The Pinacoteca di Brera at Via Brera 28 is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Milan with art in mind. One of the most important galleries in Europe, it is housed in a former Jesuit palace and monastery of the Humiliati order, whose history dates back to the first half of the 13th century. Founded in 1776 by Maria Theresa of Austria, the gallery was only opened to the public in 1803, and after a thorough renovation by architect Pietro Gilardoni, it reopened in 1809, on Napoleon's birthday, presenting 139 paintings at the time. Today, in 38 rooms, you can admire a collection of Italian and European paintings from the 13th to the 20th century. Unique elements include a collection of frescoes and paintings from Lombardy churches, a restoration workshop visible through glass, and two warehouses with additional works that could not be included in the permanent exhibition. Among the masterpieces, Caravaggio's "Supper at Emmaus," Raphael's "The Marriage of the Virgin," Tintoretto's "The Finding of the Body of St. Mark," and Mantegna's famous "Dead Christ" stand out—a painting that, thanks to the use of perspective, creates an incredible impression of space. The church building was divided into two floors to accommodate the growing collection, which is an interesting architectural solution. Palazzo Brera is not only a gallery - it also houses the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and the Braidense library, creating a complete ecosystem of art and culture.

Nearby, at Via Alessandro Manzoni 12, is the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, another jewel in the crown of Milan's artistic institutions. It is a private collection transformed into a gift to the public, housed in a 19th-century villa. The museum offers a rich collection of paintings, arts and crafts, and military items, perfectly complementing the monumental Pinacoteca di Brera. While Brera impresses with the scale and sacred character of many of its works, Poldi Pezzoli delights with the intimate atmosphere of a private residence, where art coexists with sophisticated interior design. Both places are a must-see for lovers of art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, with a unique focus on Lombard heritage. A walk between these two institutions is a journey through the artistic district of Brera, full of atmospheric streets, cafes, and boutiques. The difference in character between these places is striking—Brera is a state-run educational institution, created from initiatives to promote public access to art, while Poldi Pezzoli represents the tradition of private collecting and patronage. For the full experience, it is worth planning at least half a day for each of these places, although true enthusiasts can spend the whole day at the Pinacoteca di Brera, exploring the hundreds of works in the collection.

The Museo del Novecento in the Palazzo dell'Arengario in Piazza del Duomo is a spectacular journey through 20th-century Italian art. Its location right next to the cathedral makes this museum one of the most accessible points on the city's cultural map. The collection focuses on Futurism, Arte Povera, and other avant-garde movements that defined Italian art of the past century. The architecture of the building itself is an attraction - spiral ramps leading through successive exhibition halls create a dynamic space that perfectly harmonizes with the works on display. The museum's windows offer an incredible view of the Duomo, which is an added bonus for visitors. Unlike the historical collections of Brera or Poldi Pezzoli, here experimentation, provocation, and the search for new forms of expression dominate. It is a place where traditional Italian aesthetics meet the modernist revolution.

The Gallerie d'Italia at Piazza della Scala 6 is an institution that combines different eras into a coherent narrative about Italian art. Housed in a historic palace, the gallery presents a collection from the 19th century to the present day, with a particular focus on Romantic painting and works related to the history of Italian unification. Its location on the famous La Scala square makes it an ideal stop when visiting the city center. The quality of the exhibition is worth noting—modern multimedia solutions coexist here with respect for the historical character of the building. Tickets are moderately priced compared to other institutions in Milan.

PAC Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea at Via Palestro 14 is a real mecca for lovers of contemporary art. This institution specializes in rotating exhibitions presenting the latest trends in world art. Unlike museums with permanent collections, PAC offers an ever-changing selection, making it worth visiting regularly. The building, although modern, blends harmoniously with the surroundings of the Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli park. Right next door, at Via Palestro 16, is the Modern Art Gallery (Galleria d'Arte Moderna), housed in the neoclassical Villa Reale. This institution bridges the gap between classical collections and the avant-garde of the 20th century, presenting works from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection includes Romantic painting, Impressionism, and early Modernism, creating a bridge between tradition and modernity. The proximity of PAC and GAM allows for a fascinating comparison of different approaches to presenting art—while GAM retains a classic gallery layout with a chronological narrative, PAC focuses on dynamic, thematic temporary exhibitions. Both places can be visited in one afternoon, giving a comprehensive picture of the development of art from Romanticism to the latest installations.

The Triennale di Milano at Viale Emilio Alemagna 6 is an institution that goes beyond the traditional understanding of an art museum. Housed in the Palazzo dell'Arte in Sempione Park, the Triennale focuses on design, architecture, and the visual arts, organizing exhibitions that explore the relationship between art and everyday life. It is a place where you can see both historical Italian design projects and the latest experiments in architecture and industrial design. The name 'Triennale' comes from the cycle of major exhibitions organized every three years, although the institution now operates year-round, offering a variety of temporary exhibitions. Its location in Sempione Park makes a visit to the Triennale an ideal opportunity to combine culture with outdoor relaxation. Compared to traditional art galleries, the Triennale offers a more interdisciplinary approach, showing how art permeates everyday life through design and architecture. Ticket prices are average, and the variety of exhibitions means that each visit can bring a completely different experience.

The Fondazione Luciana Matalon at Foro Buonaparte 67 is a real hidden gem for those seeking less obvious artistic destinations. Housed in a historic building near the Pinacoteca di Brera, this foundation organizes contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events in an intimate setting. Unlike large museum institutions, Fondazione Matalon offers a more intimate experience, often presenting the works of young, emerging artists alongside established masters. It is a place for those who want to discover something off the beaten tourist track, yet still in the heart of the artistic Brera district. Its proximity to the main attractions makes it easy to include a visit to the Fondazione in a wider sightseeing plan.

When planning an artistic weekend in Milan, it is worth thinking about your sightseeing strategy. The classic collections - the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Museo Poldi Pezzoli - require at least half a day each, while smaller institutions such as the Fondazione Matalon can be visited in an hour or two. The Museo del Novecento and the Gallerie d'Italia, thanks to their central location, can be easily combined with other attractions in the center. The PAC and Modern Art Gallery, located next to each other on Via Palestro, make a natural pair for a joint visit. The Triennale di Milano, slightly further from the center, is best visited in combination with a walk in Sempione Park. In terms of price, most institutions offer tickets in the mid-range, although it is worth checking for the possibility of purchasing combined tickets or days with free admission. Each of these places represents a different aspect of Milan's rich artistic tradition - from Renaissance masterpieces to the latest trends in contemporary art, from monumental state collections to the intimate spaces of private foundations. Together, they form a unique mosaic that makes Milan one of the most important art centers in Europe, worthy of at least a few days' visit for true enthusiasts.