National Braidense Library

The National Braidense Library of Milan is an institution of extraordinary historical and cultural importance, founded in 1770 by the will of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Located in the Palazzo di Brera, which stands on the area of the thirteenth-century convent of the Umiliati, the library represents a hub for the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. Its origins can be traced back to the acquisition of the private library of Count Carlo Pertusati, an important collection of books that was donated to Archduke Ferdinand, son of the empress and future governor of Lombardy. This initial collection was integrated with the Jesuit library funds after the dissolution of the Society of Jesus in 1773, further enriching the heritage of the Braidense with volumes from the Jesuit colleges of San Fedele and San Girolamo. The library opened to the public in 1786, realizing Maria Theresa’s dream of creating an institution accessible to all those who wished to cultivate their intellect and acquire new knowledge. This Enlightenment ideal is reflected in the mission of the Braidense, which from its origins has sought to combine the preservation of the library heritage with the promotion of culture and research. The Palazzo di Brera, which houses the library, is also home to the Pinacoteca di Brera, the Academy of Fine Arts, and other important cultural institutes, constituting a true hub of knowledge and art in the heart of Milan. The Braidense itself became part of the museum system of the Pinacoteca di Brera in 2015, further strengthening its connection with the visual arts and culture. The heritage of the National Braidense Library now includes over one and a half million volumes, including many ancient and rare books. Among its treasures are works of inestimable value such as medieval manuscripts, incunabula, and printed books covering all disciplines of human knowledge. The library is also home to the Emilio Sommariva Photographic Fund, a collection of extraordinary photographs documenting Italian art, culture, and daily life between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The National Braidense Library represents a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, where history intertwines with modernity in a continuous dialogue between past and present. Its mission to preserve and disseminate knowledge is reflected in every aspect of its activities, from the careful preservation of ancient volumes to the promotion of reading and research through cultural events and initiatives.