Seeking budget-friendly things to do in Milan, Italy? I recommend a visit to the Palazzo Morando | Costume Moda Immagine.
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How to Get to the Palazzo Morando
It’s open every day (excluding Mondays) from 10:30am – 5:30pm. No need to book, just show up! It’s FREE.
It’s located on Via Sant’Andrea, 6, just around the corner from the luxury shopping street Via Napoleone. Palazzo Morando was donated to the city of Milan in the 1940s and today is open for anyone to visit.
First, how cute is this courtyard? One of my favorite things about Milan are the hidden corners. You can transport yourself from a busy shopping street and directly into a quiet and cozy space like this one. This is the main entrance of Palazzo Morando.
Visit the Palazzo Morando
Once inside, you transport back in time to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Within the rooms you’ll find frescoes, an enormous painting collection, and antique furniture.
Taking a closer look at some of the paintings, you’ll find many of the city of Milan, dating to various historical points. Read the dates and descriptions so you can also have a mini historical walking tour around the palazzo; they give great insight as to how the city has shifted through history.
As you make your way around the palazzo, you cross through galleries, each with a theme. My favorite is the Chinese Gallery where you’ll find a collection of pristine porcelain objects.
Did you know it is not uncommon for European palazzos or castles to have a Chinese Gallery or Room? It represented that the family was well-off and well-traveled to acquire goods from afar. In fact, if you want to see one of the largest Chinese Rooms in Europe, visit the Govone Castle in Piedmont, Italy. I write about it in this post: Wine and Truffles: A Dreamy and Gluttonous Weekend in Langhe, Piedmont.
You’ll also find, for instance, a gallery of busts. Recognize anyone? (I’ll be honest, I didn’t).
Visit the Palazzo Morando’s Rotating Exhibitions
During your visit to the Palazzo Morando you will also be able to see their rotating exhibitions. In 2010 the museum opened up the first floor to showcase historical fashion collections.
Every few months the exhibition changes. For instance, during my visit there was a Ferragamo displaying dresses, shoes, and accessories from the 1960s.
Looking for more fun things to do in Milan, Italy? Check out and save the other posts below to help plan your Milan itinerary.