The Duomo Museum, a part of the Royal Palace of Milan, lies opposite the Milan Cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo.
The Duomo di Milano Museum showcases artworks once on the monument but now contained within its walls.
The Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo was responsible for preserving and developing the Duomo in 1948.
The Duomo di Milano museum, which Ugo Nebbia established and inaugurated in 1953, has expanded in size and the number of its rooms.
During WWII, the Duomo di Milano Museum was a suitable place to store and display artifacts that required conservation.
The state property office (Demanio di Stato) granted a concession for nine apartments on the ground level of the Royal Palace’s oldest wing.
Guido Canali, an architect, created the Museum in 2013 and the new layout resulted from improvements to the collections.
Opening Hours
The Duomo Museum Milan hours are from 10 am to 7 pm.
It is open from Monday to Saturday, except for Wednesday.
The ticket office sells the last ticket at 6.10 pm.
San Gottardo Church in Corte is also included in the itinerary.
Visitors need tickets to visit the Duomo Museum. You can enter the Museum along with the Cathedral and terrace access.
Get your Duomo di Milano, Rooftop and Museum access ticket for the best tour experience.
Inside The Duomo di Milano Museum
There are twenty-six rooms totaling 2,000 square meters in the Duomo di Milano Museum.
The Museum takes tourists on a historical journey that starts with the building of the Duomo in 1386 and ends in the 20th century.
The first two galleries of the museum host the Treasury of Milan Duomo, which holds artifacts that were once kept in the sacristies of the cathedral.
From the fifth to the seventeenth centuries, artifacts from the time of the Duomo’s construction include things used for worship.
The Diptych of the Five Parts
The ivory Gospel book cover known as the Diptych of the Five Parts is one of the most valuable artifacts.
Scholars recognize it as one of the best examples of early Christian art, created in Ravenna around the end of the fifth century.
The Chiaravalle Cross
People use the Chiaravalle cross, an altar cross from Chiaravalle Abbey, for processions.
Crafted in the 13th century, it represents a masterwork of Romanesque goldwork.
During the great battle of Desio in 1277, Archbishop Ottone Visconti carried this cross in the procession that signaled the beginning of the Visconti family’s control over Milan.
The Cross of Aribert, an ivory Diptych of the Passion from the ninth century, is also housed in this room.
The Aribert Evangelary is also shown, as you will be able to see.
Cross of Saint Charles
The cross exemplifies remarkable Mannerist goldwork from the middle of the 16th century.
It consists of wrought and embossed gold leaves adorned with valuable stones.
Today, the cross represents the emblem of the Metropolitan Chapter and the Duomo displays it during the installation of new archbishops.
The Hummingbird Mitre
Pope Pius IV made the Manteca and gave it to his nephew, Archbishop Carlo Borromeo, who used it to recreate scenes from the Passion.
Michelino da Besozzo painted a panel of the Madonna in 1418, which is on display beside the Hummingbird Mitre.
The altarpiece displays a Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and an Enthroned Madonna with a Child on its two painted sides.
A large exhibition case filled with chalices, patens and monstrances documents the cathedral’s liturgical history.
For all visitors planning to visit Duomo di Milano, here are some essential information to plan your trip:
Contents
The Museum FAQs
1. Where is the Duomo di Milano Museum located?
The Duomo di Milano Museum is located in Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy.
2. What is the purpose of the Duomo di Milano Museum?
The museum preserves and displays works of art that were once part of the Duomo.
It showcases the history and cultural significance of the monument.
3. When was the Museum established?
Ugo Nebbia established and inaugurated the Museum in 1953.
4. How has the Museum expanded over time?
The Museum has undergone expansions and improvements, both in size and the number of its rooms, to accommodate its growing collection.
5. Who designed the Duomo of Milan Museum?
Architect Guido Canali designed the Museum in 2013.
It provides a modern and captivating space for visitors.
6. What can visitors expect to see in the Museum?
Inside the Museum, visitors can explore 26 rooms spanning 2,000 square meters.
It takes them on a historical journey from the construction of the Duomo to the 20th century.
7. What does the Treasury of Milan Duomo house?
The Treasury of Milan Duomo takes up the first two galleries of the Museum.
It displays artifacts that were once kept in the cathedral’s sacristies.
8. What are some notable artifacts in the Museum?
Notable artifacts include the Diptych of the Five Parts, the Chiaravalle Cross, the Cross of Aribert and the Hummingbird Mitre.
Each of them has its unique historical and artistic significance.
9. What role does the Cross of Saint Charles play?
The Cross of Saint Charles is a remarkable example of Mannerist goldwork.
It serves as the emblem of the Metropolitan Chapter.
During the installation of new archbishops, it is customary to display it.
10. What other items does the Museum display?
The Museum also features artworks, liturgical objects and exhibitions documenting the cathedral’s liturgical history, including chalices, patens and monstrances.
The Best Duomo di Milano Tickets
Cathedral and Rooftop tickets: This ticket offers access to the Milan Cathedral and the Cathedral Rooftop area.
Milan Cathedral Rooftop ticket: If you wish to enjoy the vistas of Milan, then get this rooftop access ticket (without the church) to enjoy terrace entry.
Duomo di Milano guided tour: Take a tour of Milan Cathedral, Duomo Museum and archeological sites with a local expert guide.
Private Duomo di Milano tour: Skip the crowds and take a private tour of the Duomo di Milano, its Rooftop, Museum and Archeological sites.
Duomo Di Milano Combo tour: Visit the Milan Cathedral and another Milan attraction at a discounted price with just one ticket.
Last-minute Duomo di Milano tickets: Get your Milan Cathedral tickets last minute if you have missed your pre-booking. This ticket offers last-minute entry to Cathedral, Museum and rooftop.
Milan City Pass: Get entry to Duomo di Milano, Rooftops, Duomo Museum, Leonardo Da Vinci Museum, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, along with Milan City Audio Guide at discounted prices.
Suggested Articles
Featured Image: Duomomilano.it
