The Duomo Museum is located on the ground floor of the Royal Palace, right across from the Duomo di Milano. Many visitors opt to explore the museum after their cathedral visit, strolling conveniently across the Piazza to reach its entrance.
A tour of the museum is the perfect follow-up to the tour of the Milan Cathedral. The museum welcomes visitors daily, except Wednesdays, from 10 am to 7 pm, with the last entry permitted at 6 pm. This article shares everything you need about the Duomo Museum, from tickets to masterpieces you should not miss.
Ticket For Visiting Duomo Museum
Admission tickets to the museum are available in combination with cathedral entry tickets. You can choose the cathedral and museum entry ticket or the cathedral, rooftop and museum entry ticket. A full complex ticket offers entry to the Duomo di Milano cathedral, rooftop, archaeological areas, Duomo Museum and San Gottardo Church.
The cheapest option is the cathedral and museum entry ticket, which costs €14 for adults (19+) and €8 for children (6 to 18 years). Admission to the museum is free for kids below five years.
Note: The simple Duomo di Milano entry ticket does not provide admission to the Duomo Museum. You should opt for the cathedral and museum ticket to visit Opera Del Duomo.
History and Purpose of the Museum
In the 19th century, the space now occupied by the museum wasn’t initially meant for public viewing. It served as the “Opera del Duomo,” where artists and artisans worked tirelessly, crafting sculptures, paintings, and other pieces for the cathedral.
As the Duomo approached completion, attention shifted from creation to conservation. Artworks that were no longer necessary for the cathedral’s interior or deemed too weathered for exposure found refuge in this space. By the early 20th century, the idea of a dedicated museum emerged, and the “Opera del Duomo” officially became the Duomo Museum, welcoming the public in 1921.
Purpose
The Duomo Museum highlights the centuries-old artistic and historical significance of its vast collection. It’s a hub for sharing the cultural and artistic heritage tied to the Duomo. Beyond preserving artifacts, the museum fosters research and education on the cathedral’s art and architecture. Through temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and restoration projects, the museum bridges the Duomo’s rich past with its present-day relevance.
Duomo Museum Layout
The Duomo Museum spans 6,000 square meters across three floors, split into 28 rooms. It offers a fascinating look at masterpieces, presented just as they were meant to be seen.
- The Treasure section contains liturgical items like pastoral tools and gospel books.
- Nearby, the Duomo section showcases a large-scale wooden model of the cathedral.
- Don’t miss the stained-glass window room, where intricate windows tell stories from the Bible and the lives of saints.
- There’s even a virtual reality experience that takes you to the Candoglia quarry, where the marble for the Duomo was extracted.
The museum was revamped in 2015, and new exhibit spaces were added. The Teatro degli Intrepid was restored to have more display areas and amenities. It features over 750 pieces, including sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and architectural models, all protected by advanced climate-controlled cases. This unique museum truly engages visitors with the Duomo’s rich history and stunning art.
Sculptures In The Milan Duomo Museum (Ground Floor)
Among the museum’s collections, sculptures take center stage, offering a glimpse into the artistic evolution of the Duomo and the sculptors who contributed to its grandeur. Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you navigate the rich world of sculptures housed within the museum:
Start with the Facade Sculptures
When you first enter the museum, start your exploration with the ground-level Facade Sculptures. A wide variety of sculptures that were initially made for the outside of the Duomo can be found here. These paintings depict various religious characters, saints, and elaborate gargoyles. They date back several centuries, from the 14th to the 19th. Enjoy each sculpture’s fine craftsmanship and symbolic meaning by taking your time. Pay attention to works by renowned sculptors such as Jacopino da Tradate and Agostino Busti.
The Statue of Saint Bartholomew
One interesting sculpture in the collection is the Statue of Saint Bartholomew, which you should check out. This enormous sculpture, created by Marco d’Agrate in the latter half of the 16th century, shows the saint clutching his torn skin. Its dramatic attitude and expressiveness will make a lasting impression on you. It is a striking picture of faith and martyrdom.
The Terracotta Models
Within the museum is a fascinating collection of terracotta models. These models were early designs for the sculptures that now adorn the Duomo’s front. Their depiction of the sculptures’ original conception before they were made of stone offers a unique glimpse into the artistic process. It’s fascinating to see how these works of art are developed and to learn more about the craftsmanship that goes into them.
Explore the “Sala delle Cariatidi” (Hall of the Caryatids)
This section features a collection of statues known as Caryatids, or female figures supporting architectural structures. The Caryatids, now in the Duomo Museum, were never mounted. They were originally intended to be positioned atop the cathedral’s pronaos. The traditional style and architecture of the Duomo make these sculptures captivating.
Architecture Models in Duomo Museum (Ground Floor)
Milan’s Duomo Museum contains many artistic and historical objects, but the area devoted to architectural models is a real gem for those who love architecture. These detailed miniature reproductions allow us to observe the centuries-long building and design development of the Duomo.
