Free Sunday at the Museum – State Museums in Milan for Free
Culture for all: free museums in Milan
Every first Sunday of the month, the Sunday at the Museum initiative, promoted by the Ministry of Culture, opens the doors of state museums, archaeological parks and places of cultural interest free of charge. It is an opportunity for anyone who loves art and culture to explore some of the most beautiful collections without spending a cent. Whether you are a Milanese citizen or a tourist, you will be able to immerse yourself in history and art with no budget restrictions.
Free museums in Milan
1. Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano
A timeless masterpiece, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is one of the most significant works of art in the world, preserved in the Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
The last supper by leonardo da vinci
Historical background:
The Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie was commissioned in 1463 by Francesco I Sforza and completed in 1482. In 1497, Ludovico il Moro ordered the construction of a new tribune, attributed to the architect Donato Bramante. The refectory of the convent houses Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, painted between 1495 and 1498. Despite the damage suffered during the bombing of World War II, both the church and the painting have been restored and preserved, becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
View of the church of santa maria delle grazie in milan
For further details and updates, please consult the official websites of the Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano and the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie.
- Reservations: compulsory (tel. 02 92800360)
- Address: Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2
2. Brera Art Gallery
This prestigious gallery contains works by great masters such as Raphael and Caravaggio.
Historical background:
The Pinacoteca di Brera was officially established in 1809, although an initial collection of works had already been in existence since 1776, for educational purposes in support of the Academy of Fine Arts desired by Maria Theresa of Austria. During the Napoleonic era, the collection was greatly enriched by the acquisition of works from conquered territories, transforming the Pinacoteca into a museum of international importance.
View of the inner court of the pinacoteca di brera
Today, the Pinacoteca di Brera not only offers visitors the opportunity to admire a vast collection of artistic masterpieces, but also represents a cultural and historical landmark in the Italian museum scene.
- Reservations: online at the official website pinacotecabrera.org.
- Address: Via Brera, 28, Milan
3. Galleries of Italy
See “The Genius of Milan,” an exhibition exploring the crossroads of the arts from the Fabbrica del Duomo to the 20th century. ‘The Genius of Milan’ is an exhibition currently running at the Gallerie d’Italia in Milan, entitled ‘The Genius of Milan. Crossroads of the arts from the Fabbrica del Duomo to the 20th century’. The exhibition, open from 23 November 2024 to 16 March 2025, explores Milan’s role as a point of reference for art and innovation, starting at the end of the Middle Ages with the Duomo building site, through the Renaissance with the works and inventions of Leonardo da Vinci and the patronage of the Sforza family, to the influence of Cardinal Federico Borromeo and the works of artists such as Sebastiano Ricci and Giambattista Tiepolo in the 18th century.
The exhibition hosts more than 140 works, including paintings, marbles, manuscripts, drawings and sculptures, organised in thematic and chronological sections from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The exhibition illustrates the creative fervour of the Lombard capital through significant episodes in its artistic and cultural history.
In addition, on the occasion of the exhibition, the City of Milan has promoted a special itinerary in its museums, focusing on works by significant figures in the city’s cultural and artistic history, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
For more information on the exhibition and related events, please visit the official Gallerie d’Italia website.
- Address: Piazza della Scala, 6
- Information and reservations: 800 167619
4. Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle)
A symbol of Milan with museums and art collections to satisfy all enthusiasts
The Castello Sforzesco in Milan is one of the city’s main historical and cultural attractions. Built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza on the ruins of an earlier Visconti fortification, the castle has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, changing from a sumptuous ducal residence to a military citadel and today becoming an important museum centre.
Aerial view of the castello sforzesco in milan
Historical background:
The Castello Sforzesco was originally built by Galeazzo II Visconti in the 14th century as the Castello di Porta Giovia. After its destruction by the Ambrosian Republic, Francesco Sforza ordered its reconstruction in 1450, turning it into his ducal residence. In the course of time, the castle became one of the main military citadels in Europe, undergoing several foreign dominations, including French and Spanish. In the 19th century, under the leadership of architect Luca Beltrami, the castle was restored and turned into a museum.
Today, the Castello Sforzesco houses numerous museums and art collections, including Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini, the Castello Sforzesco Art Gallery and the Museum of Ancient Art. A visit to the castle offers a fascinating journey through the history, art and culture of Milan.
- Address: Piazza Castello
- Information: 02 88463700
5. Milan Archaeological Museum
Discover Roman and early medieval collections in the heart of Milan. The Archaeological Museum of Milan is located at Corso Magenta 15, inside the former convent of the Monastero Maggiore di San Maurizio, and offers a fascinating journey through the ancient history of the city and various civilisations.
