Milan, known for its rich history, art, and culture, is about to host the PhotoVogue Festival at the Biblioteca Braidense in the charming Brera district. As the Festival kicks off, PhotoVogue has handpicked a selection of Milan’s most iconic places to explore during the event. From renowned museums and cultural landmarks to trendy galleries, cozy cafés, and delectable pastry shops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city.
Museums & Cultural Landmarks:
Pinacoteca di Brera:
Home to masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Mantegna, the Pinacoteca di Brera is a must-visit art museum in Italy. During the Festival, the Biblioteca Braidense in the Brera district will also host the PhotoVogue event. Visitors can immerse themselves in the museum’s vast collection and enjoy stunning views of the city from its rooftop terraces.
Teatro alla Scala:
La Scala, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, has been a hub for legendary composers and performers since 1778. Explore its museum showcasing costumes, instruments, and memorabilia from its illustrious history.
Castello Sforzesco:
This Renaissance fortress is home to several museums and art collections, including Michelangelo’s final sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà .
Santa Maria delle Grazie:
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site to marvel at Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Last Supper.
Other Notable Exhibitions and Museums:
– Museo del Novecento: Located overlooking Piazza del Duomo, this museum showcases Italian 20th-century art movements like Futurism and Arte Povera.
– Hangar Bicocca: A leading contemporary art institution housed in a former distillery.
– Fondazione Prada: Currently hosting exhibitions like “Over, Under and In Between” by Mona Hatoum and “The Island” by Hito Steyerl.
– MUDEC: Dedicated to world cultures, MUDEC hosts major international exhibitions and interdisciplinary projects.
– Triennale di Milano: A global reference for design, architecture, and visual arts.
– Biblioteca Ambrosiana: Founded in 1618, this library houses works by Leonardo, Caravaggio, and Botticelli.
– Bagatti Valsecchi Museum: An intimate house museum displaying Renaissance paintings, decorative arts, and armor.
– Villa Necchi Campiglio: A masterpiece of Rationalist architecture from the 1930s.
– Hangar Bicocca: A vast industrial space devoted to monumental contemporary installations.
– Gallerie d’Italia: Intesa Sanpaolo’s museum hub featuring Italian art from the 19th century to contemporary photography.
– Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte: A neo-Renaissance house museum offering insight into Milanese aristocratic life.
– Museo Teatrale alla Scala: A museum dedicated to the history of opera and theatre connected to La Scala.
– ADI Design Museum: Dedicated to Italian industrial design and home of the prestigious Compasso d’Oro award.
– Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio: One of Milan’s oldest churches and a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
– San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore: Known as the “Sistine Chapel of Milan” for its stunning frescoes.
– Monument to the Holocaust: A powerful memorial at the Central Station commemorating Holocaust deportations.
– Museo Archeologico: A refined museum combining Etruscan art and contemporary works in an elegant 19th-century palace.
Don’t miss the “Giorgio Armani Privé 2005–2025” exhibition celebrating twenty years of Haute Couture by Giorgio Armani at the Silos. This immersive display curated by the designer himself showcases the evolution of Armani Privé, offering visitors a sensory journey through creativity and timeless elegance.
Explore these iconic places in Milan during the PhotoVogue Festival and soak in the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. Each location offers a unique perspective on Milan’s rich history and vibrant arts scene.

