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Museum · Milão, Lombardia
Pinacoteca di Brera
One of Italy's leading painting museums, in the Palazzo di Brera, with works by Mantegna, Raphael, Piero della Francesca, Caravaggio and Hayez.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pinacoteca di Brera
The Pinacoteca di Brera occupies the first floor of the Palazzo di Brera, a 17th-century building that also houses the Academy of Fine Arts, the Biblioteca Braidense and the astronomical observatory. The gallery opened in the early 19th century, during the Napoleonic era, to bring together paintings taken from closed churches and convents.
The collection has a strong focus on Italian painting. Among the best-known works are Andrea Mantegna's Dead Christ, seen from a daring foreshortened angle from the feet; Raphael's Marriage of the Virgin; Piero della Francesca's Pala Montefeltro; Caravaggio's Supper at Emmaus; and The Kiss by Francesco Hayez, a symbol of Italian romanticism.
Before going up, the courtyard of honor welcomes visitors with the bronze statue of Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker by Antonio Canova. In several rooms there is a glassed-in restoration laboratory where you can see work in progress.
Tickets are timed and can be purchased in advance. The museum sits in the middle of the Brera district, making it easy to combine the visit with a stroll through the surrounding streets.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 2½ hours for the main rooms.
Best time
Early in the morning or mid-afternoon. On rainy days the museum gets busier.
How to get there
Via Brera 28. Metro M2 (green), Lanza station, or M3 (yellow), Montenapoleone station, a 5–10 minute walk. From the Duomo it's about a 15-minute walk.
Tip
Inside, follow the room numbers, which form a set route in order. Large bags go to the left-luggage. After the visit, Via Fiori Chiari and Via Madonnina, right next door, have cafés and shops.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pinacoteca di Brera
What are the most famous works at the Pinacoteca di Brera?
The Dead Christ by Mantegna, The Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael, the Pala Montefeltro by Piero della Francesca, The Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio, and The Kiss by Hayez.
Do I need to reserve?
It's not mandatory for most of the year, but a timed ticket can be purchased in advance and avoids queues. Check before you go.
How long does the visit take?
About 2 hours to see the rooms at a relaxed pace.