The Ambrosiana Library is one of Milan’s most fascinating and historically rich institutions.
Founded in the early 17th century, it was the first public library in Europe, and still today it stands as a unique crossroads of art, science, spirituality and knowledge.
It houses masterpieces by Renaissance artists, extremely rare manuscripts, including the celebrated Codex Atlanticus by Leonardo da Vinci and treasures that tell the story of more than four centuries of culture.
This complete guide will take you through the history of the Ambrosiana, its masterpieces, and the best itineraries to experience it at its fullest.
Origins of the Ambrosiana Library: a revolutionary project
The Ambrosiana Library was founded in 1607 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo, a great humanist and patron, with an idea that was revolutionary for its time: to create a library open to everyone, not just ecclesiastical scholars.
The institution was conceived as:
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a universal center of study,
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a place that preserved human knowledge beyond cultural boundaries,
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a hub for the promotion of the arts and sciences.
Through travels, international networks and an extraordinary cultural vision, Cardinal Borromeo gathered thousands of volumes, manuscripts, illuminated codices and works of art, giving life to a unique heritage in Europe.
The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana: art, symbolism and timeless masterpieces
In 1618, the library was enriched by the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, one of the world’s first public art museums.
Today its collections include works of immense historical and artistic value.
Leonardo da Vinci’s “Portrait of a Musician”
An enigmatic painting wrapped in mystery, especially regarding the identity of the sitter. One of the very few autograph oil paintings by Leonardo.
Caravaggio’s “Fruit Basket”
A revolutionary still life, symbol of technical perfection and deep allegorical meaning.
The Cartoon for the School of Athens
The gigantic preparatory cartoon by Raphael, a monumental work that alone is worth the visit.
Other unmissable masterpieces
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Paintings by Titian,
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Works by Botticelli, Luini, Bergognone, Bramantino,
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Sculptures and medieval illuminated manuscripts.
The Codex Atlanticus: the heart of Leonardo’s genius
Among the marvels preserved at the Ambrosiana, the most precious is undoubtedly the Codex Atlanticus, the largest collection in the world of Leonardo’s drawings and writings—over 1,100 folios dated between 1478 and 1519.
It includes sketches, inventions, anatomical studies, machine designs, scientific observations and visionary ideas.
For this reason, it is considered a fundamental document not only for art historians, but for the entire history of science and technology.
The Federiciana Room: the monumental heart of the Ambrosiana
The Sala Federiciana, a magnificent 17th-century hall, is one of the library’s most evocative spaces.
This is where folios from the Codex Atlanticus are historically displayed, in a rotating exhibition that allows the entire corpus to be shown over the years.
With its wooden shelves, soft lighting and ancient volumes, the room embodies the atmosphere of the great humanistic centers of the past.
Rare manuscripts and collections: an invaluable heritage
The Ambrosiana Library preserves materials of extraordinary value, including:
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Medieval manuscripts in Latin, Greek, Arabic and Hebrew
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One of the most extensive collections of incunabula
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Letters and autograph texts by major European figures
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Precious early editions of classical works
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Liturgical and theological codices from across the Mediterranean
A treasure that reflects the universalist vocation of the Ambrosiana.
A place linked to mystery: the Ambrosiana and the Da Vinci Code
After the global success of The Da Vinci Code, the library became an essential stop for visitors seeking the most enigmatic side of the Renaissance.
Here, enthusiasts rediscover:
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The Codex Atlanticus, central to many theories about Leonardo’s secrets
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Rooms rich in humanistic symbolism
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A collection deeply connected to key themes of the novel: art, Church history, ancient manuscripts, iconographic enigmas
Beyond the myths, the real Ambrosiana offers the perfect setting for anyone who enjoys the interplay between historical truth and literary imagination.
What to see: suggested visit itinerary
Here is a curated itinerary to explore the Ambrosiana Library and Art Gallery at their best.
1. Entrance and Pinacoteca Exhibition Rooms
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Child Jesus with Lamb by Luini,
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Holy Family by Luini,
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Adoration of the Magi by Titian
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Fruit Basket by Caravaggio, Madonna of the Pavilion by Botticelli
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Raphael’s Cartoon for the School of Athens
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The Cortile degli Spiriti Magni
2. The Federiciana Room
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Leonardo’s Portrait of a Musician
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The monumental heart of the library and home to the Codex Atlanticus.
3. Temporary Exhibition Route
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Focus on various displays of medieval codices.
Minimum recommended visit time: 2 hours.
The Ambrosiana between history and the present
Today, the Ambrosiana continues its original mission:
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promoting research,
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preserving and enhancing its historical heritage,
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hosting exhibitions, conferences and international projects,
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making art and knowledge accessible to everyone.
Its intimate, solemn atmosphere makes it unlike any other museum in the city. Here, the past is not distant—it lives in continuous dialogue with the present.
Combined Milan itineraries
For those who wish to deepen their understanding of Leonardo’s legacy in Milan, here are some combined routes:
1. “Leonardo in Milan” (half-day)
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Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and the Federiciana Room
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Walk to Santa Maria delle Grazie
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The Last Supper
2. “Renaissance Milan”
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Castello Sforzesco, including the Ducal Court and the Sala delle Asse
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Ambrosiana Library
The Ambrosiana: more than a museum
The Ambrosiana Library is not simply a museum or an archive.
It is a journey through European memory, the roots of modern thought, and the secrets of Renaissance art.
A place where every room tells a story, and every work is a doorway into a different time.
Want to discover the Ambrosiana with an expert guide?
Milan in Tour can accompany you on a personalized itinerary dedicated to art, the Renaissance or Leonardo’s secrets.