10 Best Museums in Milan

Explore the art and culture of the Italian fashion capital through its museums.

Rocío Villaescusa

Rocío Villaescusa

8 min read

10 Best Museums in Milan

Milan Museum | ©Brian Larsen

Discover the cultural richness of Milan through its outstanding museums, which go beyond fashion and design. From Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art, the city offers a unique experience for art lovers. Join us on a tour of the top 10 museums in Milan, where every corner tells a fascinating story.

1. Travel through the epochs of Italian art at the Pinacoteca di Brera

Inside the Pinacoteca di Brera| ©Gerardo Canfora
Inside the Pinacoteca di Brera| ©Gerardo Canfora

If you are planning your visit to Milan and you are passionate about Italian art, I suggest a place you have to visit: the Pinacoteca di Brera. This museum is a real cultural treasure that will transport you through the ages of Italian art, from the Renaissance to the 18th and 19th centuries. Imagine walking among the iconic Renaissance paintings of artists such as Raphael and Caravaggio. Their masterpieces will take your breath away as you immerse yourself in the beauty and history that emanates from every brushstroke.

Visiting Milan's art gallery also means discovering some of the greatest artistic gems of the 18th and 19th centuries, giving you a complete overview of Italian art through the centuries. Tickets cost approximately 10 €, which makes it an affordable option to enjoy a day full of art and culture in Milan.

If, like me, you are fascinated by the artistic heritage of Italy, I recommend you to include this art gallery in your itinerary. You won't regret immersing yourself in this fascinating journey through the ages of Italian art.

Book a guided tour of the Pinacoteca di Brera di Milano

2. Feel like a Renaissance inventor at the National Museum of Science and Technology "Leonardo da Vinci"

National Museum of Science and Technology
National Museum of Science and Technology "Leonardo da Vinci".| ©Choo_Choo_train

In case you are passionate about the Italian Renaissance, this experience will arouse your curiosity and immerse you in the world of the Renaissance genius Leonardo Da Vinci. The halls of this museum are filled with history and discovery, including reconstructions of Leonardo Da Vinci's incredible inventions. From flying machines to innovative engineering tools, this museum is a tribute to the brilliant mind that revolutionized the way we understand the world.

Tickets start at just 11€, making it an affordable option for anyone interested in immersing themselves in the history and legacy of one of the most influential artists and inventors of all time. Don't miss the opportunity to travel back in time and appreciate first-hand the legacy of Leonardo Da Vinci. I assure you it will be an experience that will awaken your mind and leave you with a deep appreciation for the Renaissance genius. Don't wait any longer and plan your visit now!

Book your tickets for the Museum of Science and Technology

3. Challenge your senses at the Museum of Illusions

Inside the Museum of Illusions| ©Clay Hensley
Inside the Museum of Illusions| ©Clay Hensley

In this museum, you will be immersed in a universe full of installations and rooms that will challenge your senses. From holograms to truncated mirrors, mysterious lights and unstable floors, every corner offers a new surprise. You will have the opportunity to sit at a table surrounded by five clones of yourself, experiment with different illusions and discover how your perception can fool you. A tour that will make you wonder how the senses can confuse us with optical illusions from the point of view of psychology and science.

By the way! Don't forget to take pictures, every corner of this museum is perfect for capturing incredible moments! If all this catches your attention, don't miss this Museum of Illusions, it will be an unforgettable experience!

4. Travel back to 19th century Italy at the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum

Bagatti Valsecchi Museum| ©Armina Ghazaryan
Bagatti Valsecchi Museum| ©Armina Ghazaryan

Let me recommend a cultural gem that may not be at the top of your list, but is definitely worth it: the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum. This place transports you back to an era of great splendor in Milan: the 19th century. Here, you can immerse yourself in the aristocratic life of that era through a unique collection of art and furnishings of the period.

You will walk through rooms decorated with exquisite taste, filled with objects that evoke the opulence and refinement of a wealthy family of more than a century ago. From paintings and sculptures to furniture and decorations, every corner of the museum tells a fascinating story about life in that era.

You can get tickets from 9 €, and although it is true that it is not the typical essential visit for a first time in the city, I assure you that it is an enriching and unique experience. So, if you have the opportunity, I invite you to reserve some time in your itinerary to visit the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum and discover a fascinating part of Milan's past.

Buy your tickets for the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum of Milan

5. Be amazed by the La Scala Theater Museum of Milan

La Scala Theater Museum of Milan| ©Dario Borla
La Scala Theater Museum of Milan| ©Dario Borla

It is essential to discover one of the most renowned opera houses in the world: the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. It is one of the most iconic places in Milan, along with the Duomo, and at this iconic theater, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and impressive interior of the Theater and its adjoining museum. You will see a panoramic view from the boxes, where you will be able to contemplate the theater's stage and appreciate the grandeur of its design. Discover the beauty of the imposing foyer as you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the opera.

