Museo del Novecento

Overview

The Museo del Novecento occupies the Arengario palace directly overlooking Piazza del Duomo, displaying Italy's finest collection of 20th-century art. Its spiral ramp architecture offers stunning views of the cathedral through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Highlights

• Pellizza da Volpedo's Fourth Estate: The monumental canvas depicting a workers' march, an icon of Italian social realism.
• Lucio Fontana's Neon Structure: A spectacular neon installation suspended in the entrance hall, visible from the piazza at night.
• Futurist Room: Works by Boccioni, Balla, and Carrà documenting the explosive Milanese art movement.

History

The museum opened in 2010 inside the Arengario, a rationalist building from 1956 that flanks one side of Piazza del Duomo. The collection traces Italian art from the early 1900s through Arte Povera, with particular strength in Futurism and Spatialism.

Visitor Tips

• Free Hours: The last two hours before closing are free every Tuesday.
• The View: Don't miss the panoramic terrace on the top floor for an unobstructed close-up of the Duomo's façade.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.