Ambrosiana

Who we are

The Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana was founded on 7 September 1607 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo. His was the original idea, consisting in the promotion of human and Christian values ​​through science and culture in the service of the Catholic Church.
Starting from this inspiration, the Ambrosiana’s purposes are the training of the clergy, religious and laity, as well as spreading Christian culture and interreligious and intercultural dialogue, pursued in particular through the preservation, custody and enhancement of its Cultural Heritage (manuscripts, printed works, artworks, etc.).

Codice Atlantico (Codex Atlanticus)
foglio 4 recto.
Drawing of digging machine.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
(detail)

Who we are

The Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana was founded on 7 September 1607 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo. His was the original idea, consisting in the promotion of human and Christian values ​​through science and culture in the service of the Catholic Church.
Starting from this inspiration, the Ambrosiana’s purposes are the training of the clergy, religious and laity, as well as spreading Christian culture and interreligious and intercultural dialogue, pursued in particular through the preservation, custody and enhancement of its Cultural Heritage (manuscripts, printed works, artworks, etc.).

OUR MISSION

MORE THAN 400 YEARS SPENT PURSUING A TASK THAT IS STILL RELEVANT

OUR MISSION

“Promoting the love of the True and Beautiful for the good of the people, the Church and society.” The words of the Archbishop of Milan, who is the Patron of the Ambrosiana and ultimately responsible for it, express the task of this ancient institution, embodied in the cultural and social context of our own time.

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PINACOTECA

The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana was established in April 1618, when Cardinal Federico Borromeo donated his collection of paintings…

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BIBLIOTECA

The Ambrosian Library, founded on 1607, was one of the earliest libraries to grant access to all who could read and write…

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ACCADEMIA

The purpose of the Accademia is to raise the Ambrosiana to the level of an Agora, a place devoted to fostering the dialogue…

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THE THREE SOULS OF THE AMBROSIANA

AMBROSIANA

A treasure chest containing a Library, an Art Gallery and an Academy: three complementary bodies aimed at promoting a love for literature, the arts, science and beauty.

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NOT JUST A LIBRARY, ART GALLERY AND ACADEMY: THE AMBROSIANA IS SO MUCH MORE...

THE OTHER FACES OF THE AMBROSIANA

The most magical and ancient places of Milan: the ancient Forum where Constantine, St. Ambrose, St.
Augustine and Theodosius walked, and the lower Church of Santo Sepolcro, built by the Crusaders… as
well as a colossal statue of St. Charles Borromeo on Lake Maggiore; a Museum-Home at the Sacro
Monte of Varese; a Foundation dedicated to the promotion of young artists: this is also the Ambrosiana!

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LODOVICO POGLIAGHI MUSEUM-HOME

Lodovico Pogliaghi (1857-1950) was one of the most significant Lombard artists to live in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

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SAN SEPOLCRO

The church of San Sepolcro was founded in 1030, when a Milanese moneyer named Rozzone built a church on the ancient Roman forum.

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THE COLOSSUS OF SAINT CHARLES IN ARONA

The Colossus of Saint Charles in Arona, which popular tradition has affectionately dubbed San Carlone, was created in the seventeenth century…

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MARCO MANTOVANI FOUNDATION

The Marco Mantovani Foundation seeks to preserve and enhance the works of the sculptor Marco Mantovani, as evidence of the life of an artist dedicated to sculpture and art.

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ROMAN FORUM

Between 1990 and 1992, archaeological excavations conducted underneath the ancient cellars of the Ambrosiana brought to light a portion of the pavement of the ancient Roman forum.

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THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS

PRIESTS DEVOTED TO STUDY, RESEARCH AND RECEPTION

THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS

The brilliant intuition of Federico Borromeo – offering the Milanese a place dedicated to the growth of the person in the love of truth and the experience of beauty, drew from the start on the work of valid and enthusiastic collaborators. This led to the foundation of the Collegio dei Dottori (College of Fellows). Since 1607 it has guided the development of the Ambrosiana and preserved its existence and its inspirational values, giving a face, mind and heart to a place intended for an encounter between cultures and the people who embody them.

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HOW THE AMBROSIANA WORKS

ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANS

Federico Borromeo’s intuition underlies the division of tasks between the two governing bodies of the Ambrosiana: the cultural role of the College of Fellows is supported by the Congregation of Conservators, appointed to ensure the stability of its holdings and the Ambrosiana’s administrative life.

