Milan Cathedral Museum

The Museum of the Milan Cathedral is one of the most relevant cultural institutions in the city, a place where you can deepen your knowledge of the Cathedral of Milan and its millennia-old history. Inaugurated in 1953 and expanded in the sixties, the museum underwent a significant restoration and reorganization in 2013 by the architect Guido Canali. This intervention allowed for the renewal and further enhancement of the collections, making the museum a reference point for scholars and art enthusiasts. The museum is located in Piazza del Duomo, inside the Royal Palace, and occupies 27 rooms spread over two floors. The museum’s collections include a wide range of artworks ranging from the 15th century to the present day, offering a fascinating journey through the history and art of the symbol of Milan, the Cathedral. Among the exhibited works are sculptures, paintings, stained glass windows, tapestries, embroideries, and architectural models, which tell the complexity and magnificence of the Duomo. One of the most evocative elements of the museum is the collection of sculptures, which includes masterpieces such as the statue of Flayed Saint Bartholomew, attributed to Marco d’Agrate, and numerous other works that once adorned the spires and facades of the cathedral. These sculptures, now displayed protected from the weather, allow for a close appreciation of the sculptors’ skill and the richness of the details. The museum also houses a precious collection of stained glass windows, documenting the evolution of glass art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The panels of colored glass show biblical and allegorical scenes of great visual impact, created with refined techniques that reflect light in an extraordinary way. Another section of great interest is dedicated to paintings and tapestries. Among the paintings stand out works by artists such as Tintoretto and Annibale Carracci, while the tapestries, often monumental in size, tell sacred stories with a wealth of details and a vibrancy of colors that testify to the skill of the artisans of the time. One of the most emblematic objects in the museum is the large wooden model of the Duomo, dating back to the 16th century. This model, created to study and perfect the construction of the cathedral, offers a detailed view of the architecture and decorations planned for the Duomo. It is an extraordinary work for its precision and complexity, allowing for a better understanding of the challenges and ambitions of the builders of the time. The history of the Museum of the Duomo is closely linked to that of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, the institution established in 1387 to oversee the construction and maintenance of the cathedral. The Fabbrica del Duomo played a crucial role in collecting and preserving the artworks related to the cathedral, and the museum represents the realization of this centuries-old commitment. The Fabbrica still today takes care of the maintenance of the Duomo and its works, ensuring that this heritage can be passed on to future generations. From an artistic point of view, the museum is not only a place of conservation but also a center for research and dissemination. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Museum of the Duomo organizes temporary exhibitions, conferences, and educational activities that involve a wide and diverse audience. These initiatives aim to promote knowledge of artistic heritage and stimulate dialogue on cultural and historical themes.