Characterized by temporary exhibitions, The Royal Palace or in Italian Palazzo Reale is one of the most important exhibition venues and art centers in Milan.
The Royal Palace, located right next to Duomo Cathedral, is one of the most important exhibition venues and art centers in Milan. With its large halls, wide stairs and sophisticated furnishings the Royal Palace occupies 7.000 square meters where paintings, sculptures, photography and video arts in form of temporary shows and exhibitions are being exhibited.
The Palace was the head office of the government and played an important political role during the rule of Visconti and Sforza families. Towards the end of the 18th century, the Palace was renovated in Neoclassical style by the architect Giuseppe Piermarini (he also designed the famous La Scala Theatre) and became residence of many rulers, from Maria Theresa of Austria, Napoleon, Ferdinand I to the Savoy family. In 1919, the Royal Palace became property of the Italian State and was officially open to public. However, during the bombing of Milan, in 1943, the building was heavily damaged and only after a long period of restoration and recovery it could be reopened again.
Interesting facts
- In 1951, The Royal Palace hosted Picasso’s painting “Guernica” (known as an anti-war symbol). This famous painting was created in 1937, as the artist’s reaction to the bombing of Guernica, a small village in northern Spain. It expresses sufferings of innocent civilians. During the Second World War, this painting was exhibited in France. By chance, while Picasso was passing through the gallery one German officer asked him: “You painted this”, he just replayed: “No, you did”.
- On the first floor of the Royal Palace there is the Hall of Caryatids, located on the site of the old theater that burned in 1776. Apart for its beauty, this hall is also known as the only part of the Palace which survived the heavy bombing of Milan in 1943.
Ticket prices for the Royal Palace art gallery in Milan
Regular ticket price is: 12 Euros (€).
Reduced ticket price is: 10 Euros (€).
Reduced price: students younger than 26, individuals older than 65, disabled individuals and their companions.
Free entrance: children younger than 6 years.
Working hours of the Royal Palace art gallery in Milan
On Mondays working hours are: 14:30 – 19:30h.
On Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday working hours are: 09:30 – 19:30h.
On Thursday and Saturday working hours are: 09:30 – 22:30h.
