8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

2.5H Approx.

Price from: 20.17 €

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Tickets – Book Your Tickets Online

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4.7

(30)

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Highlights

Discover iconic paintings by da Vinci, including one of only 15 known works worldwide.

Explore Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, a vast collection of his original drawings and notes.

Admire significant artworks such as Raphael’s preparatory cartoon for The School of Athens and Caravaggio’s Basket of Fruit.

Visit Milan’s historic cultural landmark that draws parallels to the Louvre.

Immerse yourself in masterpieces spanning Renaissance and Baroque periods.

4.6

(12)

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana + Cripta di San Sepolcro

Highlights

View renowned artworks including pieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, Brueghel, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Explore the 17th-century library’s reading room displaying Leonardo da Vinci’s Atlantic Codex drawings.

Discover the medieval underground church of the Crypt of San Sepolcro, featuring stones from Milan’s ancient forum.

Enjoy fast-track entry to both the art gallery and the crypt.

Ideal for newcomers to Milan seeking a historical and cultural immersion.

The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is a historic art gallery and library in the heart of Milan, home to Renaissance masterpieces and rare manuscripts. Book your tickets to experience it firsthand.

About Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is a historic art gallery and library in the heart of Milan. Cardinal Federico Borromeo founded the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in 1607 and opened it to the public in 1609, then added the Pinacoteca art gallery in 1618 by donating his own collection, making it one of the earliest public museums in Europe.

Its 24 rooms trace European art from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, with highlights by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Botticelli.

Key Facts
Address: Piazza Pio XI, 2, Milan, 20123, Italy
Founded: 1607 (Biblioteca Ambrosiana), 1618 (Pinacoteca art gallery)
Annual visitors: around 300,000, a record set in 2024

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana - Highlights in Pictures

Images by Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (Google Maps)

Why Visit Pinacoteca Ambrosiana?

Leonardo da Vinci's Portrait of a Musician

One of the gallery's most celebrated paintings, this portrait is the only panel painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci that remains in Milan.

The Codex Atlanticus

Held in the library, the Codex Atlanticus is the largest surviving collection of Leonardo da Vinci's drawings and writings.

Pages are shown on rotation, revealing his ideas on science, engineering, and art.

Caravaggio's Basket of Fruit

Often described as the first pure still life in Italian painting, this small canvas shows Caravaggio's mastery of light and texture, and remains one of the collection's most studied works.

The cartoon for Raphael's School of Athens

Visitors can see the full-scale preparatory drawing for Raphael's celebrated fresco, a rare survival that offers a close look at how Renaissance artists planned their largest commissions.

Historical curiosities

Beyond the paintings, the Ambrosiana holds unusual relics, including a pair of gloves said to have been worn by Napoleon at Waterloo and a lock of Lucrezia Borgia's hair that once inspired the poet Lord Byron.

Timings

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Closed: Wednesdays, as well as January 1 and December 25.

Last Entry

The ticket office closes at 5:30 PM, half an hour before the museum itself.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings: A quieter atmosphere for admiring works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio without the crowds.
Late afternoons: Softer light and fewer visitors make this a relaxed time to explore.
Avoid: Weekend midday hours and public holidays tend to be busiest, especially during temporary exhibitions.

Address & Getting There

Address
Directions

Images by Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (Google Maps)

The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is at Piazza Pio XI, 2, 20123 Milan, in the heart of the city's historic centre, just south of the Duomo.

Things to Know Before Visiting the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

The gallery is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except Wednesdays, when it's closed for maintenance.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance, including general admission and guided-tour options.

There's no minimum age for entry, making it suitable for all ages, though young children should be supervised around the artworks.

Large bags, backpacks, and bulky items must be left at the free cloakroom to help protect the artworks and manuscripts.

Handheld photography without flash is generally allowed, but tripods, selfie sticks, and professional equipment need permission in advance.

Food and drink aren't permitted anywhere inside the museum.

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana – Facilities & Additional Info

Facilities
Souvenir Store
Special Events

A gift shop sells art books, reproductions, and souvenirs tied to the collection, and restrooms are available on-site.

Educational tours and guided visits are offered, and parts of the building can be hired for events and conferences.

The ground and first floors are accessible by lift; the second floor and the adjoining Crypt of San Sepolcro are reached by stairs only.

Accessibility at Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Staff can offer guidance for visitors who are blind or have low vision; it's worth mentioning any specific needs when you book your ticket so the team can prepare.

The ground and first floors, covering most of the gallery's 24 rooms, are reachable by elevator and wheelchair lift, and wheelchairs can be reserved in advance. The second floor and the Crypt of San Sepolcro are accessible by stairs only.

Printed guides and visual aids can help visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing follow the exhibits; again, flag any specific requirements when booking so staff know in advance.

FAQs About Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

What is the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana?

The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is a historic art gallery and library in Milan, housing Renaissance and later artworks alongside a major manuscript collection.

Who founded the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, and when?

Cardinal Federico Borromeo founded it in 1618, adding his personal art collection to the Biblioteca Ambrosiana he had already opened to the public in 1609.

What are the most famous artworks on display?

Highlights include Leonardo da Vinci's *Portrait of a Musician*, Caravaggio's *Basket of Fruit*, and Raphael's full-scale cartoon for *The School of Athens*.

Where is the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana located?

It sits at Piazza Pio XI, 2, in central Milan, a short walk from the Duomo.

Is there a virtual tour of the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana?

Yes, the Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana is a Google Arts & Culture partner, so parts of the collection can be explored online.

Is there a gift shop at the Pinacoteca?

Yes, an on-site gift shop sells art books, reproductions, and souvenirs related to the collection.

How are the artworks and manuscripts protected?

Given the age and rarity of the collection, security measures are in place throughout the galleries, and large bags must be left at the free cloakroom on arrival.

What is the significance of the Ambrosiana Library?

Opened to the public in 1609, it was one of Europe's first public libraries, and it still holds manuscripts in Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian alongside Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus.

Can I combine a visit to the Pinacoteca with other Milan attractions?

Yes, it's within easy walking distance of the Duomo and the Church of San Sepolcro, and some providers also sell combined tickets with Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper nearby.

Is the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana suitable for families and school groups?

Yes, there's no minimum age for entry, and educational tours can be booked for school and group visits.