The Brera Art Gallery is one of the most significantgalleries in Europe. The gallery is housed in a former 14th-century monasteryand features notable works from the Neoclassical, Napoleon and Romantic eras.Paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio are among the best known. Alongside thegallery, the complex features the Braidense National Library, the AstronomicalObservatory and the Academy of Fine Arts, making it one of the most importantcultural institutions in the city.

The former monastery began its life as an art gallery for the studentsof the Academy of Fine Arts at the end of the 18th century. Enter the firstcourtyard of the gallery to admire the large statue of Napoleon.

Walk around the vast complex to discover the importantinstitutions included here. Stroll through the manicured lawns of the BotanicGarden, or seek out the Brera Observatory. The Academy of Fine Arts is also on-site,providing a great atmosphere of youthful students milling in the gardens.

Enter the gallery to discover over 400 works that span different stylesand media from the 14th century to today. The Brera Art Gallery’s permanentcollection is organized chronologically and is a great way to learn about thehistory of Italian art. See Andrea Mantegna’s Madonnaof the Cherubim or The Marriage ofthe Virgin by Raphael. Not all work in the museum is religious in content.A series of portraits by Rembrandt and Titian depict the nobility of the 15thcentury. Other artists include Caravaggio, Andrea Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini,Fattori and Canaletto.

The Brera Art Gallery is located in central Milan and isbest reached by metro. Walk to the gallery from many downtown locations.Explore the surrounding neighborhood and its many shops and cafés on your wayto the gallery. The complex is closed Mondays and some holidays. An entry fee applies.