In the museum in particular, you will see an immense collection of musical instruments and the dazzling costumes of the performers. From antique violins to historic costumes, each piece tells a part of the fascinating history of this iconic theater - I love fashion designed for theater and opera!

Visit the Museum and La Scala Theater in Milan with a guided tour

6. Discover the history of Milan's Duomo in its museum

Milan Duomo| ©Isabella De Gregorio
Milan Duomo| ©Isabella De Gregorio

This is a must-see in Milan! The Duomo and its museum. I assure you that the museum is as interesting as the visit to the cathedral itself. The Duomo Museum houses an exceptional collection ranging from sculptures to models and liturgical objects. But that's not all, it also tells the exciting story of the cathedral and its impact on the life of the city over the centuries.

I guarantee you will be captivated by the beauty and cultural richness that you will find in every corner of the museum. It is also possible, if you want to visit the rooftops of the Duomo. I recommend it not only for the experience of climbing to the top of the mythical monument itself, but also for the breathtaking views you will enjoy of the whole city when you climb to the terraces of the Duomo. So, if you are planning your visit to the Duomo of Milan, do not miss its museum to discover the importance of this temple in the development of the city of Milan.

Book your guided tour of the Milan Duomo

7. Experience the thrill of soccer at the AC Milan museum

AC Milan Museum| ©Rafi22
AC Milan Museum| ©Rafi22

If you love soccer in general (and AC Milan in particular), this is sure to be a tremendously exciting experience. I assure you that you will start enjoying yourself from the moment you step into this iconic museum, where interactive exhibits await you, taking you on a journey through time, exploring the highlights and exploits of the Milanese team.

Even if you are not a fan of the team, if you are passionate about the sport I am sure you will find something interesting around every corner. From the club's founding in 1899 to its most recent triumphs, each exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the evolution and greatness of AC Milan.

Also, at the stadium you can find the official store, where you can buy souvenirs that will allow you to take a piece of AC Milan with you, such as the official team kit, balls, jerseys and other souvenirs to give to any family member or friend who is a soccer fan.

By the way, if you finish your visit close to lunchtime, next to the museum is the Casa Milan Bistrot restaurant, where you can try some of the local specialties - everything is delicious!

Book your tickets for the AC Milan museum

8. Tour a private palace through the works of art of the Poldi Pezzoli Museum

Poldi Pezzoli Museum| ©Alejandro
Poldi Pezzoli Museum| ©Alejandro

If there's one thing that characterizes Italy, and Milan in particular, it's its unparalleled art. And if you're looking to immerse yourself in this rich cultural heritage, I recommend a visit to the Poldi Pezzoli Museum. It's a fascinating space that fuses art and history in an unparalleled aristocratic setting. Housed in an elegant palazzo, the Poldi Pezzoli Museum houses an exceptional art collection that spans from the Renaissance to the 19th century.

This means you will have the opportunity to contemplate the evolution of acclaimed Italian art, which was at the forefront of the Renaissance and Baroque movements. From majestic Renaissance works to intricate Baroque creations, this museum transports you through different periods and artistic styles, offering you an enriching and unforgettable experience.

9. Transport yourself to the best catwalks at the Fashion Museum

Palazzo Morando| ©Terry Clinton
Palazzo Morando| ©Terry Clinton

Milan, known worldwide as a fashion capital, is home to several museums dedicated to this exciting world. One of the most outstanding is the Fashion Museum of Milan. It is housed in the Palazzo Morando, in the heart of the city, and offers a fascinating look at the evolution of Italian fashion over the centuries. The museum's collection includes a wide range of garments, accessories, textiles and fashion-related documents, spanning from the 18th century to the present day.

You can see both permanent and temporary exhibitions highlighting different aspects of Italian fashion, from design and manufacture to cultural and social influence. In addition, the museum organizes events, conferences and workshops that offer a deeper insight into the world of fashion and its impact on society. You are guaranteed to be impressed by the creativity and beauty you will find within its walls.

10. Discover Italian contemporary art at Museo del Novecento

Museo del Novecento| ©Rob Oo
Museo del Novecento| ©Rob Oo

Are you as passionate about contemporary art as I am? Then let me recommend you a unique experience: the Museo del Novecento in Milan. This place is a real treasure for lovers of modern and contemporary Italian art. Located in the impressive Palazzo dell'Arengario it houses an amazing collection of 20th century works. You will find pieces by some of the most renowned Italian artists, such as Fontana and Morandi.

From abstraction to realism, the Museo del Novecento gives you a complete overview of the evolution of art in Italy during the last century. If you are thinking of visiting it, tickets are available from 8 €. I assure you that every euro invested is worth it, as it will provide you with an enriching experience and a unique perspective on modern Italian art.