Fondazione Museo Poldi Pezzoli ETS

Opened in 1881, the museum was created by the Milanese nobleman Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli (1822-1879), who donated his precious collections of paintings, sculpture, and applied arts to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy them.

This house-museum, beloved by the Milanese and international public, opened in 1881. It fascinates not only for the charm of the rooms evoking the past (from medieval times to the 18th century up to the Armoury with a work by the contemporary artist Arnaldo Pomodoro), but also for the variety and richness of its collections. Masterpieces by Old Masters, sculptures, carpets, lace and embroidery, arms and armour, jewels, porcelain, glass, furniture, sundials and clocks: over 6000 extraordinary pieces, from Antiquity to the 19th century, suspended in a magical atmosphere.

The Educational Department of the Poldi Pezzoli Museum helps visitors of all ages to discover the collections with tours and activities designed according to the specific needs of each category of audience. Visits and workshops are guided by qualified Art Historians.

The museum is an extraordinary place where history comes alive and works of art tell timeless stories. As passionate custodians of this heritage, we are committed to keeping this treasure alive for present and future generations.

The museum today is among the world's best-known house museums, organising international exhibitions through collaboration with major European and American museums. Recent years have seen successful exhibitions such as the reconstruction of Piero della Francesca's polyptych of the Augustinians in collaboration with the Frick Collection in NY, the National Gallery in London and other international museums. Many activities are promoted such as the live restoration of the famous work by Piero del Pollaiolo. A unique event: the “live” restoration of Piero del Pollaiolo’s Portrait of a Young Woman, one of the collection’s most beloved masterpieces. This is a unique opportunity to take a close look at the restoration phases of one of the museum’s most iconic works, directly inside the exhibition rooms.

For the first time, restorers will work on the painting in the presence of the public, illustrating the different steps that make up such a complex and fascinating restoration. Visitors will be able to follow the conservation work in real time, appreciating the care and attention required to preserve such an important masterpiece. An extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in the behind-the-scenes activities of the museum.

The restoration of the Portrait of a Young Woman is not just an aesthetic intervention, but part of a long-term strategy for the preventive conservation of the works. This philosophy, adopted by the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, focuses on the constant care of the collection to ensure its preservation and transmission to future generations.

Its location is absolutely central and is easily reached by taking advantage of the transportation network such as subways and streetcars.

Thanks to the preciousness of its works and its history, the Poldi Pezzoli stands as a choice of excellence for all those who want to discover a prestigious collection while enjoying it exclusively, thanks to the realization of personalized private events.

In fact, the museum makes its spaces available for the organization of guided tours (which can be arranged according to the wishes of the clients), aperitifs, gala evenings, conferences, concerts, business days or special initiatives, to receive its guests in the privacy of a private opening, beyond the hours of public entrance or in areas not accessible to the public.

The house is an historic place that preserves the atmosphere and welcome of the house-museum, capable of creating a moment of true immersion in the quiet of beauty and refinement. To make the most of these characteristics and for its elegant spaces, the Poldi Pezzoli is the ideal place for events to be customized according to the number of participants and different needs. The museum welcomes public-private collaboration initiatives and projects in order to support and develop the enhancement of its artistic heritage and spaces that can be entrusted under concession, consistent with security requirements and the cultural interest of the managed heritage.