Travellers coming to Italy can find authentic art and beautiful medieval architecture not only in famous ancient cities, such as Rome and Venice, but also the Lombardy capital. Milan is not only the fashion centre of Northern Italy, but also where art is abundant all around. Below you will find many ways of enjoying art to the fullest in this big metropolitan city.
Wander along the canals in the Navigli area
The beautiful Navigli district with its vibrant nightlife atmosphere is also a hidden spot for artists. The two streets surrounding one canal is full of vintage shops, music stores, art galleries, and libraries. Walking through some parts of over 50 kilometres (31 miles) long of canals, you can view the alternative side of the fashion capital on paintings and photographs. It’s ancient and calm beauty remains undiscovered behind the luxurious shopping centres.
Visit the National Museum of Science and Technology "Leonardo Da Vinci"
Even those with just a little knowledge of art knows about Leonardo Da Vinci. Hence, of all the top activities in Milan for art-lovers to visit, at least one of the museums exhibits his artwork. Founded in 1953, the Leonardo Da Vinci National Science and Technology Museum is the largest museum of science and technology in Italy. It is the home to Leonardo da Vinci’s most important collection of machine models.
Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie church for The Last Supper
For art-lovers traveling on a budget, I recommend visiting the Santa Maria delle Grazie or the Holy Mary of Grace Church. This UNESCO World Heritage site holds the most famous mural of Leonardo da Vinci - The Last Supper. Photography is not allowed in all areas, but you can enter the church for free.
Lounge around Brera and stop by Brera Art Gallery
This less touristy part of Milan used to be the home of many artists and bohemians. Numerous narrow streets surrounding this area have many antique shops, boutiques, and apparel. For classic art lovers, come to the Brera Art Gallery to enjoy a large collection of Picasso’s art work for 10 EUR (about 11.2 USD) per person. There’s free admission every first Sunday of the month, yet a group reservation cannot be made specifically on this day.
Watch an opera show at the La Scala Theatre
Known as the New Royal-Ducal Teatro alla Scala, this 18th century-built theatre is where dozens of worldwide famous opera and ballet artists as well as singers have performed. The experience of watching a classic show in the 20000-square-metre (215,278 sq ft) venue, ran by more than 150 workers, and holding up to 2800 seats, is incredible. This gigantic theatre runs a press room, an academy with multiple courses and activities, backstage workshops, and a museum. The full fare is 7 EUR (around 7.8 USD) per person with discounts for students and large groups for schools.
Milan - the city for all sorts of art
Milan also offers different forms of arts for all ages. For architecture lovers, Milan offers plenty of churches, cathedrals, and towers to explore. The famous Duomo di Milano also marks the height of the Gothic architecture development. Music lovers will enjoy the city during rainy days when various street artists perform in the big squares or near the Sforza Castle.
History
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