When we think of world-class art, cities such as Rome and Florence often steal the spotlight. But Milan has its own impressive collection, offering a rich experience for any art lover. From the brushstrokes of Leonardo da Vinci to the bold vision of Michelangelo, let’s explore the art masterpieces that make Milan so special.
Milan, in Italy’s northern Lombardy region, is home to works by legends like da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Francesco Hayez.
Don’t forget to bookmark this post about the best art in Milan so you can quickly find it when visiting the famous gallery.
1. The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, Santa Maria delle Grazie
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci isn’t just famous in Milan – it’s one of the most iconic paintings in the world. Painted between 1495 and 1498, it shows the dramatic moment when Christ announces that one of his apostles will betray him. Da Vinci’s masterful use of light, shadow, and emotion brings the scene to life in a way no one had seen before.
A MASTERPIECE ON THE EDGE:
Leonardo experimented with a new technique. This gave him more time to perfect the details and caused the paint to deteriorate quickly. Only decades after he completed it, the painting started to flake. Despite centuries of damage, restorations, and even surviving bombings, the Last Supper remains one of the most influential artworks in history.
DID YOU KNOW?
Only 35 people can view The Last Supper every 15 minutes, so you’ll need to book your tickets well in advance. For insider tips on how to get tickets and secrets about this masterpiece, check out our blog post.
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2. Rondanini Pieta by Michelangelo, Sforza Castle
Inside Milan’s Sforza Castle stands a sculpture that might leave you speechless–the Rondanini Pieta. This isn’t just another Michelangelo masterpiece; it’s his final, unfinished work. Michelangelo worked on this marble sculpture from 1552 until the final days of his life in 1564. The result is truly different from his earlier, more polished creations in Rome and Florence.
Imagine Michelangelo facing his own death, pouring his final thoughts into this peace. Its unfinished state makes it so powerful.
UNIQUE STYLE:
What’s so shocking about it? The Rondanini Pieta shows Mary and Christ in a way you’ve never seen before. Unlike his earlier Pieta sculpture, where Christ and Mary appear strong and idealized, this piece is a shocking contrast. Here, the figures look fragile, thin, and ghostly, completely different from his previous work.
Carved from a single block of marble, the sculpture shows visible changes like Christ’s detached right arm and unfinished legs. As Michelangelo worked on this sculpture, he made changes that drew Christ and Mary closer together, reflecting his deepening thoughts on mortality. This piece also stands out with its modern, almost gothic style–a bold departure from his earlier works.
3. Bartholomew Flayed by Marco d’Agrate, Milan Cathedral
When you visit Milan, don’t miss a chance to see one of its most shocking art masterpieces: Bartholomew Flayed by Marco d’Agrate. This striking piece, created in 1562, stands proudly at the left of the altar in the Duomo di Milano. It’s a sight that truly stands out in Milan’s artistic scene.
Why is this sculpture so remarkable? It portrays the fisherman Saint Bartholomew, one of Jesus’s apostles, intensely and unusually. At first glance, the statue may look like a skeletal figure draped in what seems to be a cloak. But look closer, and you’ll realize the figure is actually holding his own flayed skin, revealing intricate details of muscles and veins.
St. Bartholomew Flayed by Marco d’Agrate is one of the best artworks in Milan because it offers a powerful mix of artistry and early anatomical study. The display symbolizes Bartholomew’s martyrdom and reflects the 16th-century fascination with human anatomy.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Just remember to get timed entrance tickets to the Duomo in Milan to witness this unique Renaissance art.
4. Madonna of the Book by Sandro Botticelli, Poldi Pezzoli Museum
The Madonna of the Book alone is worth a visit to the Poldi Pezzoli Museum. While Botticelli is famous for his mythological masterpiece The Birth of Venus, this work reveals another side of his artistry. Sandro Botticelli created stunning religious art, and this painting is a perfect example of his religious devotion and symbolism. This small painting in tempera on panel dates from between 1480 and 1481.
DID YOU KNOW?
Botticelli, a deeply religious man, famously burned his own pagan-themed works during the 1497 Bonfire of the Vanities.
RICH WITH SYMBOLISM:
Why is the Madonna of the Book so captivating? The painting shows Mary and the Child Jesus in a serene moment by a window in the corner of the room. Experts suggest Mary is reading from the Book of Hours, a Christian prayer book popular in the Middle Ages. As she reads, the child looks up at her with an expression that seems both knowing and innocent.
