from Milan’s main train station and shopping area, and just 15 minutes from the historic city center. Plus there are two metro stations outside the hotel and the financial district is within easy reach, too. You couldn't ask for a better location.

  • 8.46km Area Experience (EXPO)
  • 3.74km Armani SILOS
  • 17.53km Autodromo Nazionale Monza
  • 3.2km Bocconi University
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • gym
    Gym
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • eco-friendly
    Eco-friendly
  • pets
    Pets
  • accessibility
    Accessibility
  • celebrations
    Celebrations
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
nhow
nhow Milano
Via Tortona 35. 20144 Milan
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

Right in the heart of Milan’s fashionable Via Tortona, the nhow Milano is a designer hotel, providing an artistic, cosmopolitan home-from-home, great for exploring all the Design District has to offer.

  • 2.79km Duomo - Cathedral of Milan (City Center)
  • 2.88km Piazza alla Scala
  • 2.53km Castle Sforza
  • 4.27km Piazza Gae Aulenti
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • gym
    Gym
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • pool
    Pool
  • eco-friendly
    Eco-friendly
  • pets
    Pets
  • accessibility
    Accessibility
  • celebrations
    Celebrations
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
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