Most state-owned museums (particularly those in the north of the country and cities) are open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00-19:00. These hours may be shorter in more rural places and during winter.

Privately-owned museums keep their own times. The local tourist office has relevant information.

Archaeological sites generally open from 09:00 to an hour before sunset.

Churches are open to the public and admission is generally free (although there will be a donations box). Visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious sites (no sleeveless shirts, short shorts or skirts or bare feet; shoulders should be covered).

Taking photos with a flash is banned in most museums. When visiting churches and cathedrals it is forbidden to film or take photos during services.

Milan and Lombardy have many museums, monuments and sites of historical interest. In general, museums are closed on Mondays.

• See The AngloFILE category Museums & Monuments

Tourist Cards & Discount Packages

Milan Welcome Card

An initiative of the APT of Milan, the Milan Welcome Card includes a day travel pass, discount vouchers to certain tourist attractions, a CD of classical music, a map of the city and a short guide to the city. It can purchased from tourist information offices around Milan.

• APT Tourist Office
  At: Via Marconi 1, Milan (MI)
  Tel: 02 725 24301
  Website 

Bergamo Family Card

The Family Card scheme was launched in 2006. It is specifically designed to benefit the larger families (with three or more children) of Bergamo. The card entitles all members of the family to a range of discounts on food, books and other items. It also provides reduced entry to museums, art gallery and sites of tourist interest.

• For an overview of the benefits of the Bergamo Family Card, visit the Comune of Bergamo website: Click here (in Italian)
• For further information on applying for Bergamo Family Card: Click here  

National Heritage Week

The Settimana dei beni culturali, a government-organised heritage week, is an annual event during which entry to many museums is free.

• For the Beni Culturali website: Click here (in Italian)

Museums

There are many museums in the Milan and Lombardy area. Here is just a selection.

Castello Sforzesco: The Sforzesco castle is an important Milanese monument. It was founded by Galeazzo II Visconti in 1360, was demolished, rebuilt by General Sforza and modified by many nationalities. Entry to the castle is free.

• Castello Sforzesco
  At: Piazza Castello 3, 20121 Milan (MI)
  Tel: 02 884 63700
  Open: 07:00-18:00 (wintertime) and 07:00-19:00 (summertime)
  Website

The castle also houses several exhibits in the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Musical Instruments and the Archaeological museum. The museums are open everyday except Monday 09:00-17:30.

• Free entry: Fridays 14:00-17:30 and all other days (except Monday) 16:30-17:30

Pinacoteca di Brera: Milan's most renowned art gallery displays works including Umberto Boccioni's Riot in the Galleria, Mantegna's Dead Christ, Francesco Hayez's The Kiss and many more. The collection was built by Napoleon who plundered the riches of nobles and churches. Audio guides and guided tours are available, but tours must be reserved in advance.

Entrance is free to EU citizens under 18 or over 65 years of age. Visitors can also purchase special tickets to visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, The Last Supper (Cenacolo) and Museo Teatrale alla Scalla.

• Pinacoteca di Brera
  At: Via Brera 28, 20121 Milan (MI)
  Tel: 02 722 631
  Open: Tuesday to Sunday 08:30-19:15
  Website

Museo della Scienza e della Tecnica: The Science and Technology Museum traces the development of scientific practice through the ages. It displays static and interactive models including the revolving crane and flying machine with manoeuvrable wings. It features the work of Leonardo da Vinci and has a whole hall dedicated to replicas of his inventions. There are also 18 educational exhibits where visitors can perform science experiments. Entry is free to disabled visitors. The museum also provides English-speaking tour guides on some Sundays.

• Museo della Scienza e della Tecnica
  At: Via S. Vittore 21, 20123 Milan (MI)
  Tel: 02 485 551
  Open: Tuesday to Friday 09:30-17:00 and weekends 09:30-18:30
  e-mail
  Website 

Museo Teatrale alla Scala: This museum displays the Sambon collection of theatrical antiques including musical instruments, paintings and musical scores. Guided tours are available, but these must be booked in advance for school visits.

• Museo Teatrale alla Scala
  At: Piazza Scala, Largo Ghiringhelli 1, 20121 Milan (MI)
  Tel: 02 887 9247
  Open: 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:30 daily (except festivals and holidays)
  Website 

Further Information

• For further information on museums in Milan, visit the Milan APT website: Click here
• To find museums and art galleries in the Provinces of Lombardy: Click here (in Italian) 
• See the AngloINFO INFOrmation page, Local Tourism Notes for Milan & Lombardy

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