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Although often underestimated, Milan's art treasures are remarkable and date back to antiquity. Masters of Gothic and Romanesque decorated the churches and the palazzi of medieval Milan. From 1386 onwards the building of the Duomo attracted many artists to the city. Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries artistic talent continued to be drawn to Milan, especially during the period of the Sforza seignior which saw the arrival of Leonardo da Vinci from Tuscany in 1482. Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera Art Gallery) Via Brera, 28 • MM2 Lanza, MM3 Montenapoleone. Up the monumental staircase at the bottom of the first courtyard. € 8. Open Tues-Sun 8.30-19.15, closed on Mon. Info: tel. 02.722.631, 02.8942.1146. Undoubtedly one of the finest galleries for Medieval and Renaissance Italian art. It was originally set up by Napoleon in 1809, who filled the building with works looted from the churches and aristocratic collections of French-occupied Italy. There is an exhaustive list of works mostly Italian. Most of the works are pre nineteenth century although the Brera does display modern work, including paintings by Modigliani, De Chirico and Carrà. Famous works include Raphael's "Marriage of the Virgin", Piero della Francesca's altarpiece with the Duke of Urbino, and Mantegna's Dead Christ in dramatic foreshortening. There is a Last Supper by Rubens, Caravaggio's Supper at Emmaus while Piero della Francesca's chill Madonna with Angels, SS and Federigo da Montefeltro is the most famous painting. Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna (Modern Art Gallery, Villa Reale) Via Palestro, 16 • MM1 Palestro. Admission free. Open Tues-Sun 9.00-17.30. Info: 02.76.00.28.19. This Neoclassical building houses the lovely work by the sculptor Marino Marini. This is also the place to go to view the 19th and 20th century Italian paintings. The Raccolta Grassi on the second floor is a fine group of paintings featuring artists such as Sisley, Cezanne, Corot, Vuillard, Bonnard and the many obscure but excellent Italian impressionists. To the right of Villa Reale there is the PAC gallery, venue for contemporary art exhibitions. Museo Poldi Pezzoli (Poldi Pezzoli Museum) Via Manzoni, 12 • MM3 Montenapoleone, MM1 S. Babila. € 6. Open Tues-Sun 10.00-18.00; closed Mon. Info: 02.79.63.34, 02.79.48.89, A private museum created in the 19th century by Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, and a good example of the eclectic taste typical of the time. The museum has a fine collection of paintings including works by Mantegna, Bellini, Botticelli, Piero della Francesca and Pollaiuolo. In addition, there are collections of decorative arts, such as jewellery, clocks and watches, sundials, ceramics, glass and furniture. Casa Museo Boschi-Di Stefano Via Jan 15 (2nd floor) • MM1 Lima. Admission free. Wed-Sun 14.00-18.00. Info: 02.2024.0568. Marieda Di Stefano married Antonio Boschi in 1927, and the couple began collecting temporary art. When Boschi died in 1987, he left over 2,000 works to the Municipality on the condition that his home become a museum. His small apartment presents the best of their collection with works by Sironi, De Chirico, Savinio, Fontana, Carrà, Arturo Martini, Campigli, Tosi, De Pisis, Dova, Morlotti, Chighine, Piero Manzoni, Casorati, Marussig… to name a few. CAR MUSEUMS Museo storico Alfa Romeo Via Alfa Romeo, Arese AN OVERVIEW OF MILAN'S museums would not be complete without considering the vintage car collections on the outskirts of town. The most important of these is Museo storico Alfa Romeo (Via Alfa Romeo, Arese; call ahead [+39] 02 93392119), a 4,800 square meter space that presents the history of this famous Milan-based car manufacturer. Museo Quattroruote c/o Domus, Via Grandi 5/7, Rozzano The Museo Quattroruote (c/o Domus, Via Grandi 5/7, Rozzano, call in advance, [+39] 02 824721) was opened in 1978 by the Milan-based car magazine Quattroruote (or 'Fourwheels'), Italy's most authoritative in the field. There are about 30 old cars here. |