Here’s the shocking twist: While the scene may seem peaceful, the child is holding powerful symbols of his future suffering. See the symbols of his future Passion: the three nails of the cross, and a crown of thorns. The details of this painting are also rich with symbolism. The cherries in the bowl represent Christ’s blood, the plums the bond between mother and child, and the figs to the Resurrection. Mary’s blue robe symbolizes purity and royalty, adding layers of meaning to the scene.
The Madonna of the Book by Botticelli is a masterpiece that combines serene beauty with deep religious meaning. No wonder it’s a must-see for any art lover in Milan.
5. The Kiss by Francesco Hayez, Pinacoteca di Brera
The Kiss by Francesco Hayez isn’t just one of the most famous paintings in Milan – it’s an iconic masterpiece that defines Italian Romanticism. Painted in 1859, it represents Italy’s struggle for freedom during the unification of Italy.
The Kiss housed in Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the most passionate and intense depictions of a kiss in Western art. The painting became a symbol of the country’s newfound hope after the Second War of Independence.
STUNNING DETAIL AND SYMBOLISM:
At first glance, The Kiss seems to show a soldier and a maiden locked in a moment of passion, but it carries deep political meaning. The scene is full of emotion, with the man about to head into battle with the Austrians. Look closely, and you’ll notice the soldier carries a dagger – a reminder that he’s both a lover and a warrior. The woman’s blue dress shimmers, drawing attention to the emotional intensity of their farewell.
DID YOU KNOW?
Hayez painted multiple versions of The Kiss, now housed in collections across Europe. This original version is a must-see artwork in the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan.
6. The Fruit Basket by Caravaggio, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Caravaggio’s Fruit Basket isn’t just a painting of fruit – it’s a stunning masterpiece that challenges how we see the world. Created around 1599, this work by the Italian Baroque genius is one of the earliest and most famous still-life paintings in European art history. You can find this iconic piece of art in Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan.
REALISM THAT SHOCKS:
At first glance, the Fruit Basket looks simple – but look closer, and you’ll notice something unusual. The fruit looks fresh and full of life, but some aren’t perfect – it’s damaged, rotting, or shrivelling. Some apples have wormholes and a few grapes are starting to rot. Caravaggio doesn’t idealize anything – he shows fruit as it truly is, with imperfections.
Caravaggio’s attention to detail is stunning, making the fruit look almost real enough to touch. He did something no one expected: this Italian painter didn’t just paint a beauty – he painted reality. It’s as if he’s reminding us that life is full of imperfections, just like the fruit in the basket.
A HIDDEN MESSAGE:
This wasn’t how people were used to seeing fruit in art – perfect and idealised. Some experts believe The Fruit Basket is more than just a still life. The fruits, some fresh and others rotting, symbolize the cycle of life. The leaves in the basket tell the same story. Some reach for the light, full of life, while others droop, showing how beauty fades, and everything eventually withers away. It’s a powerful reflection on life and death.
DID YOU KNOW?
Caravaggio broke the rules by painting the fruit at table level, instead of the traditional view from above. This unique perspective draws you in – it feels like you could reach out and grab a piece of fruit. The painting may seem simple, but the layers of symbolism and stunning realism make it one of the most important works in art history.
7. Portrait of a Musician by Leonardo da Vinci, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Leonardo da Vinci’s Portrait of a Musician may not be his most famous work, but it’s undeniably one of Milan’s hidden treasures. Painted between 1483 and 1487, this unfinished piece is Leonardo’s only known male portrait. Despite its fame, this painting holds a unique place in art history. Its story is full of mystery, making it one of Leonardo’s most debated and least understood masterpieces.
A MYSTERY IN PAINT:
What makes this painting so curious? For starters, there is no record of who commissioned it, nor any clear documentation of the sitter’s identity. Scholars have speculated for centuries, suggesting it could depict Franchino Gaffurio, the chapel master of Milan’s Duomo, the composer Josquin des Prez, or even Leonardo’s friend, the musician Atalante Migliorotti.
DID YOU KNOW?
The painting’s mystery deepened in 1905 when a restoration uncovered the musician’s hand holding a sheet of music. This small but crucial detail transformed the portrait from an anonymous face into a puzzle full of hidden meaning.
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: SEEING IT IN PERSON:
Unlike many of his other pieces, this painting remains in excellent condition. Standing before it in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, you can almost feel the tension between its completed and unfinished elements. This combination of technical mastery and mystery makes the Portrait of a Musician a must-see artwork in Milan.
