The Macchiaioli at Palazzo Reale: exhibition in Milan

Palazzo Reale presents an exhibition dedicated to the Macchiaioli, the 19th-century Italian painters known for their use of spots of color, study of light and en plein air practice. The show places seminal works alongside pieces by artists who engaged with the movement, offering a clear visual and historical overview of its influence on Italian painting.

• Location: Palazzo Reale, Milan (P.za del Duomo, 12)
• On view until: 14 June 2026
• Works and artists: paintings and panels by Giovanni Fattori, Silvestro Lega, Telemaco Signorini, Giuseppe Abbati and related painters.
• Main themes: en plein air practice, exploration of light and surface, ties to the Tuscan landscape and intellectual meeting places such as the Caffè Michelangiolo.
• Exhibition layout: an itinerary juxtaposing small formats and experimental techniques to trace the movement's origins and developments instead of presenting it as a single, monolithic school.
• Why visit: provides both specialists and newcomers with a documented overview, highlighting brushwork materiality and the relationship between subject and environment.

Practical tips

Buy tickets in advance and plan a morning visit on weekdays to avoid the busiest times. Check Palazzo Reale's official channels for current opening hours, guided tours and accessibility details. Consider bringing a guidebook or downloading exhibition notes to better contextualize the works on display.