10 Best Museums in Milan

Explore the art and culture of Italy's fashion capital through its museums.

Rocío Villaescusa

Rocío Villaescusa

8 min read

10 Best Museums in Milan

Museum of Milan | ©Brian Larsen

Discover Milan's cultural richness 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 ages 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 around €10, making it an affordable option for a day full of art and culture in Milan.

If, like me, you are fascinated by Italy's artistic heritage, I recommend including 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 corridors of this museum are full of 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 who revolutionised the way we understand the world.

Tickets start from 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 Leonardo Da Vinci's legacy first hand. I assure you it will be an experience that will awaken your mind and leave you with a deep appreciation for the Renaissance genius, so don't wait any longer and plan your visit now!

Reserve 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 deceive 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 photos, 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 in time 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 a visit: the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum. This place transports you back to an era of great splendour 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 from the period.

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

Tickets start at €9, and while it's true that it's not your typical must-see for a first time visitor to the city, I can assure you it's an enriching and unique experience. So, if you have the opportunity, I invite you to set aside 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 Milan

5. Be amazed by the La Scala Theatre Museum in Milan

La Scala Theatre Museum of Milan| ©Dario Borla
La Scala Theatre 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 Milan' s most iconic landmarks, along with the Duomo, and at this iconic theatre you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and impressive interior of the theatre and its adjoining museum. Take in a panoramic view from the boxes, where you can look out over the theatre'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 theatre - I love fashion designed for theatre and opera!

Visit the Museum and La Scala Theatre in Milan with guide

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 fascinating 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 entire city as you climb up to the terraces of the Duomo. So, if you are planning your visit to the Duomo of Milan, don't miss its museum to discover the importance of this temple in the development of the city of Milan itself.

Book your guided tour of the Duomo of Milan

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

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

If you love football in general (and AC Milan in particular), this is sure to be a tremendously exciting experience. You're sure to enjoy yourself from the moment you set foot in this iconic museum, where interactive exhibits await you and take you on a journey through time, exploring the highlights and exploits of the Milanese team.

Even if you're not a fan of the team, if you're passionate about the sport I'm sure you'll 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 shop, where you can buy souvenirs that will allow you to take a piece of AC Milan with you, such as the official team kit, footballs, shirts and other souvenirs to give to any football fan friend or family member.

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 specialities - everything is delicious!

Book your tickets for the AC Milan Museum

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

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

If there's one thing that characterises Italy, and Milan in particular, it's its unrivalled 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 spanning from the Renaissance to the 19th century.

This means you'll 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 Milan Fashion Museum. 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 organises 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 contemporary Italian art at the 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 trove 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'll find pieces by some of Italy's most renowned artists, such as Fontana and Morandi.

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