For individual visitors, reservations are not compulsory. However, for groups, advance booking is required.
Historical background:
The museum’s origins date back to the 19th century, when the Brera Academy recognised the importance of an archaeological museum linked to artistic studies. In 1862, the Regio Museo Patrio di Archeologia was established, which over time was enriched with artefacts from local excavations and donations. Today, the museum houses collections ranging from prehistoric to medieval times, with sections devoted to the Greek, Etruscan, Roman and Gandhara civilisations.
The exhibition also includes important archaeological remains in situ, such as two Roman towers and the remains of a domus, offering visitors an immersive view of Milan’s ancient history.
For further information, please contact the museum at 0288445208 or 0288465720, or by e-mail at .c.museoarcheologico@comune.milano.it
- Address: Corso Magenta, 15
- Information: 02 20404175
6. Museum of the 20th century
A journey through modern and contemporary art, with an important selection of Futurist works. The Museo del Novecento in Milan, opened in 2010, is dedicated to Italian art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Located in Piazza Duomo 8, inside the Palazzo dell’Arengario, it exhibits over 300 works selected from the Civiche Raccolte d’Arte, offering a journey through movements such as Futurism, the 20th century, Spatialism and Arte Povera.
Museo del novecento in milan
Historical background:
The Museo del Novecento was established to enhance and make accessible to the public the 20th century artistic heritage of the city of Milan. Housed in the Palazzo dell’Arengario, the building was renovated by the Rota Group to house the 20th century Italian art collections.
The museum’s collection has been enriched over time thanks to significant donations, including the Giuseppina Antognini and Francesco Pasquinelli Donation and the Gianni Mattioli Collection on loan, making it one of the most important Italian art collections of the 20th century.
For further information, you can contact the museum by email at c.museo900@comune.milano.it or by phone on +39 02 884 440 61.
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, 8
- Information: 02 88444061
7. Rovati Foundation
Explore Etruscan art and archaeology in a modern context. The Fondazione Luigi Rovati, located at Corso Venezia 52 in Milan, houses an art museum that interweaves antiquity and contemporaneity. Its collections include over 250 works, including Etruscan vases, votive offerings, cinerary urns and bronzes, displayed alongside masterpieces by artists such as Lucio Fontana, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, creating a surprising dialogue between different eras.
The museum joins the Sunday at the Museum initiative, promoted by the Ministry of Culture, offering free admission every first Sunday of the month. On these occasions, it is possible to visit the two exhibition floors free of charge and admire the entire collection. Access is permitted up to the maximum capacity of the spaces, and online or telephone bookings are not accepted.
For more information on opening hours, tickets and current exhibitions, please visit the official website of the Luigi Rovati Foundation.
- Address: Corso Venezia, 52
- Information: 02 38273001
8. Armani/Silos
Dedicated to the history and stylistic vision of Giorgio Armani, this space is a must for fashion lovers. The Armani/Silos is an exhibition space opened in 2015 by Giorgio Armani to celebrate 40 years of his career in the fashion world. Located at 40 Via Bergognone in Milan, the building, originally a 1950s grain warehouse, has been transformed into a museum spanning four floors with a total of 4,500 square metres.
Armani silos, milan
Exhibitions:
The permanent collection of the Armani/Silos presents around 600 garments and 200 accessories from 1980 to the present day, organised in themes reflecting Giorgio Armani‘s main inspirations:
- Androgynous: explore the androgynous aesthetic in Armani’s creations.
- Ethnicity: highlights the influence of ethnic cultures on its designs.
- Stars: dedicated to clothes created for celebrities and special occasions.
In addition to the permanent collection, the space hosts temporary exhibitions and has a digital archive offering insights into the designer’s creative process.
Participation in ‘Sunday at the Museum’:
The Armani/Silos adheres to the ‘Sunday at the Museum’ initiative promoted by the Ministry of Culture, which provides free entry to museums on the first Sunday of every month. However, at the moment, the Armani/Silos is temporarily closed for refurbishment. Please consult the official website for updates on the reopening and participation in future editions of “Domenica al Museo”.
- Address: Via Bergognone, 40
- Information: 02 91630010
Tips for a Day at the Museum
- Reservations: check the need for reservations, many museums require them.
- Organisation: plan your itinerary by considering museums close to each other.
- Arrive early: to avoid long waits and fully enjoy the experience.
Sunday at the Museum is a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of Milan. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history lover, or simply curious about new places, this initiative offers you an unprecedented opportunity to enjoy Italy’s cultural beauty. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire these masterpieces for free!
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