Federico Borromeo visiting the lazaretto during the 1630 plague in Milan

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Milan: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in the vibrant heart of Milan, the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana stands as a testament to the city’s illustrious artistic and cultural heritage. Founded in 1618 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo, the gallery was conceived as an extension of the Ambrosian Library to democratize access to art and knowledge. Today, the Ambrosiana is home to more than 1,500 works spanning the 15th to early 20th centuries—including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian—alongside rare manuscripts, scientific instruments, and historical artifacts. Its central location near the Duomo, elegant architecture, and dynamic cultural offerings make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Milan’s artistic soul (Ambrosiana Official; Italia.it).

This guide delivers all you need for your visit: opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, collection highlights, special events, and tips for making the most of your time at one of Milan’s premier cultural destinations.

Quick Contents

History and Architecture
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Collection Highlights
Unique Artifacts and Curiosities
Special Events and Temporary Exhibitions (2025)
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Visitor Services and Practical Information
FAQs
Contact, Official Links, and Resources

History and Architecture

The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is one of Milan’s oldest art institutions, established in 1618 as part of Cardinal Borromeo’s vision to provide free cultural education. The original core of the collection consisted of Borromeo’s own paintings, drawings, and rare objects, which grew over centuries through further acquisitions and donations. Housed within the Ambrosian Palace, the museum features refined colonnaded courtyards and interiors, offering an atmospheric setting that enhances the contemplation of art (Scuola Leonardo). The museum’s location near the ancient Roman forum situates it at the crossroads of Milan’s artistic and historical legacy (Ambrosiana Official).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Standard Opening Hours:

Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30)
Closed: Mondays and certain holidays (including December 7, December 24–January 6, and select summer dates)
Always check the official site for updates.

Ticket Prices:

Pinacoteca Only: €12.50 (adults)
Crypt of San Sepolcro Only: €7.50
Combined (Pinacoteca + Crypt): €16.50
School Groups (Pinacoteca + Crypt): €5.50 per student
Free/Discounted: For visitors with disabilities and companions, teachers (one per ten students), ICOM members, and certain museum pass holders. Documentation required.
Advance Booking: Highly recommended, especially in high season. Book online via the official site.

Accessibility:
The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators where possible. Some historic sections may be challenging. The Crypt of San Sepolcro has limited accessibility due to its architectural features. Contact the museum in advance for specific needs (Ambrosiana Accessibility).

Collection Highlights

Leonardo da Vinci: “Portrait of a Musician” and the Codex Atlanticus

Leonardo’s Portrait of a Musician is one of only a handful of his surviving paintings, renowned for its enigmatic expression and psychological depth. The adjacent Biblioteca Ambrosiana regularly rotates pages from Leonardo’s Codex Atlanticus, a monumental collection of his sketches and scientific notes (Ambrosiana Official).

Raphael: Cartoon for “The School of Athens”

The gallery holds Raphael’s full-scale preparatory cartoon for the Vatican’s School of Athens, offering rare insight into Renaissance compositional techniques.

Caravaggio: “Basket of Fruit”

This seminal still life is celebrated for its vivid realism and symbolic allusions to the brevity of life.

Additional Masterpieces

Botticelli: Madonna of the Pavilion
Titian: Adoration of the Magi
Jan Brueghel the Elder: Vase of Flowers with Jewel, Coins and Shells
Other Artists: Works by Morazzone, Procaccini, Daniele Crespi, Tiepolo, Francesco Hayez, Emilio Longoni, Bernardino Luini, and Bramantino (Ambrosiana Official).

Unique Artifacts and Curiosities

The Ambrosiana’s collection extends beyond paintings:

Napoleon’s Gloves (worn at Waterloo)
Armillary Spheres from the Settala Collection
A Lock of Lucrezia Borgia’s Hair (source of inspiration for poets such as D’Annunzio and Byron)
Rare manuscripts, including illuminated codices by Dante and Petrarch

These artifacts offer a multidimensional perspective on Milanese and European history (Ambrosiana Official).

Special Events and Temporary Exhibitions (2025)

Evening Openings and Combined Tickets

On special dates (e.g., June 1, 2025), the gallery and crypt offer evening access with single tickets at reduced rates, providing a unique atmosphere for art appreciation (Ambrosiana Special Evening Opening).

Major 2025 Exhibitions

“Art in Respect – A Dialogue” by Filippo Sorcinelli: Contemporary art exhibition running until June 24, 2025, exploring themes of spirituality and respect (Ambrosiana What’s On).
“Jubilee 2025 – XVII Centenary of the Council of Nicaea”: From December 19, 2024, to June 17, 2025, featuring rare works from the Ambrosiana Library, including illuminated manuscripts and artifacts linked to the Nicene Creed (Jubilee 2025 Exhibition).

Cultural Initiatives

Concerts, lectures, “Leonardo: Thoughts and Words” programs, and family-friendly workshops run throughout the year, fostering engagement with visitors of all ages (Ambrosiana Plan Your Visit; Visit Italy).

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Both within short walking distance.
Crypt and Church of San Sepolcro: Accessible by combined ticket.
Biblioteca Ambrosiana: Explore rare manuscripts and rotating exhibitions.
Roman Forum Remains: Archaeological area beneath the Ambrosiana.
Sforza Castle, Pinacoteca di Brera, and other Milanese museums are easily reached by foot or public transport (Full Suitcase Milan Guide; Trips and Leisure Milan Attractions).

Travel Tips:

Public Transport: Metro M1 (Cordusio/Duomo) and M3 (Duomo), trams 2, 12, 14, 16, and bus lines.
Best Times: Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Cafés and Shops: Numerous options nearby for refreshments or souvenirs.

Visitor Services and Practical Information

Audio Guides: Available in Italian and English for €3–4.
Guided Tours: Reserve in advance for groups or special themes (Ambrosiana Guided Tours).
Cloakroom: Bags, coats, and umbrellas must be checked.
Facilities: Accessible restrooms and elevators where possible.
Photography: Permitted without flash or tripods; restrictions may apply to some temporary exhibitions.

Library Access:
The Biblioteca Ambrosiana is open to scholars Monday–Friday (9:00–16:50). Access to rare materials requires advance reservation (Ambrosiana Library Rules).

Educational Programs:
Discounted rates and tailored workshops are available for school groups. Teachers receive free admission (one per ten students, by booking) (Ambrosiana Group Visits).