Ambrosian Library

The Ambrosiana Library, founded in 1607 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo, represents one of the greatest examples of Renaissance cultural institutions in Italy. Located in the heart of Milan, the library is a symbol of erudition and preservation of knowledge, housing a collection of manuscripts, books, and works of art of inestimable value. The inauguration of the Ambrosiana Library took place on December 8, 1609, with the intention of creating a center of culture open to the public, in contrast to private libraries reserved for a few privileged individuals. Cardinal Borromeo, a visionary figure passionate about sciences and arts, wanted the library to be a place where scholars and the curious could freely access the cultural heritage accumulated over the centuries. To this end, Borromeo not only donated his own collection of books, but also sent emissaries throughout Europe to acquire rare and precious works, including manuscripts from the Abbey of San Colombano in Bobbio and the library of the Paduan bibliophile Gian Vincenzo Pinelli. One of the most famous treasures of the Ambrosiana Library is Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, a vast collection of drawings and writings by the Renaissance genius, donated to the library in 1637 by Galeazzo Arconati. This codex, covering a multitude of subjects from mechanics to botany, is a unique testimony to Leonardo’s creative and scientific thinking, making the Ambrosiana Library a reference point for scholars worldwide. The library also houses a Pinacoteca, founded in 1618, which contains masterpieces by artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. Among the most important works is Caravaggio’s “Basket of Fruit,” an extraordinary example of still life reflecting the revolutionary realism of the Lombard master. Another notable piece is Raphael’s “Cartoon for the School of Athens,” a monumental drawing that offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s creative process. Over the centuries, the Ambrosiana Library has continued to enrich itself through donations and acquisitions. Among these stand out the 1600 Arabic codices from the Caprotti collection, acquired in 1909, and the collections of indologists like Enrico Fasana. The library also possesses a rich collection of texts on philosophy, Christian theology, and other religions, making it a true treasure trove of universal knowledge. From an architectural point of view, the Ambrosiana Library is housed in a complex of historic buildings that include the Church of San Sepolcro, founded in 1030 and renovated over the centuries. The main hall of the library, known as the Sala Federiciana, is an example of seventeenth-century austerity and solemnity, with tall wooden shelves housing ancient and modern volumes. A distinctive aspect of the Ambrosiana Library is its commitment to digitizing collections, allowing online access to numerous historical and photographic documents. This digitization project not only preserves the original materials but also enhances their accessibility, allowing a global audience to explore the library’s riches. The Ambrosiana Library is also home to the College of Doctors, an academic institution founded to promote study and research. The members of the college, known as “ambrosians,” are internationally renowned scholars who contribute to the intellectual life of the library through research, publications, and teaching.