Raccolte Extraeuropee Del Castello Sforzesco

Raccolte Extraeuropee del Castello Sforzesco: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Milan Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to the Raccolte Extraeuropee

Nestled in the heart of Milan, the Raccolte Extraeuropee at Castello Sforzesco offers a fascinating window into the artistic and ethnographic heritage of non-European civilizations. Established during the late 19th century, the collection embodies Milan’s historic role as a center of trade, exploration, and cross-cultural exchange. Over the decades, it has grown from a modest assembly of missionary and traveler donations into a collection of more than 8,000 artifacts from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas—dating from pre-Columbian times to the early 20th century (Castello Sforzesco official site; Lombardia Beni Culturali).

Today, while many pieces have moved to MUDEC (Museo delle Culture), Castello Sforzesco remains a vital venue for rotating exhibitions and special events, offering visitors an immersive journey through global artistic traditions (MUDEC official website; TheBetterVacation.com). This guide provides everything you need to know about the collections’ history, visitor information, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions to help you plan a memorable visit.

Historical Overview

Origins and Early Growth

The Raccolte Extraeuropee originated in the late 19th century, reflecting Milan’s growing curiosity about the wider world. The first ethnographic pieces arrived through donations from missionaries, travelers, and local collectors. In 1863, the Museo Patrio Archeologico in Brera opened a dedicated register for ethnographic artifacts, and subsequent exhibitions—such as the 1874 Salone dei Giardini Pubblici—further expanded the collections. By 1879, Milan’s civic catalog already listed Peruvian ceramics, Persian and Arab weapons, and Japanese textiles, mirroring the city’s cosmopolitan spirit.

Integration with Castello Sforzesco

In 1900, the municipality established Castello Sforzesco as the primary home for Milan’s civic museums, consolidating ethnographic collections under one roof. Curators such as Pompeo Castelfranco and Giovanni Battista Lucini Passalacqua were instrumental in expanding and organizing the holdings, which included a growing array of East Asian objects, bronzes, textiles, and ceramics.

20th Century Developments

World War II brought significant challenges: while many artifacts were evacuated for safety, parts of the African and Oceanic collections were lost during bombings. Postwar, new donations—such as the Bolognini legacy in 1954—enriched the museum with Indian and Egyptian objects. The 1970s saw a reorganization by type, laying the groundwork for the contemporary collection’s structure.

The MUDEC Transition

With the continued growth of the collection, the city launched MUDEC in 2015 in the Porta Genova district, transferring most extra-European works out of the castle. The establishment of a dedicated ethnographic curator in 2003 formalized the Raccolte Extraeuropee as a distinct entity. Today, Castello Sforzesco focuses on temporary and rotating displays in select rooms, while MUDEC houses the majority of the permanent collection.

Scope and Highlights of the Collections

The Raccolte Extraeuropee encompass over 8,000 objects, representing the material and spiritual cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas:

African Artifacts: Ritual masks, sculptures, textiles, jewelry, and everyday objects from West, Central, and East Africa. Notable holdings include the Bassani collection.
Asian Art: Japanese ceramics, bronzes, kimonos, samurai armor, and Edo-period palanquins; Chinese, Southeast Asian, and Indian textiles and ritual objects.
Oceania: Melanesian, Polynesian, and Micronesian ceremonial masks and tools.
Americas: Pre-Columbian ceramics and textiles, especially from Peru’s Nazca, Moche, and Inca cultures.

Noteworthy pieces include the Benin Bronzes, Japanese samurai armor, intricate pre-Columbian ceramics, and a Polynesian canoe prow, each offering a glimpse into the artistic and social life of diverse cultures (Museums and the Web; itinerary.expert).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Location

Castello Sforzesco

Location: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milan. Accessible via Metro (Cairoli or Cadorna stations), trams, buses, and near Milano Cadorna train station (Milanolife.it).
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last admission 5:00 PM). Closed Mondays, December 25, January 1, and May 1 (Milanocastello.it).
Courtyards: Open daily, 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM.
Tickets: €5 standard, €3 reduced (students, seniors). Free for children under 18, students, teachers, people with disabilities and their companions. Free admission on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 2:00 PM and the first Sunday monthly (Milanolife.it; TheBetterVacation.com).
Booking: Purchase onsite or online (TicketOne.it, Get Your Guide). Online booking recommended during high season (Milan.tips).

