Founded in 1603, the Ambrosiana Library was the center of Milan’s academic and cultural life and one of Europe’s public libraries. It ranks among the top in Italy for the breadth and scholarly value of its ancient book collection, with a particular emphasis on Arab and Oriental cultural works. The Ambrosiana Library features an art gallery displaying works by Lombard and Venetian masters, including Raphael’s sketch for ‘The School of Athens’, Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Musician’, Caravaggio’s ‘Basket of Fruit’, and Botticelli’s ‘Madonna with the Veil’. Additionally, since 2009, the highly research-valued 12-volume ‘Codex Atlanticus’ by Leonardo da Vinci has been exhibited here for the first time, documenting his achievements in various fields such as flight, weaponry, musical instruments, mathematics, and botany from 1478 to 1518. Opening hours are from January 1st to August 13th, Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00; from August 16th to December 31st, Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00; Wednesdays are closed all day during both periods; and on August 14th-15th, it is open from 10:00 to 18:00. Accessibility services include accessible entrances and accessible restrooms.