A WORK IN DEBATE:
Modern art historians generally agree that the Portrait of a Musician is an original work by Leonardo, although doubts linger. The detailed and emotive face bears strong similarities to Leonardo’s other works, like the angel in Virgin of the Rocks. Yet, the musician’s body appears stiff, which is unusual for Leonardo’s style. Experts believe this could be because the painting was never finished, leaving parts of the composition undeveloped. Others suggest that one of Leonardo’s students may have assisted with certain elements. The darker background, a technique da Vinci popularized and used in his later works, further cements its connection to him.
8. The Lamentation over the Dead Christ by Andrea Mantegna, Pinacoteca di Brera
© By Andrea Mantegna – Pinacoteca di Brera, Wikipedia
Andrea Mantegna’s The Lamentation over the Dead Christ (circa 1480) is also a powerful and unforgettable work of art you can see in Milan. Housed in the Pinacoteca di Brera, this painting grabs your attention with its shocking realism and emotional intensity. It’s famous not only for its subject but also for its groundbreaking technique.
A NEW WAY TO SEE CHRIST:
What makes this painting so remarkable? Mantegna used a technique called foreshortening to create a sense of depth like never before. Christ’s feet and body look incredibly close, while his head seems farther away. This technique makes it feel as if Christ was lying right in front of you. The detailed anatomy, especially Christ’s chest and the wounds on his feet and hands, make the scene feel raw and painfully real.
DID YOU KNOW?
When you stand in front of this painting, Christ’s feet are at your eye level, forcing you to face the brutal reality of his crucifixion wounds. Mantegna wanted viewers to feel like they were right there with Christ after his death.
EMOTION AND TRAGEDY:
The scene itself is heartbreaking. Christ lies dead, and you can clearly see the marks of the crucifixion. Surrounding him are Mary, John, and Mary Magdalene, their faces filled with grief, not idealized or softened. The focus stays on the lifeless body, making you feel the tragedy even more.
What makes Mantegna’s Lamentation stand out is its shockingly real appearance. The sharp contrast between light and shadow gives the scene incredible depth and drama. Look closely at Christ’s head turned slightly away: it faces the light – a powerful symbol of hope and divine promise even in death.
9. The Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael, Pinacoteca di Brera
Another must-see art masterpiece in Milan is Raphael’s The Marriage of the Virgin (1504). This painting, housed in the Pinacoteca di Brera, shows Raphael’s extraordinary talent at a remarkably young age.
A YOUNG GENIUS’S WORK:
Raphael painted The Marriage of the Virgin when he was just 21 years old. Despite his youth, this piece shows his incredible talent and sophistication. The painting depicts the marriage of Mary and Joseph, a popular theme in Renaissance art. Raphael took inspiration from Perugino’s earlier version of this scene, but his painting is far more than just a copy.
A PERFECTLY PLANNED SCENE:
Raphael captured the Temple in Jerusalem with such detail that it looks almost like a detailed wooden model. You can even see the artist’s name on the temple. Experts believe he may have used a wooden model to achieve this incredible level of accuracy.
What’s fascinating is how Raphael mastered perspective. Here’s an interesting detail: Infrared technology revealed a network of lines pointing to the temple door. This technique creates a powerful sense of depth, making the temple the focal point of the painting. The way Raphael carefully arranged the figures and the architecture shows his deep understanding of mathematics and perspective.
A DRAMATIC MOMENT:
The people in the painting wear beautiful, colourful clothes, which is typical of Raphael’s style. He used colour, light, and shadow to add depth and make the scene feel real. In the centre, Joseph gives a ring to Mary. This ring isn’t just any piece of jewellery, it’s a sacred relic from Perugia. You can also see one of Joseph’s rival suitors breaking his own staff in frustration, adding drama to the scene.
10. St. Mark Preaching in Alexandria by Gentile and Giovanni Bellini, Pinacoteca di Brera
Bellini’s St. Mark Preaching in Alexandria (1504-1507) is a family legacy.
St Mark Preaching in Alexandria by Gentile and Giovanni Bellini is also one of the highlights of the Pinacoteca di Brera. Why, you may ask? First, this oil painting is massive – covering 26 square meters. Its size, exotic details, history, and fantasy make it an unforgettable piece of art in Milan. What’s even more shocking is what it depicts.
VENICE IN ALEXANDRIA?
