Museo d'Arte e Scienza (Museum of Art and Science), Northeast Milan

A scientific workshop for exposing fraudulent art

featured in Sights & sites

A fascinating museum primarily devoted to determining the authenticity of art objects. It includes a sophisticated science laboratory that focuses on improving methods for ascertaining if art is real or fake.

The exhibition dedicated to the authenticity in art deals with all sorts of art, from paintings to sculptures, pottery, furniture, amber, ivory and tapestries. The aim is to show visitors how to recognise the features that make a work of art authentic. The know-how and techniques (such as spectroscopic chemical analysis) are at the disposal of collectors, art experts, restorers and galleries.

There are also permanent exhibits at the museum devoted to Leonardo da Vinci's life and work including his "Treatise on Painting", as well as spaces dedicated to Buddhist and African art.

Visitor comments

"An interesting museum. It's interactive which is the best part and cheap which is the second best part." - Trip Advisor
"A great experience. Offers the visitor the opportunity to understand how to recognise fake from original antiques using simple techniques. Certainly worth a visit. One of the few museums open on a Monday." - Trip Advisor
"We took a group of children ages 7 through 13 to this small museum and each one had a great time. The museum focuses on how to distinguish between true artworks and fakes. The interactive exhibits were engrossing and accessible to all age groups, even the adults wanted to try out the displays. In all, a great way to spend a couple of hours." - Trip Advisor