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ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANS

WHAT’S ON

Reading room: summer closure

Biblioteca

Reading room: summer closure

Reading room closed from July 21 to August 31 included

08/07/2025
NEWS
A NEW LAYOUT FOR THE FLEMISH MASTERS ROOM

Pinacoteca

Natura morta<br>Jago and Caravaggio: two views on the transience of life

Pinacoteca

ONLINE COLLECTION

(158 online artworks)

Lesenes and trophies, Agostino Busti detto il Bambaia (1483-1548)
The Madonna and Child with Saint Peter and Saint Jerome, Cesare Magni (1511-1534)
Allegorical Female Figure, Giovanni Serodine (1600-1631)
Head of Christ the Redeemer, Gian Giacomo Caprotti detto Salai (1480-1524)
Winter Landscape with Skaters, Hendrick Avercamp (1585-1634)
Portrait of a Lady, Giovanni Ambrogio De Predis (1455-1508)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 1058 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Jael and Sisera, Giuseppe Vermiglio (1585-1635)
The Adoration of the Magi, Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli also known as Morazzone (1571-1626)
The School of Athens, Raffaello Sanzio (1483-1520)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus) f. 199 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Adoration of the Magi, Tiziano Vecellio (1480-1576)
Burse, Artista dell’Italia centrale
The Placing of Christ in the Sepulchre, Tiziano Vecellio (1480-1576)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 1069 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 71 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Portrait of a Young Man, Giorgione (Giorgio da Castelfranco copia da) (1478 circa-1510)
Kids and Lambs, Francesco Londonio (1723-1783)
Landscape with Saint John the Baptist, Paul Bril (1554-1626)
Cup with Turbo marmoratus shell, Christoph Lencker (1556 circa-1613)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 117 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Portrait of Emilia Morosini Zeltner, Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)
Latin astrolabe, Anonymous
The Madonna and Child with a Worshipper, Bernardino Betti detto il Pinturicchio (1454-1513)
The Martyrdom of Saint Peter of Verona, Alessandro Bonvicino detto Moretto (1490-1554)
Portrait of Giovanni Battista Morosini, Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)
Portrait of Alessandro Negroni Prati Morosini, Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 139 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus) f. 710 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 873 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Still Life with Musical Instruments, Evaristo Baschenis (1617-1677)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 12 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Orrery, Sconosciuto
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 49 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Still Life with Fruit, Isaac Soreau (1604-1638)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 21 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, Giandomenico Tiepolo (1727-1804)
Octagonal casket, Bottega degli Embriachi (XIV-XV secolo)
Mouse with Roses, Jan Brueghel il Vecchio “Dei Velluti” (1568-1625)
The Last Supper, Andrea Bianchi detto il Vespino (attivo 1612-1640)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 845 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Christ Crowned with Thorns, Bernardino Luini (1480-1532)
The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis, Ambito di Francesco Albani (1578-1660)
Mary Magdalene Penitent, Guido Reni (1575-1642)
Portrait of a Gentleman (Michel de l’Hospital), Giovan Battista Moroni (1520-1578)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 719 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 455 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 860 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Judith and Holofernes, Giuseppe Vermiglio (1585-1635)
The Ambrosian Virgil of Francesco Petrarca, NA
The Virgin of the Rocks, Andrea Bianchi detto il Vespino (attivo 1612-1640)
The Madonna and Child with Saint John the Evangelist and Saint John the Baptist, Marco d’Oggiono (1470-1525)
Vase of Flowers with Jewel, Coins and Shells, Jan Brueghel il Vecchio “Dei Velluti” (1568-1625)
Portrait of Paolo Morigia, Fede Galizia (1578-1630)
Laocoon (copy of the Vatican original), Leone Leoni
Portrait of Napoleon King of Italy, Andrea Appiani (1754-1817)
llias picta, NA
Portrait of Manfredo Settala, Daniele Crespi (1600-1630) attribuito a
Christ Resurrected, Marco Basaiti (1470-1530)
Washerwomen at the Canal, Emilio Gola (1851-1923)
Saint John the Baptist, Gian Giacomo Caprotti
Portico in Ruins, Giovanni Migliara (1785-1837)
The Adoration, Bartolomeo Suardi detto il Bramantino (1465-1530)
Man in Armour, Tiziano Vecellio (1480-1576)
The Holy Family, Carlo Francesco Nuvolone (1609-1661)
Naturalis Historia, Plinio il Vecchio (23-79 dC)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 858 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist, Ubertini Francesco detto Bachiacca (1494-1557)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus) f. 851 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 844 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Original Sin, Jan II Brueghel il Giovane (1601-1678)
Mercury and Argus, Anonimo genovese (XVII secolo)
Portrait of a Pilgrim, Monogrammista HL (XVI secolo)
Portrait of Saint Charles Borromeo, Giovanni Ambrogio Figino (1548-1608)
Clock with astrolabe, Sconosciuto
