Brera Art Gallery
Lombardia
The Brera Art Gallery, housed in the monumental Palazzo Brera in Milan, is one of Italy's most celebrated national art galleries. It features a vast collection specializing in Venetian and Lombard painting, alongside masterpieces from other schools, spanning from prehistoric times to 20th-century contemporary art. The gallery resides within a historic palace originally built on the site of a medieval monastery, which evolved through centuries from a Jesuit college to a cultural hub. The palace complex also includes botanical gardens, an astronomical observatory, a prestigious library, and the Accademia di Belle Arti. The gallery's layout follows the Napoleonic reorganization of the palace's former church spaces, with the upper floor dedicated to painting and the lower to sculpture. Notably, the courtyard features a bronze copy of Antonio Canova's statue of Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker. The gallery continues to expand, with the recent addition of Palazzo Citterio, enhancing its modern and contemporary collections and cultural offerings. This fusion of rich history, architectural grandeur, and extensive art collections makes the Brera Art Gallery a must-visit cultural landmark in Milan.
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Astuce: Plan your visit to avoid peak hours, preferably on weekdays or mornings. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to skip queues. Check for combined tickets or discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. The gallery is part of the larger 'Grande Brera' cultural complex, so allocate time to explore adjoining institutions and gardens for a fuller experience.
Faits intéressants
- •The bronze statue of Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker in the courtyard is a copy cast by Francesco Righetti and his son in 1811, based on Antonio Canova's original.
- •The Palazzo Brera complex houses multiple institutions including a botanical garden, an astronomical observatory, and a major national library.
- •The Pinacoteca di Brera's collection spans from prehistoric art to modern masterpieces, making it one of the most comprehensive galleries in Italy.
- •The building incorporates parts of a demolished Gothic church, with frescoes by renowned artists like Giovanni da Milano and Bernardino Luini once adorning its walls.
Histoire
The Palazzo Brera originated from a monastery dating back to the 12th century, initially owned by the Humiliati order before becoming a Jesuit college in 1571.
The current palace construction began in the early 17th century under architect Francesco Maria Richini but was interrupted by the plague and completed later by his son and others.
After the Jesuit suppression in 1773, the Austrian Habsburgs took over, completing significant architectural works including the courtyard and entrance.
The Napoleonic era brought the transformation of the church into gallery spaces, establishing the Pinacoteca di Brera in 1806.
Over the centuries, the palace evolved into a multifaceted cultural center housing various scientific and artistic institutions.
Guide du lieu
Napoleonic Rooms19th century
Located on the upper floor of the former church nave, these rooms house the core collection of paintings assembled during Napoleonic times, showcasing masterpieces from Italian and European artists.
Palazzo Citterio18th century
An 18th-century elegant building acquired to expand the Pinacoteca's exhibition space, it now hosts important modern and contemporary art collections that could not fit in the original palace.
Courtyard with Napoleon Statue1811 (statue casting)
The courtyard is centered by a bronze copy of Canova's statue of Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker, symbolizing the gallery's Napoleonic heritage and artistic grandeur.
Orto Botanico di Brera18th century
The botanical garden adjacent to the palace, originally expanded from a Jesuit herb garden in the 18th century, offering a serene green space and historical plant collections.
