The Museo Poldi Pezzoli is one of Milan's most intimate and rewarding museums — a beautifully preserved 19th-century Milanese mansion holding the extraordinary private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli. Small in size but exceptional in quality, it is one of the finest house museums in Italy.
History
Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli was a 19th-century aristocrat and passionate collector who transformed his family home into a series of themed interiors around his paintings, arms, tapestries and decorative arts. On his death in 1879 he left the house and collection to the city, and it opened to the public in 1881.
The mansion itself is part of the experience: each room was designed as a stage for the art it holds, from the Baroque to the Renaissance.
What to see
The collection is compact enough to enjoy in an hour, but several pieces are world-class.
The museum's showpiece, home to Botticelli's Lamentation over the Dead Christ and Pollaiolo's celebrated Portrait of a Young Lady.
An exceptional collection of arms and armour, dramatically displayed in a purpose-designed hall.
Flemish tapestries, Murano glass, porcelain and a renowned collection of antique timepieces.
Restored 19th-century rooms that show how a wealthy Milanese collector actually lived.
Definitely worth visiting
The collection is wonderfully varied but fairly small, so the visit is short — yet genuinely interesting throughout. The palazzo itself, a lavishly decorated 19th-century house-museum, is just as much a reason to come as the art on its walls.
Visiting tips
Ideal as a shorter, calmer counterpoint to Brera or the Duomo — an hour is enough.
The Golden Room is the highlight; don't leave without seeing Pollaiolo's Portrait of a Young Lady.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Combine with La Scala and the Galleria, both a few minutes away.
Combine the Poldi Pezzoli with La Scala and the Quadrilatero on a guided walk.