Best Places to See Art in Milan

Milan is a city where style, culture, and creativity are woven into daily life. While the fashion houses and design showrooms may grab global headlines, Milan’s art scene is equally captivating. From Renaissance masterpieces to bold contemporary installations, from grand palaces turned museums to hidden independent galleries, Milan offers art lovers an inspiring range of experiences.

Whether you’re asking where to see Renaissance art in Milan or which Milan galleries showcase contemporary works, this curated neighborhood guide highlights the best places in Milan to see art.

Centro Storico (Historic Center)

Pinacoteca di Brera

Located in the heart of the Brera district, walking distance from Lanza Metro, the Pinacoteca di Brera is housed in the Palazzo di Brera, a former Jesuit college built in the 17th century. The elegant neoclassical courtyard sets the stage for one of the most famous art museums in Milan. Inside, visitors can see Renaissance masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Mantegna, alongside focused exhibitions exploring lesser-known Italian artists.
Via Brera, 28, Milan

Museo del Novecento

Just steps from the Duomo, the Museo del Novecento occupies the Palazzo dell’Arengario, an imposing Fascist-era building overlooking Piazza del Duomo. The museum is dedicated to 20th-century Italian art, with a permanent collection featuring Boccioni, De Chirico, and Lucio Fontana. Special exhibitions highlight movements from Futurism to Arte Povera, making it a must for modern art lovers.
Piazza del Duomo, 8, Milan

Palazzo Reale

Next to the Duomo, Palazzo Reale was once the royal residence of Milanese rulers. Today, its grand neoclassical halls host blockbuster international exhibitions. Past shows have featured Picasso, Monet, Basquiat, and Artemisia Gentileschi, offering an ever-changing program of major cultural events.
Piazza del Duomo, 12, Milan

---

Brera & Garibaldi

Fondazione Feltrinelli

A short walk from Porta Garibaldi Station, the Fondazione Feltrinelli is a striking glass-and-steel building designed by Herzog & de Meuron. In addition to its research and cultural programs, it regularly presents contemporary photography and design exhibits exploring social and cultural themes.
Viale Pasubio, 5, Milan

Galleria Milano

Tucked in a quiet courtyard near Moscova Metro, Galleria Milano is one of the city’s oldest independent galleries, founded in 1928. Known for its avant-garde spirit, the gallery has hosted artists from Lucio Fontana to contemporary innovators in photography and multimedia. Exhibitions are intimate and thought-provoking, perfect for those seeking hidden art spaces in Milan.
Via Turati, 14, Milan

---

Porta Venezia & Indipendenza

GAM – Galleria d’Arte Moderna

Overlooking the Giardini Pubblici and walking distance from Porta Venezia Metro, GAM is housed in Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte, an 18th-century neoclassical residence once owned by Count Ludovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso. The museum showcases 19th-century works by Hayez, Segantini, and Canova, complemented by special exhibitions that bridge tradition and modernity. Its gardens also feature striking contemporary sculptures.
Via Palestro, 16, Milan

Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano

A few blocks from Corso Buenos Aires, Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano preserves the private apartment of collectors Antonio Boschi and Marieda Di Stefano. This hidden gem gallery displays over 300 works from their remarkable 20th-century collection, including Morandi, Sironi, and Fontana. Rotating displays ensure each visit feels unique.
Via Giorgio Jan, 15, Milan

---

Zona Tortona & Navigli

MUDEC – Museo delle Culture

In the former Ansaldo factory, near Porta Genova Station, MUDEC is an architectural landmark by David Chipperfield with its curved glass façade and spacious galleries. Exhibitions explore world cultures, art, and design, with past shows dedicated to Frida Kahlo, Paul Klee, and global design traditions.
Via Tortona, 56, Milan

Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro

Located in the Tortona district, the foundation is dedicated to sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro and contemporary sculpture. The industrial-style space is known for ambitious installations, bringing together international artists for immersive exhibitions.
Via Vigevano, 9, Milan

Galleria Fumagalli

Close to the Navigli canals, Galleria Fumagalli has been a hub for contemporary and conceptual art since the 1970s. It presents installations, photography, and performance pieces, showcasing both established and emerging artists.
Via Bonaventura Cavalieri, 6, Milan

---

Porta Nuova & Repubblica

Fondazione Prada

Easily reached from Repubblica or Porta Romana, Fondazione Prada is a cultural complex designed by Rem Koolhaas, combining a restored distillery with bold contemporary structures, including the gold-clad “Haunted House.” The foundation is known for ambitious exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, with past shows by Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and Carsten Höller.
Largo Isarco, 2, Milan

Hotel Principe di Savoia

Steps from Piazza della Repubblica, the historic Hotel Principe di Savoia is a 1920s Milanese icon of style. Beyond luxury hospitality, the hotel regularly hosts rotating photography and art exhibitions in its lobby and public spaces, blending culture with everyday Milanese elegance.
Piazza della Repubblica, 17, Milan

---

Isola & Beyond

Pirelli HangarBicocca

In the Bicocca district, north of Centrale Station, Pirelli HangarBicocca is a converted industrial warehouse dedicated to large-scale contemporary art. Its permanent installation, The Seven Heavenly Palaces by Anselm Kiefer, is a highlight, while rotating exhibitions bring international artists like Philippe Parreno and Maurizio Cattelan. Its monumental scale makes it one of Milan’s most dramatic art venues.
Via Chiese, 2, Milan

Galleria Bianconi

Near the Isola district, Galleria Bianconi focuses on avant-garde and conceptual art, presenting bold post-war Italian masters alongside emerging international artists. It remains a discreet but significant stop for collectors and curious visitors.
Via Lecco, 20, Milan

---

Final Brushstrokes

From Renaissance icons at the Pinacoteca di Brera to monumental installations at HangarBicocca, Milan’s art scene is as dynamic and stylish as the city itself. Whether you want to explore famous art museums, discover hidden galleries, or even admire a rotating exhibit in a luxury hotel, Milan offers art experiences for every taste.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous art museum in Milan?
The Pinacoteca di Brera is considered the most famous, showcasing Renaissance masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Mantegna.

Where can I see contemporary art in Milan?
For contemporary art, visit Fondazione Prada, Pirelli HangarBicocca, MUDEC, and independent galleries like Galleria Milano and Galleria Bianconi.

What are hidden art gems in Milan?
Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano and Galleria Milano are intimate, lesser-known spaces that showcase 20th-century and avant-garde collections.

Can I see art exhibitions outside of museums?
Yes, several hotels and restaurants in Milan, such as Hotel Principe di Savoia, regularly host rotating exhibitions of photography and contemporary art.