Four Milan museums explore Metaphysical art

Metaphysica/Metaphysicas: a four-venue exploration in Milan

Milan presents a multi-venue exhibition dedicated to Metaphysical art, designed to highlight both the masters of the movement and its contemporary echoes. Curated by Vincenzo Trione and promoted by the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Milan in collaboration with Electa, the initiative involves four major city institutions.

The project assembles paintings, photographs, sculptures, stage designs and periodicals to offer a historical and cross-disciplinary reading of the metaphysical language and its influences.

Where to go and what to see

• Palazzo Reale – Until 21 June: more than 400 works, including paintings, photos, sculptures, comics and magazines from galleries and private collections. Key figures on display include Giorgio de Chirico, Alberto Savinio and Giorgio Morandi, alongside contemporary references that engage with metaphysical language.
• Museo del Novecento – Until 21 June: a route examining the relationship between Metaphysical protagonists and the city of Milan, featuring stage designs and costumes created for La Scala by de Chirico, Savinio and Carlo Carrà.
• Gallerie d’Italia (Piazza Scala) – Until 6 April: a photographic tribute by Gianni Berengo Gardin focused on Giorgio Morandi’s studio photographs.
• Grande Brera – Palazzo Citterio – Until 5 April: a video installation and sculptures that reinterpret the everyday objects associated with Morandi, as part of the overall exhibition.

Visitor information

The circuit is designed for staged visits: pairing two or more venues in a single day is feasible, but allow at least a couple of hours for the larger sites (Palazzo Reale and Museo del Novecento). Check museum websites for up-to-date opening times and ticketing options, and consider booking online during busy periods.

Practical tips:

• Buy tickets in advance to avoid queues.
• Verify evening openings and any exceptional closures.
• Use a city map to plan efficient transfers between venues.
• Consult exhibition catalogues and editorial materials for deeper context.

The exhibition juxtaposes historic works and modern interpretations, offering a renewed reading of Metaphysical art and its cross-disciplinary impact.