Milan is a lively and ever-evolving art city, known for hosting some of the most important national and international exhibitions.
Whether you are passionate about contemporary or classical art, during your visit there’s always a wide variety of exhibitions in the city’s most prestigious museums and cultural spaces.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most interesting exhibitions that you simply cannot miss during your stay in Milan.
1. Edvard Munch Exhibition – Palazzo Reale, Milan
Palazzo Reale in Milan remains one of the most prestigious venues for artistic exhibitions, currently hosting a display dedicated to Edvard Munch.
This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of the renowned Norwegian painter, known for masterpieces like The Scream. Organized in collaboration with the Munch Museum in Oslo, the exhibition covers Munch’s entire career, exploring his connections with other great European masters like Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec. Themes such as illness and anguish merge with visionary painting.
The exhibition runs until January 2025 and is a must for those who love Symbolist art.
2. Picasso – “The Outsider” – Palazzo Reale, Milan
Also at Palazzo Reale, starting in September 2024, another major exhibition will be dedicated to Pablo Picasso.
Titled Picasso the Outsider, this exhibition focuses on a lesser-known aspect of the artist’s life: his status as an outsider. Through over 80 works including paintings, sculptures, and drawings, the exhibition explores Picasso’s condition as an immigrant in Paris, a theme that profoundly influenced his artistic production.
The exhibition provides an intimate and new perspective on one of the greatest geniuses of the 20th century.
3. Tim Burton’s Labyrinth – Fabbrica del Vapore, Milan
For those who love cinema and gothic imagery, Fabbrica del Vapore is hosting an exhibition entirely dedicated to the visionary world of Tim Burton.
Tim Burton’s Labyrinth is an immersive journey where visitors can explore the fantastic worlds created by the famous director through sets, sketches, and sculptures inspired by his most iconic films.
Each visitor can choose their own path, making the experience unique for everyone. If you’re a fan of Burton’s films and want to experience something different from traditional art exhibitions, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
4. Niki de Saint Phalle – Mudec, Milan
The Mudec is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the famous Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
This exhibition is the first major Italian retrospective dedicated to one of the most original interpreters of contemporary art. Niki de Saint Phalle is famous for her monumental sculptures and works characterized by vibrant colors and exuberant forms.
The exhibition will guide you through various phases of the artist’s career, from her early performances to the celebrated Nanas, large female sculptures.
If you are looking for an exhibition that combines art and feminism, this show is definitely worth a visit.
5. Cézanne and Renoir – Palazzo Reale, Milan
Another unmissable exhibition brings together works by two masters of Impressionism: Paul Cézanne and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Opening at Palazzo Reale in March 2024, the exhibition will feature a selection of masterpieces from museums such as the Musée d’Orsay and the Orangerie in Paris.
This exhibition offers a deep dive into the careers of these two artists and their influence on modern art. It is perfect for those who love 19th-century art and want to admire up-close some of the most iconic works of Impressionism.
6. Sebastiao Salgado – Palazzo Reale, Milan
Photography lovers cannot miss the exhibition of renowned photographer Sebastiao Salgado.
His breathtaking images, often focused on themes of social and environmental justice, provide a deep look into some of the planet’s most remote and inaccessible areas.
The exhibition focuses on the beauty of our planet and the issues related to its preservation.
Salgado is known for his unique style and ability to convey intense emotions through black-and-white photography. This exhibition promises to be a powerful and reflective visual journey.
7. Temporary Exhibitions at Museo del Novecento, Milan
If you prefer a more contemporary artistic experience, the Museo del Novecento offers a series of temporary exhibitions dedicated to 20th-century artists.
In addition to its permanent collection, which includes masterpieces by artists like Lucio Fontana and Umberto Boccioni, the museum regularly organizes exhibitions focused on new trends in modern art.
During your visit, you can immerse yourself in a dialogue between past and present, exploring how 20th-century artists have influenced future generations.
Art in Milan not to be missed
Milan is a city that offers a wide range of unmissable exhibitions year-round, catering to the tastes of every art enthusiast.
From the classic masterpieces of the Impressionists to contemporary avant-garde works, including immersive exhibitions dedicated to cinema, there is something for everyone wanting to dive into the art world.
If you’re planning a visit, we recommend exploring the various exhibitions on offer and planning your itinerary to make the most of Milan’s rich cultural scene.