Bellini masterfully combined two moments in time: ancient Alexandria and Renaissance Venice. St Mark’s preaches to a crowd of Muslims and Venetians in a city that looks like Venice, with Egyptian touches. The temples, towers, and buildings look like a blend of two cities, creating a visual shock for the viewers. Look closely at the obelisk with hieroglyphs. This symbol suggests that ancient Egyptians predicted Christianity.
EXOTIC DETAILS FROM THE EAST:
Gentile Bellini visited Constantinople, and you can see that influence in the painting. The exotic Mamluk architecture, colourful clothing, and Egyptian symbols transform you into a different world. More than 80 people wear caftans, turbans, and veils – a striking contrast to the Venetians in the crowds. This mix of cultures, East and West, is rare and surprising for its time.
A BROTHER’S FINAL WISH:
The story behind the painting makes it even more fascinating. Did you know that Gentile started the painting but died before he could finish it? On his deathbed, he left a will that forced his brother Giovanni to complete it – only if Giovanni wanted a precious collection of drawings. Imagine finishing your brother’s work with that emotional weight!
11. The Sala delle Asse by Leonardo da Vinci, Sforza Castle 
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Step into a room where the walls and ceilings transform into a breathtaking forest. Leonardo da Vinci achieved this in the Sala delle Asse, or ‘’Room of the Wooden Planks’’, located in Sforza Castle. Painted between 1482 and 1499, this masterpiece is one of only two surviving frescoes by the master, the other being The Last Supper. Here’s why this room stands out:
A ROOM TURNED INTO A GARDEN:
Leonardo converted a simple room on the first floor of Sforza Castle into a stunning garden. He painted 16 majestic mulberry trees, their flowering branches adorned with golden ropes, reaching from the walls to the ceiling. This unusual design creates a mind-blowing illusion of a garden pergola, blending nature and architecture in a way you’ve never seen before.
SYMBOLISM OF THE TREES:
The towering mulberry trees aren’t just decorative; they symbolize wisdom and stability. Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan who hired Leonardo, wanted a design that celebrates his powerful and stable rule. These trees symbolise the strength and prosperity of his leadership.
TIP:
Look up to find the heraldic image of Ludovico Sforza’s coat of arms at the highest point of the painting.
A UNIQUE FRESCO:
Did you know this fresco is incredibly rare? It’s one of the few examples of ‘’illusionistic arboreal architecture.’’ The trees, bound together by a golden rope, create a stunning environment that celebrates nature and architecture in a groundbreaking way.
HIDDEN FOR CENTURIES:
For many years, this fresco was hidden under layers of whitewash. It was rediscovered in the 19th century but needed further restorations to correct earlier mistakes. Only after further restorations in 1954 and 2006 did the fresco return to its true form, revealing Leonardo’s details and masterful technique.
12. Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker by Antonio Canova, Pinacoteca di Brera
Imagine Napoleon not as a conqueror, but as a powerful Roman god of peace. Antonio Canova’s statue, Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker, shows him in this extraordinary way.
A BOLD SCULPTURE:
Canova’s colossal statue portrays Napoleon as Mars, the Roman god of war, but with a unique twist – he’s named ‘’the Peacemaker.’’ In this bronze version at the Brera Gallery, Napoleon stands proudly, naked except for a military cloak. He holds a rod in one hand and the world, crowned by Victory, in the other. This powerful pose represents Napoleon’s dominance and his vision for peace.
DID YOU KNOW?
At the Brera Art Gallery in Milan, you can see two versions of this notable work. The first is a bronze statue in the courtyard. The second is a well-preserved plaster model inside the museum. The original marble statue is at Apsley House in London.
A SYMBOL OF POWER:
Napoleon wanted a grand statue to reflect his dominance and vision. He commissioned Canova, the leading sculptor of the time, to create a monumental piece. Canova’s work, inspired by Greek heroes, was a bold choice but didn’t find a favour in France. Although the statue was controversial in France, Napoleon’s stepson commissioned this bronze replica for Milan.
13. Madonna and Child with Three Angels by Sandro Botticelli, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
The Madonna and Child with Three Angels or Madonna del Padiglione.
In this masterpiece from 1493, Botticelli reveals the Virgin Mary in a tender moment, nursing baby Jesus beneath a red canopy. Set in a terraced garden overlooking the Florence hills and the Arno River, this painting combines beauty, love, and hidden symbolism.
