Upon mentioning Milan, the first association for most people is the works of Leonardo da Vinci, in particular, his Last Supper mural in the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. This is undoubtedly one of the most famous paintings in history and every year, thousands of tourists flock there to see it.
However, this is not all Milan has to offer especially to true art lovers. If you’re planning a trip there and you’re on the lookout for something a bit different, the following places are highly recommended.
Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea Milano
Among Milan’s most exciting contemporary art spaces, PAC or Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea Milano was one of the first such places in the city. Over the years, it has exhibited work from artists such as Marina Abramović, Duane Hanson and Laurie Anderson, as well as supporting lesser-known, emerging artists.
It aims to promote awareness of contemporary art by linking its exhibitions to special events and other acclaimed projects to gain an understanding and deeper knowledge of the themes proposed. There are also educational activities for both adults and children, meetings, readings, conferences and links to music and theatre programs.
Galleria Carla Sozzani
Another must-see location for art aficionados is Galleria Carla Sozzani, the city’s best photography gallery. Opened in 1990, this gallery is devoted to the promotion of culture through photography, fine arts, and applied arts. Housed in a former industrial building, it boasts work from the greats such as Annie Leibovitz and David Bailey, but it also organises exhibitions on fashion and architecture.
Raffles Milano
Raffles Milano, a school of design, is a well-known educational centre in Milan with a non-traditional spirit and method. This is a school designed for those who want to tread fearlessly into the future and to make sure it stays a cut above others, it has gathered up a formidable team of lecturers, in many cases prominent names on the international scene of design. As such, among all artistic and cultural places, it’s an ideal destination for any art lover looking to pick up more knowledge.
For example, their master’s degree course in photography is led by Denis Curti, who has worked with many internationally acclaimed photographers on exhibitions and editorial market projects. The names include David LaChapelle, Helmut Newton, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, Ferdinando Scianna, Olivo Barbieri, Francesco Jodice and many others.
Circoloquadro
Opened in 2010, this relatively young gallery strives to bring contemporary art closer to a wider audience and to offer support to emerging artists. Previously housed in Napoleonic Foundry, it moved last year to a new home. This gallery also collaborates with other galleries in Italy, making it a great place to see work by budding talent.
Alongside its main activity of support and publication of contemporary art, Circoloquadro has established a specific training line for the workers in the contemporary art system which is mostly due to a team of teachers reputable for their competence and professionalism.
Hangar Bicocca
A former industrial plant, this contemporary art venue is a monumental scene for art. Hangar Bicocca is not only the home of The Seven Heavenly Palaces, a permanent installation from German painter Anselm Kiefer custom-designed for the space, but it also hosts regular short-lived exhibitions.
This is also a non-profit institution operating since 2004, aiming to produce and promote contemporary art. It is one of the largest exhibition spaces in Europe and every year, it holds major solo shows by both Italian and international contemporary artists.
Mars
MARS is short for Milan Artist Run Space and it’s exactly that – a space intended for artists to put on exhibitions and organise performances on their own terms. Here, visitors can get the opportunity to get a more intimate insight into how artists work.
After more than a decade later, MARS still documents the huge variety of phenomenologies of both young and emerging artists. MARS’ approach to contemporary subjects is multidimensional and is expressed through very site-specific installations, but also through solo and collective shows, participatory projects and special events organized outside its scope in venues such as international art fairs and museums, both in Italy and abroad.
The old classics
If staying away from the old classics makes you feel like you’re missing out on something big, head to Pinacoteca di Brera, which contains a collection of Old Masters paintings such as Caravaggio, Raphael and Tintoretto. If you stop by Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, you’ll be able to admire works of Italian masterpieces such as Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, and make sure you don’t miss out on the Palazzo Reale, once a royal palace, and now a cultural centre hosting a variety of exhibitions.
Milan is a city of long and prolific art history and still plays an important role in the scene of international contemporary art. Its creative spirit and culture are felt everywhere in the city, from street art, museums, historical sites to new restaurants and trendy cafes. Make sure you visit the places mentioned here and you’re guaranteed to have a memorable experience!
Author bio: Jennifer Hahn Masterson is a lifestyle blogger and senior content strategist at Spread the Word Solutions, having a keen interest in a wide array of topics related design, fashion and travels. In her leisure time, she likes to immerse herself in a good book and try to satisfy her perpetual wanderlust.