Brera: From the artists' district to the glamor hotspot in Milan!

Brera: From the artists' district to the glamor hotspot in Milan!

The Brera district in Milan has developed from a former residential area for ordinary people and artists into a wealthy, in-district with prominent residents. The narrow streets, the beautiful churches and the colorful house facades are characteristic of this district. A cultural highlight of the highest importance is the renowned Pinacoteca di Brera, which is housed in the Palazzo di Brera and houses impressive masterpieces.

This historic palazzo dates back to the 17th century and was originally a monastery that later served as a Jesuit college. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1809 under the Kingdom of Italy, which emerged during the time of Napoleon. The Pinacoteca features works by famous artists such as Caravaggio, Rafael and Tintoretto, with the Baroque style being strongly represented.

Visitor attractions and nightlife options

Apart from the Pinacoteca di Brera, the district offers numerous small fashion shops, artist studios and a variety of nightlife options in different price categories. There are also other cultural highlights nearby such as the Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, La Vigna di Leonardo and the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci.

For a taste of Milan's past before gentrification, head to the San Vittore and Cinque Vie districts. These neighborhoods feature cobblestone streets and a less hectic atmosphere with few bars and restaurants.

The Pinacoteca: An artistic delight

The Pinacoteca di Brera not only exhibits Baroque art, but also has a special modern art room where works by artists such as De Chirico and Modigliani can be seen. The most famous creation is “Il bacio” (The Kiss) by Francesco Hayez, dated 1859. Other important works that the museum shows are “Last Supper” by Caravaggio and “The Wedding of the Virgin” by Rafael.

Access to the Pinacoteca is straightforward: the museum is located at Via Brera 28 and is easily reached by metro, with the nearest stops being Lanza and Montenapoleone. Opening hours are daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.; the museum is closed on Mondays. Tickets can be purchased until 6:00 p.m. and to avoid long queues, it is recommended to book tickets online.

To make the most of your visit, we recommend the Milan Pass, which gives you free access to various museums, as well as discounts at restaurants and the opportunity to explore the city on the hop-on/hop-off bus. The Pinacoteca di Brera is therefore not only a cultural center, but also an experience that travelers in Milan should not miss.