A SACRED SCENE:
Mary kneels before the Christ child, gently pressing her breast to nurse him – a simple, yet powerful act of maternal love. Unlike the melancholic Madonnas Botticelli painted before, this one is serene and radiates gentle maternal love. Two angels hold open the pavilion and a third angel supports baby Jesus, creating a scene with warmth and grace.
Every detail in this painting has meaning, showing Botticelli’s skills in weaving together religious symbolism and natural beauty. Botticelli used fine brushstrokes to add stunning detail to this work of art which you can see in Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan.
SYMBOLS EVERYWHERE:
Look closely; the red canopy isn’t just a decoration. The open pavilion, or ‘’padiglione’’ represents the tent of God, a symbol of His presence in both the Old and New Testament. The open book Jesus points to represents the Word of God, with Christ signalling his divine identity.
Botticelli portrayed Mary as the new Ark of the Covenant since she, like the Ark, contained the Word of God (Leith,117). And a vase of lilies in the foreground? These flowers are not only a symbol of Florence but also a reminder of Mary’s innocence and purity.
14. Vase of Flowers with Jewel, Coins and Shells by Jan Brueghel il Vecchio, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
A floral fantasy
Jan Brueghel the Elder’s Vase of Flowers with Jewel, Coins, and Shells is an outstanding masterpiece that pushes the limits of art and imagination. Created in 1608, this is the first documented flower still life in art history – and is anything but ordinary. This isn’t just an arrangement of flowers—it’s an extravagant display of rare beauty, artistic mastery, and deep symbolism. Every bloom is a stroke of a genius.
A BOUQUET BEYOND REALITY:
At first glance, the vase seems like a perfectly arranged bouquet, but that’s impossible. Brueghel included around 100 different flower species, many of them incredibly rare and exotic. Yet, these flowers would never bloom together in nature – spring and summer captured side by side. The smaller flowers rest at the bottom, while the larger, heavier ones bloom at the top, drawing your eye upward. The vase would collapse if they were arranged this way. Yet, Bruegel’s goal wasn’t realism, but to create a visual feast for the eyes.
Brueghel crafted this bouquet with an artist’s eye for perfection. The precision is striking, with every bloom perfectly illuminated. The flowers also don’t overlap much and each bloom stands out.
SYMBOLS HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT:
But Brueghel didn’t just paint flowers – he filled the scene with hidden meanings. A butterfly and bee flutter among the blooms. In Christian tradition, the butterfly symbolises the cycle of life, death, and resurrection. And the bee? It’s a reminder of the hard work and devotion.
Look closer, and you’ll spot coins, seashells, and a diamond glistening at the bottom of the vase. These objects enhance the sense of luxury and wealth. Cardinal Federico Borromeo, who commissioned the piece, said Brueghel wanted the diamond to show the painting’s value was equal to that of a precious jewel.
A RARE TREASURE IN MILAN:
Vase of Flowers with Jewel, Coins and Shells, an oil on copper, is a testament not only to Brueghel’s technical skill but also to his love for nature. This exceptional 17th-century Flemish art is a rare gem, carefully preserved and on display in Room 7 of the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan.
15. Equestrian Statue of Vittorio Emmanuel II by Ercole Rosa, Piazza del Duomo
In the heart of Piazza del Duomo, the Equestrian statue of Vittorio Emmanuel II stands as a proud reminder of Italy’s unification. This striking bronze statue honours Vittorio Emmanuel II, the first king of a united Italy, who reigned from 1861 until his death in 1878. Created by Ercole Rosa in 1896, the statue depicts the king leading his army into the crucial Battle of Solferino.
A DRAMATIC DESIGN:
At 12 m (40 ft) high, the statue of the king and his horse is one of the largest monuments in Milan. Its bold design and impressive presence capture the attention of every visitor. The king sits confidently on his horse, pulling on his reins to show control, representing leadership and bravery.
The statue rests on a striking red granite base, surrounded by a white marble staircase. The pedestal features a relief that shows the Piedmontese troops entering Milan after the Battle of Magenta during the War of Independence. This image celebrates Italy’s fight for unity.
Around the statue are 14 allegorical figures that represent the cities of Italy, highlighting the nation’s unity and strength. The majestic lions rest at the side, each with a paw on plaques marked ‘’Roma’’ and ‘’Milano’’, celebrating Italy’s Renaissance achievements. While many people admire the statue, some art critics consider it overly dramatic. Despite this, it remains a powerful symbol of Italy’s history and a must-see landmark in Milan.
Now you know what the most famous art in Milan is!
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Written by Martina Kokesova