A Hidden Gem

The oldest museum in Milan is four hundred and eight years old. Housing an assortment of paintings and sculptures, the Pinocoteca Ambrosiana sits a handful of blocks away from the famous Duomo. In the second week of March, my parents and I explored the vast hallways of the museum and were astounded at the treasures lying within. 

Established as the world’s first public art museum, entry into the Pinocoteca Ambrosiana costs seventeen euros per person, or ten euros for students. In total I paid close to fifty euros for my parents and I to freely explore the building. I had no specific goal in mind for this trip, but my mom and dad desperately wanted to see the display of Leonardo da Vinci’s writings. The Codex Atlanticus contains over one thousand pages of da Vinci’s blueprints, and is displayed in the center of an old library. It is the last room guests are led to, and there are twenty-three other rooms filled with almost two thousand works of art to experience.  

Here are a few works I fell in love with:

Caravaggio’s Canestra di frutta, which translates to “Basket of fruit.”  

One of the most famous pieces the museum has. This work is different from Caravaggio’s typical style. The colors are rather realistic and dull, but the attention to detail is astounding.

La Maddalena by Francesco Hayez

I was drawn to the way the painter depicted the folds of fabric. The texture of the velvet overdress is so stark it feels as though you can reach out and touch it. What kept me hooked was the gleam of sadness in the subject’s eyes. There is so much emotion portrayed in her simple expression.

Reproduction of the Virgilio Ambrosiano painted by Carlo Bocca and Giovanni Buffa with mosaicist Rodolfo Gregorini between 1930 and 1931 to celebrate the Virgilian second millennium.

This staircase framed by a mural stands alone at the end of a tiled room. It is breathtaking to see in person and makes for a great photo op. 

Ornamento con pesce by Alfredo Ravasco (1873-1958)

I thought this ornamental fish made with semi-precious stones was incredibly charming. 

Vaso di fiori con gioiello, monete e conchiglie (1606) by Brueghel Jan il Vecchio (Jan Brueghel the Elder)

I remember studying this piece in my high school art history course. The detail in this photo does not compare to the textures you can see in person. There are multiple insects, shells, and jewels hidden within the flowers themselves. The technical application is phenomenal. 

After wandering through the museum for close to an hour and a half, my family and I finally made it to the final room. Biblioteca Ambrosiana has a dark atmosphere, giving it a haunted-house vibe. Near the entrance is a large glass case with metal ribs holding the original bound Codex Atlanticus. Clear displays had been set up around the library with individually scanned pages highlighting career accomplishments of da Vinci. It was fascinating to think about how these drawings survived centuries of handling and time. 

Overall, if you are a history buff, an art lover, or a museum goer, the Pinocoteca Ambrosiana is the perfect place to visit. The story of the building, its heritage, and impressive collection make it a fantastic rainy-day activity. Take some time to explore its vast hallways, and enjoy these revolutionary creations.