On Sunday 24th May, the highly anticipated event returns, opening the doors to the district’s most prestigious historic palaces, amidst art, history, and secret courtyards.
Milan is a city that knows how to guard its secrets with elegance, often hiding its most precious treasures behind the grand doors of its palaces. On Sunday 24th May 2026, these residences will finally become accessible for the XXXI edition of Cortili Aperti (Open Courtyards), an initiative promoted by the Youth Group of the Lombardy Section of the Association of Italian Historic Houses (ADSI).
The event is part of the 16th National A.D.S.I. Day, an act of cultural and civic responsibility. This year features the active participation of private owners and volunteers under 35, demonstrating that historic houses are not merely legacies of the past, but a living resource for the present and future of the region. Under the patronage of the Municipality of Milan, Municipio 1, and with the support of MDP Management, visitors will have the unique opportunity to enjoy free access – from 10:00 to 18:00 – to cloisters and courtyards of immense artistic value, located in the heart of the Brera district and its surrounding streets.
Below is a closer look at the extraordinary locations you can discover during this special day:
- Casa Pisani Dossi (Via Brera 11)
Situated along the district’s most iconic street, this residence evokes the intellectual charm of 19th-century Milan. It is closely linked to the writer and diplomat Carlo Dossi, a prominent figure of the Scapigliatura movement. Its courtyard is a delightful gem from a bygone era. - Palazzo di via Brera 4 (Via Brera 4)
A historic address that perfectly embodies the architectural elegance of the area. Stepping across its threshold is like taking a step back into Milanese urban history, where beautifully preserved period details can be admired. - Palazzo Cusani (Via Brera 15) – Open morning only
One of the most imposing and historically rich palaces in the entire district. Boasting a majestic Late-Baroque facade and a grand courtyard of honour, it is a must-see stop (please note: it is only open to visitors during the morning). - Palazzo Moriggia – Museo del Risorgimento (Via Borgonuovo 23)
Designed in 1775 by Giuseppe Piermarini (the architect behind the Teatro alla Scala), this palace features a Neoclassical internal courtyard with a monumental colonnade. Today, it houses the Museum of the Risorgimento and contains fundamental pages of Italian history.
Other residences on the circuit:
- Casa Gussi (Via Monte di Pietà 24)
Just a short stroll from the heart of Brera, this noble palace stands out for its refined lines and a courtyard that offers an oasis of unexpected tranquillity amidst the bustle of the city centre. - Casa Maveri – Spazio Cernaia (Via Cernaia 1)
A perfect marriage of history and modernity. Characterised by a unique 19th-century Neo-Romanesque architecture, this space combines its original charm with a vibrant soul tied to contemporary creativity. - Casa del Bono (Via Borgospesso 21)
Located in the nearby and prestigious Quadrilatero, this 18th-century residence (remodeled in 1854 by architect Luigi Cerasoli) offers visitors an intimate and elegant courtyard, bearing witness to the meticulous preservation of Milan’s private heritage. - Veneranda Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (Via Cardinal Federico 2)
An institution that needs no introduction. By participating in the initiative, the Ambrosiana opens its spaces of contemplation, allowing visitors to breathe in the grandeur of humanistic culture in the heart of Milan.
For those wishing to delve deeper into the history, anecdotes, and secrets of these extraordinary locations, it is also possible to book an exclusive, paid guided tour managed by Milanoguida. This captivating itinerary winds around the historic core of Brera – including the Botanical Garden, the Astronomical Observatory, and the Academy of Fine Arts – to reveal the evolution of these enchanted corners.
Furthermore, by choosing a guided tour, part of the proceeds will be donated towards restoration work on these very historic houses, an initiative promoted directly by the Association of Italian Historic Houses.
To guarantee your place at the event, you can book your tour on the official Milano Guida website.For further details on the commitment and the full programme of the day, please visit www.cortiliaperti.org and www.associazionedimorestoricheitaliane.it.
