Milan: museums open for Easter 2026 — hours and free admission

Milan: museums open for Easter 2026

During the Easter holidays Milan offers several special openings across its museums and exhibition spaces. This practical guide highlights which venues are accessible, where free entry is available and the main exhibitions on display over Easter and Easter Monday.

Free entry on Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 5 (the first Sunday of the month) many civic museums participate in a free admission initiative allowing visitors to access permanent collections without charge. Notable institutions include:

• Castello Sforzesco: historic collections and museum areas;
• Acquario Civico: aquatic exhibits and educational displays;
• GAM – Gallery of Modern Art: permanent collections and temporary shows;
• Archaeological Museum: ancient artifacts and educational sections;
• Museum of the Twentieth Century (Museo del Novecento): modern and contemporary art;
• Natural History Museum: natural science collections;
• Palazzo Morando | Costume Moda Immagine and Palazzo Moriggia | Museum of the Risorgimento;
• Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano.

The MUDEC (Museum of Cultures) also joins the initiative: its permanent collection and the exhibition "Il senso della neve" will be free to visit on Easter Sunday. On the following day some exhibitions may follow different opening schedules; for example the show "100 fotografie per ereditare il mondo" will remain accessible while other sections may have altered hours.

Easter Monday: openings and closures

Monday, April 6 (Easter Monday) civic museums are typically closed. Nevertheless, several major cultural venues remain open, including:

• Palazzo Reale: hosting prominent temporary exhibitions (examples of shows scheduled include Anselm Kiefer. Le Alchimiste, I Macchiaioli, Metafisica / Metafisiche and Robert Mapplethorpe. Le forme del desiderio);
• PAC – Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea: contemporary exhibitions such as the Marco Fusinato show;
• Fabbrica del Vapore: exhibitions and projects, with some free displays;
• GAM: selected special shows available on specific dates (check access for exhibitions like Paul Troubetzkoy. The Sculptor of the Belle Époque).

Practical tip: always confirm opening hours, access rules and any booking requirements on the official museum websites or the city's tourist portal before visiting. Schedules and admission conditions may change due to organisational needs or last-minute updates.

Enjoy exploring Milan's cultural heritage: Easter is a good opportunity to visit museums and exhibitions with extended openings and occasional free access.