The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana has its seat in the historical building of the same name in the Piazza Pio XI in Milan. The palace was designed by Lelio Buzzi and Francesco Maria Ricchino. Federico Borromeo had ordered its construction in order to find an abode for the initial collection of books and documents dealing with a correct interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. This collection, known as the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, was started in the early 17th century and comprised volumes from all over Europe and from the East, including Jewish and Arab texts. Construction of the building started in 1603. In 1618, Borromeo added his collection of paintings to the academy of artistic studies, which meanwhile had also been opened on the premises and is known as the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.
What to see
The Codice Atlantico is a vast collection of drawings and notes by Leonardo Da Vinci. In the Pinacoteca you can admire the Musico (“Musician”), dated 1485, and the only male portrait Leonardo ever painted. It is not known who commissioned the painting. It is also not certain who is depicted. The general consensus is that it is a musician-friend of Leonardo, called Atalante Miglioroti. However, a restoration in 1904 showed the document the musician is holding to be a musical score, containing the letters Cant… Ang… Therefore it is also possible that the figure represents the composter Francesco Gaffurio, who had written a piece called Cantum Angelicum.
Further highlights include works by:
- Jacopo Bassano (“Rest during the Flight to Egypt” and “Annunciation to the Shepherds”)
- Ambrogio Bergognone (“Madonna, angels and saints”)
- Sandro Botticelli (“Madonna del Baldacchino”)
- Caravaggio (“Fruit Basket”)
- Giovanni Battista Cerano (“Sant’Ambrogio”)
- Daniele Crespi (“Madonna and Saints”)
- Domenico Ghirlandaio (“Nativity of Jesus”)
- Bernardino Luini (“San Giovannino”)
- Pier Francesco Morazzone (“Adoration of the Three Wise Men”)
- Il Moretto (“St. Peter Martyr”)
- Giovanni Battista Moroni (“Portrait of a Gentleman”)
- Raphael (a preparatory sketch calle cartone, for the fresco “School of Athens”) in the Vatican Museums in Rome.
- Giambattista Tiepolo (“Bishop”, “Presentation at the Temple”)
- Titian (“Epiphany” and “Ecce Homo”)
- Bartolomeo Vivarini (a polyptich)
Church and Crypt of San Sepolcro
The Church of San Sepolcro, founded around the year 1000, is part of the complex. The interior was restored in 1605, by Trezzi. The facade was reconstructed twice, first in the early 18th century, and subsequently in 1897. The crypt is the only surviving part of the original structure and containsa terracotta ‘Deposition”. The What is now the Piazza San Sepolcro used to be the site of the Roman Forum.
What to know before you go
Opening hours
The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and crypt are open every day except Wednesdays from 10:00 till 18:00. Last entrance is at 17:30.
Tickets
A combination ticket for the Pinacoteca and crypt costs 20 Euros for adults, 15 Euros for under 18s, university students and over 65s, and 5 Euros for children between 6 and 14 years of age.
Admission to only the Pinacoteca is 17 Euros for adults, 13 Euros for 0ver 65s, 10 Euros for under 18s and university students and 5 Euros for children aged 6 to 14.
Visiting the crypt only costs 8 Euros for adults, 6 Euros for under 18s, university students and over 65s, and 2,50 Euros for children between 6 and 14.
You can book through the official website of the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.
How to reach the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan
Address: Piazza Pio XI, 2 – 20123 Milano. The nearest metro stops are Cordusio (M1) and Duomo (M1 and M3). The nearest tram stops are Orefici/Cantù (lines 12, 14 and 16) and Duomo (lines 2 and 3).
Sources
- Touring Club Italiano – Lombardia.
- Vincent Drago – The Sights of Rome.
Photos
Leonardo’s “Portrait of a Musician” is in the public domain.