Ambrosiana Library Milan
Ambrosiana Library & Picture Gallery (Biblioteca-Pinacoteca Ambrosiana)
An Impressive Milanese Cultural Institution!
Ambrosiana Library Milan is one of the most historic and popular cultural center in Milan. It was Cardinal Federico Borromeo who founded the library and art gallery in 1609, which he named after St. Ambrose. The architectural design of the building, with its interior courtyard, which is visible from all floors is one of the most beautiful in Milan. When you purchase the admission ticket, you get access to both the library and gallery.
Over the years, Ambrosiana Library Milan collected numerous manuscripts and books. The popularity of this cultural institution quickly spread across Europe. In fact, some of the most notable literary icons like Mary Shelly and Lord Byron have visited Biblioteca-Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. May of its manuscript collection came from all over the Western Europe. Some of the manuscripts originated from Greece such as the Iliad. There are more than 30,000 manuscripts in the Ambrosiana library, which are written in various languages like Hebrew, Latin, Greek, and Arabic.
The Codex Atlanticus is one of the most notable items in this amazingly preserved wood crafted library. Which is the original crossbow sketch of Leonardo da Vinci. His scientific and engineering work were centuries ahead of his time.
Their gallery also features some of the most notable works of famous artists and innovators like da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian. Raphael’s cartoon for “The School of Athens,” Titian’s “Adoration of the Magi,” and Boticelli’s “Madonna del Padiglione”. Other masterpieces by Giovanni Bellini, Bramantino, Moretto, Jacopo Basano, Ambrogio Bergognone and Tiziano Vecellio are on display. There is also a lock of Lucrezia Borgia’s blonde hair (daughter of Pope Alexander VI) on display.
After enjoying your visit at Ambrosiana Library Milan try one of the excellent restaurants that are located nearby. Trattoria Milanese, Quack, and Al peck are just a short walking distance away. With its location in Piazza Pio XI, finding a place to stay is easy because several hotels are located nearby. The ones that most travelers recommend are Santa Maria Suites and Hotel Spadari al Duomo Milan.
Milan is the place to be if you love fine arts. There are other art galleries and museum with interesting collection. However, you should start your trip at Ambrosiana Library Milan because it has some of the most historically significant artifacts in its collection. There is much to see both in the gallery and library that is why it is best to join a guided tour. No photographs allowed. All in all, a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours, especially if you enjoy galleries with beautiful works of art!
Phone: 39 02806921
Address: Piazza Pio XI, 2, 20123 Milan, Italy
Hours: Tuesday thru Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Monday Closed
