Main Hours
| 🏛️ Museums | Tue-Sun: 10am-5.30pm (last entry 5pm) |
| 🏰 Courtyards | Every day: 7am-7.30pm (summer) / 7am-6pm (winter) |
| ❌ Closing day | Monday (museums only, courtyards open) |
| 🎉 Holidays | Open (except January 1st, May 1st, December 25th) |
| ⏰ Best Time | 10:00-11:00 or 16:00-17:00 |
Detailed opening hours of the museums
The civic museums of the Sforzesco Castle follow the same opening hours:
- Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Last entry: 5pm
- Monday: CLOSED
These opening times apply to all museums:
- Museum of Ancient Art (Pietà Rondanini)
- Art gallery
- Museum of Musical Instruments
- Museum of Decorative Arts
- Archaeological Section
Courtyard opening hours
The castle courtyards are accessible for free at different times than the museums:
Summer Period (April - October)
Everyday: 7:00 - 19:30
Included: Courtyard of Arms, Cortile della Rocchetta, Cortile Ducale
Winter Period (November - March)
Everyday: 7:00 - 18:00
Note: The courtyards are also open on Mondays when the museums are closed.
Closing days
Weekly closings
Monday: The museums are closed. The courtyards remain open.
Holiday closures
The museums are closed on the following days:
- January 1: New Year's
- May 1st: Labor Day
- 25 December: Christmas
Open on other holidays:
- Epiphany (January 6)
- Easter and Easter Monday
- 25 April (Liberation Day)
- 2 June (Republic Day)
- 15 August (August 15th)
- 1 November (All Saints' Day)
- 7 December (St. Ambrose, patron saint of Milan)
- 8 December (Immaculate Conception)
- 26 December (Boxing Day)
When to Visit: The Best Time
Early Morning (10:00-11:00)
Advantages:
- Less crowding
- Fresh energy for the visit
- Better light for backyard photos
Ideal for: Photographers, those who want to enjoy the castle calmly
Peak Hours (11.30am-2.30pm)
Avoid if possible
- Maximum crowding
- Organized groups
- Queues to the main rooms
Advise: If you need to come at this time, book a guided tour with priority access
Late Afternoon (4pm-5pm)
Advantages:
- Quieter castle
- Sunset light on the courtyards
- More relaxed atmosphere
Attention: You only have 1.5 hours before closing
Times of the Year
High Season (May-September)
Greater turnout: Very crowded weekends and holidays
Advise: Book online and arrive when opening
Low Season (November-March)
Advantages: Fewer tourists, quieter visit
Note: Reduced courtyard hours (closing at 6pm)
Special Periods
- Fashion Week: Milan is crowded, book in advance
- Salone del Mobile (April): Peak of visitors
- Christmas: Magical atmosphere but very crowded
How much time do I need for the visit?
| Type of Visit | Duration | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Fast | 1 hour | Highlights: Pietà Rondanini, courtyards, 2-3 main rooms |
| Standard | 2-2.5 hours | Museum of Ancient Art, Art Gallery, courtyards |
| Complete | 3-4 hours | All the museums, calmly |
| In-depth | 5+ hours | All museums + break + Sempione Park |
Choose date and time and skip the queue