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 909 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Maternity, Mosè Bianchi (1840-1904)
Apse of San Satiro and View of the Duomo, Giovanni Migliara (1785-1837)
The infant Jesus with a Lamb, Bernardino Luini (1480-1532)
Male portrait, Hans Muelich (1516-1573)
De divina proportione, Luca Pacioli (1445 circa – 1517)
Libro d’Ore Borromeo, Cristoforo de Predis (1440-1486)
The Dormition of the Virgin, Anonimo ferrarese (XV secolo)
Codice Atlantico (Codex Atlanticus), f. 1 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 5 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Nautilus shell, Sconosciuto
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 812 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 29 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The Blessed Soul, Anonimo lombardo (XVII secolo)
Flowers and Roses, Gaetano Previati (1852-1920)
Plato, Giovanni Antonio Piatti (1447-1480)
Basket of fruit, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610)
View of the Interior of the Duomo, Giovanni Migliara (1785-1837)
Flowers in a Vase, Jan Brueghel il Vecchio “Dei Velluti” (1568-1625)
Dantesque window, Giuseppe Bertini (1825-1898)
Sacra Conversazione, Ambrogio da Fossano detto il Bergognone (1453-1523)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 145 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Ceremonial saddle and stirrups. Detail of the wooden horse of Troy, Arte armaiola milanese
The Arco della Pace in Milan, Giovanni Migliara (1785-1837)
The Holy Family with Sain John, Tobias and the Archangel Raphael, Bonifacio Veronese (1487-1553)
Allegory of Water, Jan Brueghel il Vecchio “Dei Velluti” (1568-1625)
Display case with the hair of Lucrezia Borgia, Alfredo Ravasco
Still Life with Fruit, Isaac Soreau (1604-1638)
Self Portrait, Antonio Canova (1757-1822)
The Magdalen and the Angel, Giulio Cesare Procaccini (1574-1625)
Napoleon Bonaparte’s gloves, NA
Noctes Atticae, Aulo Gellio
The Madonna Nursing the Child by the Fountain, Bernaert van Orley (1488-1541)
The Assumption of the Virgin, Giovanni Agostino da Lodi (1467-1524 circa)
Christ on the Way to Calvary, Giovanni Busi detto Cariani (1480-1547)
The Adoration of the Magi, Maestro del Santo Sangue (XVI secolo)
The Damned Soul, Anonimo lombardo (XVII secolo)
Moses and the Brazen Serpent, Cesare Ligari (1716-1770)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 149 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Portrait of Peter Leopold of Habsburg-Lorraine (later Leopold II), Anton Raphael Mengs (1728-1779)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 663 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Susanna at her Bath, Carlo Francesco Nuvolone (1609-1661)
Portrait of Bernardino da Lesmo, Bartolomeo Veneto (1502-1530)
Pietà (copy from Michelangelo), Leone Leoni
Portrait of a Young Man, Vittore Ghislandi detto Frà Galgario (1655-1743)
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Jan II Brueghel il Giovane (1601-1678)
Codice Atlantico (Codex Atlanticus), f. 104 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Seascape, Paul Bril (1554-1626)
Horse’s head (Copy from the equestrian monument to Marcus Aurelius on the Capitol in Rome), NA
The Triumph of David, Lucas Hugenszoon detto Luca di Leida (1494-1533)
The Madonna of the Pavilion, Sandro Botticelli (Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi detto) (1444 o 1445-1510)
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, Pietro Antonio Magatti (1691-1767)
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt, Jacopo da Ponte detto il Bassano (1510-1592)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 33 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 1006 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 116 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 3 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Portrait of a Musician, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, Antonio Badile (1518-1560)
Saint Michael the Archangel, Giulio Cesare Procaccini (1574-1625)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 72 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The Holy Family with Saints Anne and John, Bernardino Luini (1480-1532)
Allegory of Fire, Jan Brueghel il Vecchio “Dei Velluti” (1568-1625)
Portrait of Giuseppina Negroni Prati Morosini, Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 4 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 307 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 272 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The Kiss, Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)
Crib, Federico Barocci o Baroccio detto il Fiori (1535-1612) (replica di)
Locked out of school, Emilio Longoni (1859-1932)
Daggers with sheath (eared sfondagiaco dagger), Milanese Gunsmiths
The Madonna Enthroned with Saint Ambrose and Saint Michael, Bartolomeo Suardi detto il Bramantino (1465-1530)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 26 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Portrait of a Young Girl with a Dove, Natale Schiavoni (1777-1858)
Figured casket, Scultore lombardo
A Soul in Purgatory, Anonimo lombardo (XVII secolo)
The Adoration with Saint Roch, Gian Pietro Rizzoli detto Giampietrino (1508-1549)
Mary Magdalene, Tiziano Vecellio (1480-1576)
Armillary sphere, NA
The Adoration of the Magi, Andrea Schiavone (1510-1563)
Diana the Huntress, Joachim Friess (XVI-XVII secolo)
The Annunciation, Gerolamo Mazzola Bedoli (1500-1569)
Self Portrait, Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844)