Official Information
Official site: https://pinacotecabrera.org
Official tickets: https://www.brerabooking.org
Address: Via Brera 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Map: View on Google Maps
Opening Hours
Open Tuesday–Sunday from morning to early evening (typically 8:30–19:15, with last entry about an hour before closing); closed Mondays and some major holidays. Extended evening openings and special events are occasionally scheduled, check the official website for details.
The Pinacoteca di Brera is Milan’s premier art gallery and one of Italy’s most important collections of painting, set in the stately Palazzo Brera along with the city’s renowned art academy and library. Rather than overwhelming visitors with quantity, the Brera curates its rooms to give each masterpiece space and focus, making it especially rewarding for visitors who prefer depth over breadth. The collection highlights Italian art from the late Middle Ages through the 19th century, with some remarkable pieces by non-Italian artists as well. Must-sees include Mantegna’s dramatic “Dead Christ,” Raphael’s harmonious “Marriage of the Virgin,” Piero della Francesca’s majestic “Pala Montefeltro,” and Caravaggio’s emotionally charged “Supper at Emmaus.” Thoughtful presentation, ample seating, good lighting, and engaging wall texts, means you’re encouraged to linger and look. Recent expansions under the “Grande Brera” project have opened the adjacent Palazzo Citterio as a new modern and contemporary wing, connecting the historic gallery more directly to 20th-century art and providing fresh exhibition spaces and a landscaped garden. This makes Brera an ideal destination for half a day, offering a journey from Renaissance altarpieces to Italian modernism. The museum sits in Milan’s fashionable Brera district, so cafes, boutiques, and atmospheric streets are right outside for a break before or after your visit. Audio guides and suggested itineraries (focusing on themes, periods, or single artists) help structure your experience. Advance timed ticket purchase is highly recommended, especially weekends or during special exhibitions.