Art lover’s guide to Milan

Day 1: Classic and Modern Icons of Milan

• Morning

  

  Begin your art journey at Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan’s premier gallery for Renaissance and Baroque art. Established in 1809 by Napoleon, this museum houses masterpieces like Raphael’s “The Marriage of the Virgin,” Andrea Mantegna’s “Lamentation over the Dead Christ,” and Caravaggio’s “Supper at Emmaus.” The gallery is also home to Venetian masterpieces such as Giovanni Bellini’s “Pietà” and Titian’s “St. Jerome in Penitence.” Wander through the grand halls and admire the works of Piero della Francesca, Veronese, and Tintoretto. 

• Afternoon

  

  A short walk away, Museo Poldi Pezzoli offers an intimate glimpse into Milan’s aristocratic art collections. Once the private residence of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, this museum now showcases Botticelli’s “Madonna of the Book,” Piero della Francesca’s “Saint Nicholas of Tolentino,” and Pollaiuolo’s “Portrait of a Young Woman.” The collection extends beyond paintings, featuring intricate Murano glass, Flemish tapestries, and rare armor from the 15th century.

   

• Mid-Afternoon

  

  Next, head to Gallerie d’Italia, located in a historic neoclassical palace. The gallery specializes in Italian Romanticism and early 20th-century movements. See Francesco Hayez’s “The Kiss,” Antonio Canova’s “Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker,” and Umberto Boccioni’s “Unique Forms of Continuity in Space.” Temporary exhibitions often focus on modern Italian artists and the avant-garde influence of the Futurist movement.

• Evening

  

  End your day in Art Navigli Milan, an atmospheric district known for its art galleries, contemporary studios, and vibrant nightlife. Visit Officine dell’Immagine, which showcases emerging international artists, or explore the experimental works at Antonio Colombo Arte Contemporanea. Stroll along the canals, where you’ll find independent art spaces hosting live painting sessions and pop-up exhibitions. Enjoy an aperitivo at a waterside café, soaking in the creative energy of this historic neighborhood.

Day 2: Cutting-Edge and Alternative Art

• Morning

  

  Start your second day at Miart Milan, the city’s premier contemporary art fair, bringing together leading galleries from across the globe. Marvel at works by Damien Hirst (“For the Love of God”), Cindy Sherman’s self-portraits, and Michelangelo Pistoletto’s “Venus of the Rags.” Miart also highlights rising Italian artists, including Paola Pivi’s surreal installations and Maurizio Cattelan’s provocative sculptures. The fair’s sections, from Emergent (young talent) to Established (blue-chip artists), provide a dynamic snapshot of the evolving contemporary scene.

• Afternoon

  

  Next, immerse yourself in the Fondazione Prada, a landmark of Milan’s experimental art scene housed in a former gin distillery redesigned by Rem Koolhaas. Explore Carsten Höller’s “Upside Down Mushroom Room,” Louise Bourgeois’ “Cell,” Jeff Koons’ “Tulips,” and Robert Gober’s dreamlike installations. The museum also features cinematic storytelling through Steve McQueen’s video art and immersive film screenings.

• Mid-Afternoon

  

  Make your way to the Isola district, a hub of Milan’s street art and contemporary murals. Explore large-scale works by Millo (“Love Seeker”), Blu (“Giant Snake”), and Ozmo’s reinterpretation of Michelangelo’s “David.” For an underground art experience, visit FuturDome, a former meeting space for Futurist artists, now transformed into a cutting-edge art gallery with kinetic and conceptual sculptures.

• Evening

  

  Wrap up your Milan art adventure at BASE Milano, a multidisciplinary art hub merging performance art, exhibitions, and digital installations. Witness site-specific works by Vanessa Beecroft and Alessandro Mendini, or explore its interactive light-based installations. End the night with rooftop cocktails, enjoying panoramic views of Milan’s modern skyline—a perfect close to a journey through the city’s vibrant art ecosystem.