Milan finally opens its long-awaited modern art wing after decades of delays

In Milan, Italy, a significant cultural milestone was reached with the inauguration of Palazzo Citterio, which was opened on December 7, coinciding with the feast of St. Ambrose, the patron saint of the city. This new addition to the Pinacoteca di Brera museum represents the culmination of a project that had been envisioned more than 50 years ago but experienced numerous challenges, including shifting priorities and neglect. The current Brera director, Angelo Crespi, prioritized this project upon his appointment and faced a tight deadline to resolve structural issues and oversee the installation of modern artworks, many of which had been collected decades earlier but had not yet been displayed. The Palazzo Citterio will now house a renowned collection of 20th-century Italian art, which was created through generous donations from art collectors Emilio Jesi and Lamberto Vitali. Together, this collection emphasizes the contributions of Italian artists, particularly focusing on the works from the 1930s to the 1960s while also containing notable pieces by prominent international artists like Pablo Picasso. The integrated museum concept aims to bolster the profile of Milan as a vibrant art city, comparable to historical hubs such as Florence, Venice, and Rome. A key aspect of the Palazzo Citterio's opening is its strategic linking to the broader cultural offerings in Milan. Currently, both the Pinacoteca di Brera and the newly added Palazzo are positioned within walking distance of other significant museums and landmarks, creating an art-rich corridor centered around the city’s Duomo cathedral. This merger enhances the cultural cachet of Brera, giving it greater autonomy in how it manages revenue and operations, which is crucial for sustaining and enhancing the visitor experience. The opening of Palazzo Citterio is also seen as a pivotal moment for Milan's art community, which aims to increase awareness of the artistic treasures housed within the city. As part of this endeavor, the new museum will be open to the public from Thursday to Sunday, providing ample opportunity for locals and tourists alike to explore the contributions of modern Italian art. The combination of these museums is anticipated to draw more than 1 million visitors annually, highlighting Milan's importance as a cultural hub in Italy and across Europe.