© Museo del Novecento
© T. Pagani
© T. Pagani
© Museo del Novecento
© T. Pagani
© T. Pagani
Museo del Novecento Art Museum, Historic Centre of Milan
Collection of 20th-century Italian art in the Piazza del Duomo
Located inside the Palazzo dell’Arengario, in Piazza del Duomo, this museum hosts a collection of over four thousand works that showcase the development of 20th-century Italian art.
This museum's permanent collection follows a chronological path where collective exhibitions alternate with solo art shows. The grand spiral staircase inside the building welcomes visitors and introduces them to the visit of the Museum with 'Il Quarto Stato' (The Fourth Estate) by Pellizza da Volpedo, the earliest pice dating back to 1902, while the 'Neon' by Lucio Fontana closes the exhibition in a third floor entirely devoted to this artist.
The permanent collection has works by Picasso, Braque, Paul Klee, Kandinsky, Modigliani, as well as a large selection of Futurism artworks by Boccioni, Balla or Severini. There are also pieces by Giorgio de Chirico, Tancredi, Piero Manzoni and exponents of Arte Povera among many others.
The museum also boasts a bookshop and restaurant and organises regular temporary exhibitions.
Worth knowing
The Palazzo dell’Arengario was designed by Griffini, Magistretti, Muzio, and Portaluppi, and renovated by the Rota Group to host a richly layered collection of 20th-century Italian art.
The transformation of the Palazzo dell’Arengario was dictated by the need to organise the composition of Milan’s Civiche Raccolte d’Arte (Municipal Art Collections) around two distinct poles. While the historic premises of Villa Reale were meant to host collections dating from the 19th century, the Palazzo dell’Arengario was singled out for the exhibits of 20th-century artwork.
The grand spiral staircase inside the building is probably the most impressive architectural feature of the Museum: a functional element that connects several levels, from the subway up to the panoramic terrace overlooking the Duomo.
Visitor comments
- "Housed in an architecturally stunning modern building it offers a fascinating collection of modern art." - Trip Advisor
- "Superb collection, well worth a visit! Not too crowded on a Monday afternoon, many highlights of Italian modern art to be discovered." - Trip Advisor
- "This museum was a treat. Seeing work studied at Art School was very exciting. A terrific experience to be sure." - Trip Advisor
When to come
Open on Monday from 14:30 to 19:30; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 09:30 to 19:30. Thursday & Saturday from 09:30 to 22:30.
How to get passes
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or online and they are valid for one day, regardless of the date of purchase. They cost €10, reduced to €8 for over 65s and university students.
Entrance is only €6 each Tuesday after 14:00, as well as every day two hours before the museum closes. Free for people under 25 years old and disabled citizens.
