Ambrosiana Museum and Library (Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana) Tours and Activities
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Milan’s historic Ambrosiana Museum and Library (Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana) was founded in 1618 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo. The cardinal donated more than 30,000 books, 15,000 manuscripts, and 12,000 pieces of artwork by famous artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci.
The Basics
The cultural mecca of the Ambrosiana was built to ensure the artists with talent and intellectuals would have a place to train. Today many tours and travelers visit the art gallery and library to experience and understand the importance of art in Italy during the Renaissance. The library famously displays Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus in a permanent exhibition, as well as the love letters of Lucrezia Borgia and the works of Petrarch.
Many Milan city tours include skip-the-line access to Vespino’s famous copy of da Vinci’s The Last Supper. If visiting independently, buy a combination ticket to the Ambrosiana and The Last Supper in advance for the best availability.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ambrosiana Museum and Library is a must-visit for art and art history buffs.
- Audio guides are available in several languages for a small fee.
- The library and art gallery are fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities and can be independently accessed.
How to Get There
The library is located in the heart of Milan, on Piazza Pio XI. Take the M1 red line or M3 yellow line to the Duomo stop and walk about five minutes. You can also take tram 2 or 3 to the Duomo stop, or tram 12, 14, or 16 to the Orefici-Cantù stop.
When to Get There
The Ambrosiana Museum and Library is open 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday, and is closed January 1, Easter Sunday, and December 25. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when Last Supper tickets are more readily available.
The Legend of Lucrezia Borgia
Lucrezia Borgia was the Duchess of Ferrara during the late 1400s. A long lock of her golden hair is kept at the Ambrosiana, encased in glass and bronze, and has attracted many writers and poets passing through Milan. Legend has it that on All Souls’ night her ghost wanders the halls of the library in search of her hair. When found, she washes and combs it, which is why it remains silky and shiny to this day.
Address: Piazza Pio XI, 2, Milan 20123, Italy
Admission: Varies
7 Tours and Activities to Experience Ambrosiana Museum and Library (Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana)
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Skip the Line: Leonardo da Vinci Walking Tour of Milan Including 'The Last Supper' Ticket
315
Get a close-up view of Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece, 'The Last Supper' with this exciting guided tour. In addition to your skip-the-line-admission the 'The Last Supper,' see the 'Atlantic Codex,' a 12-volume bound set of drawings and writings by Da Vince in the late fifteen and early sixteenth century. Also spend time exploring the UNESCO-listed church, Santa Maria delle Grazie. This tour is a great way to learn about one of the world's greatest artists.
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From
$84.86
From
$84.86
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Milan Private Tour
42
Traverse the metropolis of Milan and uncover hidden gems with this private tour. Learn the history of this important city and visit a few famous landmarks such as the Duomo, Sforza Castle, Teatro La Scala as well as a few lesser-known spots. View works of art around the city and learn about Milan’s influence in the fashion industry from your private guide.
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From
$81.07
Price varies by group size
From
$81.07
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Ambrosiana Gallery guided tour & Da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus
1
The question everyone is asking is how many pages are there in the Atlantic Codex. We will seek an answer to this question during our 1.5-hour journey inside the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.
We will try to answer during a guided experience that will make you discover the main rooms of the Pinacoteca: we will discover Leonardo in all its mystery, alongside him with other masterful artists such as Raphael.
The Codex Atlanticus, a collection of Leonardo Da Vinci's notes, will be revealed before your eyes.
Enjoy this experience and let yourself be surprised by the traces left by Leonardo during his period in Milan.
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From
$64.01
Price varies by group size
From
$64.01
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Milano - Best of Leonardo, e-Bike Tour (Last Supper & all tickets included)
In few hours you will discover the secrets of Milan.
By eBike you will experience the beautys of the city and all the museums of Leonardo.
The tickets for the museums are open for one month after the tour (not the 'Last Supper)
The value of the tickets is
You will experience the e-Bike 'boom'.
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From
$221.35
From
$221.35
Private Milan 90 minutes Kickstart Tour
28
Discover the best of Milan on this 90-minute highlights tour. Traverse the city with your guide and see sites such as Porta Garibaldi, Piazza Mercanti, Castello Sforzesco, and of course, the Piazza del Duomo. Learn about the architecture and the history of the city and get insider tips from your guide during this overview tour.
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From
$31.46
Price varies by group size
From
$31.46
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Milan For Art Lovers: Private & Personalized
Discover the rich history of Milanese art on a 3-hour tour through the city’s galleries and hidden gems. Explore Gothic art from the 14th century through the Futurism movement of the 20th century. Visit galleries filled with paintings, drawings, and sculptures from significant art movements and stroll through the streets of Milan to find other hidden art pieces.
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From
$181.73
Price varies by group size
From
$181.73
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Milan Pinacoteca Ambrosiana museum private guided tour
Come to Milan to visit this important Art gallery, the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Art museum. Here in Milan you will admire some masterpieces among the most beautiful paintings you can find inside the italian museums, including the original drawings of Leonardo da Vinci accompanied by an official guide. This is a private guided tour for your group only or only for you if you are a single tourist.
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From
$183.65
per group
From
$183.65
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
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