Brera Picture Gallery

A bit of history about the Brera Gallery

The Brera Gallery was officially established in 1809 even though the first heterogeneous group of works existed since 1776. This first work set and the Accademia di Belle Arti were enriched with an educational purpose, by request of Mary Therese of Austria. Her desire was to create a collection with exemplary works to form students.

Later when Milan became the capital of the Italian Kingdom, and by wish of Napoleon, the collection became a museum with the intention to show the most important paintings from all territories that were conquered by French Army. After the suppression of many religious orders, in the early years of the XIX century, paintings from the churches and monasteries of Lombardy were joined to this collection, as were the paintings confiscated from the various regions of the Kingdom of Italy.

What is the Brera Gallery nowadays?

The Pinacoteca Brera is located in the building of the same name in Via Brera 28 in Milan. The Pinacoteca is the first museum in Milan and one of the most outstanding image galleries in the world as it houses some of the most prestigious selections of masterpieces of ancient and modern images, as well as sculptures by important Italian artists of the XX century.

Among the artists of this gallery are: Gentile da Fabriano, Mantegna, Bellini, Tintoretto, Bramantino, Piero della Francesca and Raffaello Sanzio, Caravaggio, Tiepolo, Tintoretto.

Curiosities about the Brera Gallery

Did you know that the Brera Gallery houses more than 400 works of art ranging from the XIV century to avant-garde works representing the triumph of Italian art in the world.

Why visit the Brera Gallery?

The Brera Gallery is located in the Academy of Fine Arts and always counts with the presence of students. It has been considered one of the best collections of art in Italy. Counting among its extensive collection works of great artists like Caravaggio, “Lamentation of Christ” of Mantegna and “The Marriage of the Virgin” of Raffaello.

How to visit the Brera Gallery?

The Brera Gallery is considered one of the most important galleries in the world and without a doubt a must for art lovers. If you want to avoid the line at the entrance, you can book your ticket in advance, which is also sold in combination with the entry to Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper.

Other attractions in the area

The Sforza Castle is located near the Brera Gallery. The Castle is situated in the old city center of Milan, and it is a classic tourist spot of the city. The Sforza Castle was built in the XV century and houses in its interior several museums and galleries dedicated to art and culture. Surrounding the Castle is the Sempione Park where you will be able to rest and relax. Here you will find the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace), a triumph arch made of marble of about 25 meters of high in the XIX century.

You may be interested in:

Villa Borghese (Rome), Doge's Palace Tickets (Venice) or Uffizi (Florence).