MUDEC (Museo delle Culture)

Location: Via Tortona 56, Milan (Porta Genova area).
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM. Closed Mondays (except public holidays). Last admission 30 minutes before closing (MUDEC official website).
Tickets: General €12; reduced €8 (EU citizens 18–25); free for children under 18, Milan residents, and students. Free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Tickets available online and at the entrance.
Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages; see the MUDEC website for events and educational activities.

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Accessibility: Both Castello Sforzesco and MUDEC are wheelchair-accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets. Tactile paths and audio guides are available; contact [email protected] or +39 02 88463700 for assistance (Milanocastello.it).
Facilities: Cloakroom, café (open 10:00 AM–6:30 PM), restrooms, gift shop, and free Wi-Fi in designated areas.
Photography: Non-flash photography is permitted; some temporary exhibits may have restrictions.
Guided Tours: Book in advance for specialized ethnographic tours or general castle tours (Milan.tips).
App: Download the Castello Sforzesco or Audiala app for virtual tours and digital maps.

Planning Your Visit and Itinerary

Duration: Allow at least 1–1.5 hours for the Raccolte Extraeuropee; 2–3 hours for the full castle museums. Consider visiting MUDEC for a comprehensive view of Milan’s extra-European collections.
Nearby Attractions: Parco Sempione, Triennale di Milano, Arco della Pace, Brera district, Duomo, and the Navigli canals offer rich extensions to your day (Visit Italy).
Visitor Tips: Visit early on weekdays for a quieter experience; check the museum calendar for special events or free entry days; use the cloakroom for large bags; and review accessibility options in advance.

Special Events and Programs

Castello Sforzesco and MUDEC regularly host special exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events. During summer, “Estate al Castello” brings concerts, theater, and family activities to the courtyards (Milano Estate al Castello 2025; Milanosegreta.co). Educational workshops and guided tours enhance the experience for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the Raccolte Extraeuropee without going to MUDEC?
A: Yes, select extra-European collections remain on display at Castello Sforzesco, though the main holdings are now at MUDEC.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, both venues offer guided tours in multiple languages and educational workshops. Book in advance for specialized tours.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Non-flash photography is generally permitted, but some special exhibits may have restrictions.

Q: Are the museums accessible?
A: Both Castello Sforzesco and MUDEC provide wheelchair access and additional services for visitors with disabilities.

Q: How do I reach the museums?
A: Both are easily accessible by metro, tram, bus, and train; check directions based on your location.

Image Gallery

MUDEC Exterior

African Masks

Japanese Kimono

Images courtesy of Lombardia Beni Culturali and Castello Sforzesco Museum.

Summary and Recommendations

The Raccolte Extraeuropee at Castello Sforzesco stand as a testament to Milan’s enduring commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultural legacies of non-European civilizations. Their extensive and diverse artifacts not only reflect the city’s historic ties to global exploration and intercultural exchange but also serve as vital instruments for education, dialogue, and appreciation of world cultures. Despite the partial transfer of collections to MUDEC, the castle remains an essential venue where visitors can encounter rotating exhibitions and contextualize these treasures within Milan’s rich historical and architectural setting (Castello Sforzesco official site; MUDEC official website).

Visitors can expect a well-rounded experience enhanced by accessible facilities, expert-guided tours, and a dynamic calendar of special events and exhibitions. The strategic location of the castle, adjacent to Parco Sempione and close to other Milanese landmarks, further enriches the visit, making it a highlight for cultural tourists. For those planning their itinerary, it is recommended to check official websites for the latest updates on visiting hours and ticket options, and to consider combining visits to both the Castello Sforzesco and MUDEC for a comprehensive exploration of Milan’s extra-European collections.

Embrace the opportunity to explore these fascinating collections and deepen your understanding of global artistic traditions. To stay informed about upcoming exhibitions, guided tours, and exclusive content, consider downloading the Audiala app and following Milan’s cultural institutions on social media. The Raccolte Extraeuropee offer not only a historical journey but also an invitation to engage meaningfully with the interconnectedness of world cultures through the lens of one of Italy’s most iconic museums (Audiala app; MUDEC official website).