The Wooden Masterpiece: Modellone
Bernardino Zenale’s Modellone, which he created in 1519 out of lime wood, walnut, and pine, is undoubtedly the collection’s shining star. A masterwork of craftsmanship, this enormous wooden model is the largest and oldest architectural-scale replica of the Duomo. It shows the whole cathedral, along with the elaborate spires, flying buttresses, pinnacles, and other details that were not included in the final design.
For centuries, the Modellone was more than just a static exhibit; it was a functional draft design. The model underwent continuous updates and modifications to accommodate design modifications while the Duomo was being built. This interesting exhibit may help visitors understand the collaborative and dynamic nature of the cathedral’s building.
Beyond the Modellone: A Glimpse into Design Debates
The Duomo’s design decisions and arguments are shown through the various architectural models housed at the museum. Models created by architects such as Francesco Castelli and Carlo Buzzi depict a competition to design the front of the 17th-century cathedral.
Viewers are treated to a variety of perspectives, some of which support a Gothic style that harmonizes with the rest of Duomo’s design. In contrast, others illustrate a modern Baroque style. These models offer an intriguing glimpse into the creative debates and tastes that shaped the final design.
Treasury Room (First Floor)
The Treasury Room, on the first level of the Duomo Museum in Milan, is surrounded by religious relics used throughout the Duomo’s lengthy history.
- Chalices made of gold and silver: During Eucharistic rites, wine was held in these elaborate cups, which should have beautiful stones, engravings, and ornate decorations.
- Reliquaries were receptacles that held holy relics, such as the bones or clothing fragments of saints or other religious figures.
They were frequently made of gems and precious metals. - Crosses: A few tiny pectoral crosses worn by priests are probably present in the Treasury Room in addition to processional crosses, which are the enormous crosses carried during religious processions.
Constructing these crosses from priceless materials and adorning them with jewels or enamel is possible. - Additional Liturgical Objects: Aside from candlesticks, censers are used in religious ceremonies to burn incense and even ornate vestments worn by clergy members during important services.
Tapestries (First Floor)
A fascinating collection of tapestries is located on the first level of the Duomo Museum in Milan, just waiting to be discovered. These woven works of art offer windows into the artistic traditions and religious stories of their era, serving as more than just ornamental items.
Here’s a better look at what’s in store for you:
- Variety of Themes
The tapestries portray many themes, primarily emphasizing biblical characters and religious tales. Scenes from the Old Testament, such as Moses’s life or the tales of Abraham and Isaac, may become visible. With tapestries depicting the life of Jesus Christ, including his conception, teachings, and execution, the New Testament is likewise well-represented. - More than Religious Tales
In addition to telling religious tales, the tapestries can provide insights into the artistic movements and methods of the era in which they were made. Pay attention to features such as depicting human figures and emotions, using vivid colors, and complex weaving patterns. A layer of local context might be added to the collection by including famous characters from Milanese history in some of the tapestries. - Masterpieces to Look for
Though the entire collection of tapestries is fascinating, a few are especially important:
- The Gonzaga Tapestries is a famous collection, which Saint Charles Borromeo gifted, features vivid colors and exquisite detail depicting events from the life of Moses.
- The Cherub’s Games is a whimsical tapestry contrasting sharply with the more serious religious subjects.
It features cherubs participating in a variety of games.
Stained Glass Windows (First Floor)
The first level of the Duomo Museum in Milan is home to a stunning collection of stained glass windows. Once part of the Duomo’s walls, these windows are attractive and captivating works of art that depict historical and religious stories.
These windows sparkle in the sun, showcasing rich blues, reds, and yellows. The use of such vibrant colors is something to behold. Showcasing biblical stories and religious events, each panel portrays important scenarios to the Christian faith.
These Renaissance windows are a magnificent example of Renaissance artistry. They are complete with minute details and deft use of lead to convey perspective and depth. Understanding these windows’ visual language, which evokes devotion, reveals historical, artistic movements and religious convictions.
FASCINATING FACT
With the help of virtual reality, visitors to the Duomo Museum can choose a singular, unforgettable experience. In the Candoglia quarry, marble for the cathedral is taken from the Cava Madre. Rent a viewer to embark on a virtual tour of the area. After being driven to Val D’Ossola, you can see up close the process of removing the mountain’s blocks and the sculptors’ skill. You can also walk on the almost 20-meter-tall suspended platform initially used to move marble.
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Activities for Adults and Children
The Milan Duomo Museum provides a range of events and workshops for adults and children.
- Adults can explore the Duomo’s art, architecture, and history with guided tours that provide detailed information about the monument’s significance and history.
- There are occasional workshops focusing on specific topics, including painting or architecture.
- Family tours and interactive sessions provide children with exciting opportunities to learn about the Duomo’s history and architecture.
- Creative workshops allow Children to exhibit creativity while learning about this famous monument.
These programs appeal to a wide range of ages and interests, making the museum fun for guests from many walks of life.
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Featured Image: Duomomilano.it