Five photography exhibitions to see in Milan

Five photography exhibitions to see in Milan

Milan’s spring calendar offers a range of photography shows. Below is a concise, practical guide to five key exhibitions: where they take place, the dates and what makes each one worth visiting.

1. MUDEC – 100 Photographs to Inherit the World

Dates: March 7 – June 28

Why go: A curated selection of one hundred images spanning more than two centuries of photographic history, organised into thematic sections that highlight changing styles and approaches to representing the present.

Practical tip: Book tickets in advance for weekends and allow at least two hours to follow the thematic itinerary calmly.

2. Palazzo Reale – Robert Mapplethorpe. The Forms of Desire

Dates: January 28 – May 17

Why go: A retrospective dedicated to the American photographer known for his formal rigor and provocative imagery, including his famous nudes and portraiture that blend sculptural composition with intense physical presence.

Practical tip: Choose weekday mornings to avoid crowds and to view the works in a quieter setting.

3. Palazzo Citterio – Giovanni Gastel. Rewind

Dates: January 30 – July 29

Why go: A tribute to Giovanni Gastel featuring around 250 photographs—many previously unseen—covering portraits, still life and fashion photography, accompanied by personal writings that reveal his poetic approach.

Practical tip: If you’re interested in fashion photography, plan extra time to read captions and contextual materials that enrich the visuals.

4. Malpensa Airport (Terminal 1) – Steve McCurry & Milan Airports

Dates: January 30 – April 30

Why go: McCurry turns transit spaces into an exhibition, focusing on travel and passengers photographed within the airport environment—an accessible cultural stop for travellers and locals alike.

Practical tip: Check terminal access rules and opening hours; the show is designed to be enjoyed even during a short airport stopover.

5. Diocesan Museum – Chiostri di Sant’Eustorgio: Werner Bischof. Point of View

Dates: May 19 – October 18

Why go: A retrospective of the Swiss photojournalist with about one hundred vintage prints covering wartime reportage, postwar travels in Asia and the Americas, and portraits that blend documentary intensity with refined visual analysis.

Practical tip: The exhibition invites in-depth viewing—bring a notebook or use your phone to note names and images you want to research further afterwards.

Visitor tips

• Always check official venue websites for opening hours, ticketing and possible temporary closures.
• Buy tickets online when possible to skip queues, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Allow extra time: many exhibitions include archival materials or explanatory texts that enrich the visit.
• Use public transport: most venues are easily reachable by metro, tram or bus.

The five exhibitions offer varied perspectives on photography, from historical milestones to major twentieth-century names and contemporary projects. Plan your visits by dates and personal interests to make the most of Milan’s cultural spring.