Two of Milan’s best contemporary and modern art galleries are housed within this lavish villa that also features sprawling gardens popular with locals.
Some of Italy’s best modern and contemporary art is housed within Villa Reale (Royal Villa). The complex was once the home of an Italian count and much of the decoration that adorned the villa when the count lived there is evident today. Stroll through the English garden that surrounds the 18th-century villa and admire the neoclassical-style architecture. There are two galleries on-site: the Modern Art Gallery and the Contemporary Arts Pavillion (Padiglione d’Arte Conetmporanea).
Walk through the main entrance on Via Palestro and start at the Modern Art Gallery. See famous European art from the 18th and 20th centuries. There are works by Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh and Giovanni Fattori.
Signs lead to the second gallery, the Contemporary Arts Pavillion. This gallery is recognised as one of the best contemporary art galleries in the world, and is the only contemporary gallery in Milan with constantly changing exhibitions that keep the museum up-to-date. Temporary exhibitions feature sculptures, photography, video work and paintings from the modern art world’s rising stars. Check the museum’s website for details about current and up-coming exhibitions.
Keen photographers will appreciate a walk through the villa’s picturesque grounds. Arches perfectly frame the architecture of the building and ducks float on a large pond. Join locals enjoying the sun on vast lawns that make up much of the sprawling garden.
Drink strong Italian coffee and eat sweet treats from the café beside the pond then head back inside the villa. There are 600 rooms filled with sculptures and frescoes waiting to be explored.
The villa is open every day. There is no general admission fee, although you’ll need to buy tickets for each of the galleries. Stroll the gardens for free.
Villa Reale lies in the centre of Milan and is easily reached by metro. There is parking on the streets that run beside the garden.
