6 Iconic Art Museums in Milan You Can’t Afford to Miss

A living testament to art & history, this city is certainly not short of beautifully curated museums. Packed with artworks we’d first learnt about in textbooks, novels & movies, here in Milan we can experience ‘the real deal’.

Francielly, a Brazilian brand identity expert whose work is shaped by her own passion for the fine arts, shares with us her favourite museums - the very places from where she draws inspiration for her daily life & profession.

Have you seen them all yet?

Written & photographed by: Francielly Manfrin Tamiozo (founder of Francy Atelier)

Photo by Liziane Fuchs https.www.instagram.com/lizianefuchs

Ah, Milan! The city of fashion, design, aperitivo, and, surprisingly enough, some of the most eclectic museums you'll ever wander into. Sure, the Duomo will always be there towering over us, and the Last Supper is a masterpiece beyond comparison.

But, Milan’s art and culture scene goes way beyond those iconic spots. So let’s go on a little adventure to six unique museums that I love, mixing well-known gems with some lesser-known treasures.

Whether you're a culture vulture or just in it for the Instagram pics, these stops won’t disappoint!

1. Museo del Novecento: Modern Art with a View

Let’s start with a classic, but trust me, this one has a twist.

Located right next to the Duomo (talk about prime real estate), the Museo del Novecento houses a treasure collection of 20th-century Italian art. You’ll be swept away by masterpieces from icons like Picasso, Modigliani, and Boccioni, whose dynamic sculptures are a testament to the radical ideas of the Futurist movement.

But the real prize? The top-floor window offers an unbeatable view that frames the Duomo in all its Gothic glory. It’s a moment that art and architecture lovers alike will treasure.

This is the view you get from the inside

Here, you’ll fine Umberto Boccioni’s famous futuristic sculpture “Unique Forms of Continuity in Space”, 1913.

Pro tip: After soaking in all that art, pop into the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for an espresso at Marchesi 1824—you’ll feel like royalty.

Don’t miss Marchesi’s “torta Sacher” – the famous Austrian cake with a twist. It’s a bit expensive, but worth it

2. Poldi Pezzoli Museum: A Hidden Oasis for Art Lover

Tucked away just off Via Manzoni, the Museo Poldi Pezzoli feels like stepping into the home of a cultured Milanese aristocrat—because, well, that’s exactly what it is!

Originally the private residence of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, a passionate collector born into Milanese aristocracy in the 19th century, the museum is filled with Renaissance art, armour, and lavish decorative pieces.

Poldi Pezzoli had impeccable taste and wanted to leave a legacy of culture and beauty for the public to enjoy. When he passed in 1879, he left his entire collection and home to his friend Giuseppe Bertini who, 2 years later, turned it into Milan’s first private collection to be exhibited to the public.

Unlike some stuffy old museums, this one feels personal and intimate. The museum is a hidden gem, offering a fascinating peek into the mind of a true connoisseur of beauty.

Around the corner: You’re right by the Teatro alla Scala—why not see if you can catch a performance? Even if tickets are hard to snag, the opera house’s museum is a charming detour into Milan’s musical past.

3. GAM (Galleria d’Arte Moderna): Neoclassical Dreams in a Green Oasis

I’m a Monet girl, so this is definitely my favourite museum in Milan. Tucked inside the elegant Villa Reale in Porta Venezia, the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (GAM) feels like stepping into a different era.

It’s Milan’s love letter to 19th-century art, housed in a stunning Neoclassical villa that once served as a royal residence for Napoleon.

As you stroll through the grand halls, you’re transported through the artistic movements of the time—from the emotional intensity of Romanticism to the soft, dreamy brushstrokes of Impressionism. Works by artists like Hayez, Segantini, and Canova fill the sun-drenched rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the lush gardens behind the villa.

“The Penitent Magdalene”, 1833, Francesco Hayez.

Room 5 - a tribute to Romanticism and the female figure.

After your visit:

You can either take a peaceful stroll through the surrounding Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, Milan’s oldest public park, or grab a delicious bite at Lùbar, a charming café-restaurant that mixes the elegance of the Lombardian capital with the artisanal touch of Sicilian cuisine.

If you go to Lùbar, ask to sit on the inside. You won’t regret it.

4. Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano: Milan’s Best-Kept Secret

Want to see where Milan’s artists actually lived and worked?

Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano is a time capsule of 20th-century Milanese culture, tucked into an unassuming apartment building.

This was the home of collectors Antonio Boschi and Marieda Di Stefano, who filled their space with over 300 works of art—think Sironi, De Chirico, and Fontana—alongside their everyday furniture.

It’s like being invited into the coolest art-filled home.

This is a small – and yet – rich space. Each corner is a wonder of inspiration.

Nearby:

You're in the heart of the lively Porta Venezia neighbourhood, famous for its Art Nouveau buildings. Stroll down to Biblioteca Porta Venezia for a self-guided walking tour taking in more of this arcgitecture, and continue your journey through Via Marcello Malpighi to see the facades of Casa Guazzoni and Casa Galimberti.

Continue all the way to Corso Venezia to see Palazzo Castiglioni. You can finish your tour at Villa Necchi Campiglio, another Milanese marvel.

5. Armani/Silos: Where Fashion Becomes Art

When it comes to blending art, fashion, and minimalism, no one does it quite like Giorgio Armani. And Armani/Silos, located in the ultra-hip Tortona district, is his temple of style.

More than just a fashion museum, it’s a celebration of design and vision. Spread over four floors, Armani/Silos showcases Giorgio Armani’s iconic creations from the 1980s to today, with each floor dedicated to a different theme: daywear, exotic travels, chromatic explorations, and evening wear.

A deep dive into Armani’s long-lasting style.

A journey through Aldo Fallai’s collaboration with Armani. One of the exhibitions I stumbled upon in one of my many visits there.

Extend the experience:

After soaking up Armani’s genius, continue exploring Tortona’s thriving art scene by checking out the nearby BASE cultural hub, a hotspot for avant-garde exhibitions, creative workshops, and late-night events.

Or grab a bite at Al Fresco, a stylish garden restaurant perfect for discussing all things fashion over an aperitivo.

6. MUDEC: Hub of Contemporary Exhibits & Events and Champions of Public Art

Finally, let’s end on a high note at MUDEC—the Museum of Cultures. Also located in Tortona district (right next to Armani’s museum), MUDEC is where art, anthropology, and cultural exchange come together in a stunningly modern space.

Its mission? To explore the intersection of global cultures through art, artifacts, and contemporary works, challenging us to see the world from fresh perspectives.

On my last visit, I got to explore Rodin’s genius through his work on movement and dance—an exhibition that felt like watching bronze and marble come to life!

While that particular exhibit is no longer on site, MUDEC is always rotating in new artists, themes, and ideas that keep Milan’s cultural scene buzzing.

Whether it's a deep dive into the art of a specific region or an exhibition tackling contemporary global issues, MUDEC’s curatorial choices are consistently fresh, thought-provoking, and often groundbreaking.

Milan’s museum scene is like a beautiful mosaic—each one offers something completely different, but together they create a vibrant picture of the city’s culture.

Whether you’re exploring the past, getting lost in futuristic design, or soaking in the works of artistic geniuses, these museums are more than just places to visit.

They’re experiences to savour, windows into the soul of Milan.

And trust me, every one of them will leave you with something to remember.

If you love art as I do, feel free to follow me and my work.

I specialise in Branding Fine Art, connecting personal and commercial brands to art, creating real artistic brands. And from time to time, I share my travels and inspirations with my followers, so they can enjoy my artistic universe.

Please connect with me on Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn or via my website.