Exploring Da Vinci's Last Supper In Milan

how to see the last supper painting in milan

Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is one of the world's most famous paintings. This enormous mural, painted between 1494 and 1498, depicts the climactic moment after Jesus announces that one of his 12 apostles will betray him. The painting is located in Milan, tucked away in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and can be reached by metro, tram, taxi, or on foot. Visitors are only allowed 15 minutes to view the painting, and tickets must be booked in advance.

Characteristics Values
Painting name The Last Supper
Artist Leonardo da Vinci
Location Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan
Transport options
- Metro: M1 line, get off at Conciliazione
- Tram: Line 16
- Taxi/Uber: Request "Santa Maria delle Grazie, per favore"
Visiting days Tuesday to Sunday
Visiting hours 8:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last admission at 6:45 p.m.)
Ticket availability Limited, advance reservation is mandatory
Ticket purchase Online, as part of a package
Visiting time 15 minutes
Group size 25-40 people
Dress code Modest attire (covered shoulders) preferred
Photography Allowed without flash
Nearby attractions
- Duomo Square
- Cathedral of Milan
- Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery
- La Scala theater

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Where to buy tickets

Tickets to see The Last Supper in Milan must be purchased in advance. The official website for buying tickets is Cenacolo Vinciano, which is the direct booking site for the museum. However, the site can be challenging to navigate, with a brief ticket window available. Tickets often sell out months in advance, so it is recommended to buy tickets at least four months ahead of time.

Tickets can be purchased as part of a tour or on their own. Tickets bought on their own are cheaper, but they sell out faster. Guided tours are a good way to ensure admission, and some tours offer additional sights in Milan, such as the Duomo or guided town walks. Walking tours are quite popular, as they tend to meet at convenient central locations and spend less time waiting outside the museum.

Tickets can be purchased via the Cenacolo Vinciano website, by phone, or by email. To book by phone, call +39 02 92800360 (a maximum of 9 tickets can be booked this way). To book by email, send a request to [email protected], indicating the date and time of your visit, the number of participants, and the service requested.

Tickets for schools can be reserved through the groups and schools office, with free admission for groups from public and private schools in the European Union.

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Opening times

The Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci is housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The church is easily accessible, situated in the heart of the city.

To see The Last Supper, you must purchase a ticket in advance and select a specific time slot. Visitors are allowed inside in groups of around 30, and each group has a 15-minute viewing window. These times are strictly enforced, so it is recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes early.

The painting is open for viewing Tuesday through Saturday, from 8:15 am to 7:00 pm, and on Sundays from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and on January 1st and December 25th.

On two selected days each month, the museum offers extended hours from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with last entry at 9:45 pm. These slots must be booked in advance and are quite popular.

During peak summer months, tickets sell out 90 days in advance, while in winter, slots are usually available 30 days in advance. It is important to plan ahead if you wish to secure a viewing during your preferred time slot.

Guided tours are also available and often include skip-the-line privileges, saving you time and helping you avoid crowds. These tours typically last between 30 minutes and one hour and can be paired with visits to other Milan highlights at a minimal extra cost.

To reach the painting, visitors must pass through a series of rooms and automatic doors. The final set of doors opens to the refectory, where The Last Supper is displayed.

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How to get there

Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" is located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. It is easily accessible, as it is in the heart of the city, close to several Milan hotels and other attractions.

By Public Transport

Take the M1 metro line and get off at Conciliazione. From there, it’s a 3-minute walk to the entrance. Alternatively, you can take the tram on Line 16, which stops directly in front of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This tram line also passes the Duomo if you’re coming from the city centre.

By Taxi or Uber

Ask the driver to take you to "Santa Maria delle Grazie, per favore". There is very little parking available, so this is a better option than driving yourself.

On Foot

If you're feeling adventurous, you can walk to the convent from the Duomo in 20 minutes or from Sforza Castle in about 15 minutes. Milan is a compact city, so walking is a great option.

Tickets

Tickets to see "The Last Supper" are in high demand and must be booked in advance. They can be purchased online but must be sold as part of a package. You can opt for a self-guided tour or a guided tour. Guided tours are more expensive but offer the benefit of expert insight and the chance to learn some of the painting's secrets. They also often come with skip-the-line privileges, saving you time and helping you avoid crowds.

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Dress code

As The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is located inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, visitors are expected to follow a dress code when planning a visit to see the masterpiece. The church is a sacred space for all Catholics, so it is necessary to dress modestly to show respect for the space.

Both men and women must cover their shoulders, knees, and midriff at all times. Men should wear long trousers and a well-ironed short or long-sleeved shirt. It is best to dress well to pay respect to the holy space. If you visit in the summer season from June to August, you can opt for cotton cargo trousers and lightweight T-shirts. Women should opt for a more formal dress, or a long trouser or a skirt with a blouse that does not expose the midriff and shoulders. Women can tie their hair however they like.

It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, though no fixed shoe style is mentioned in the dress code, so you can wear sandals. You should carry a warm shawl or jacket in the winter for a comfortable trip. It is not recommended to wear hats or caps inside the space since it is sacred.

If you are not wearing clothes that adhere to the dress code, you cannot get entry to the Church, even if you have a ticket.

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Nearby attractions

The Last Supper painting is located in the heart of Milan, at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and is easily accessible from several Milan hotels and other must-see attractions. It is a 20-minute walk from the Milan Duomo and a 15-minute walk from Sforza Castle.

San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

Dubbed the "Sistine Chapel of Milan", this church is known for its stunning fresco carpet. It is just a 12-minute walk from Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Milan Duomo

The Duomo is one of the most famous landmarks in Milan and is located just a 20-minute walk or a short tram ride from Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Sforza Castle

This historic castle is just a 15-minute walk from Santa Maria delle Grazie and is definitely worth a visit.

Bar Il Cenacolo

This casual café is just steps away from the church and offers a range of Italian classics such as sandwiches, pizza, and pasta.

Boccondivino

An upscale and intimate restaurant known for its cheese and wine pairings, Boccondivino is within walking distance of the church.

La Caffettiera

For a traditional Italian espresso after your visit to the Last Supper, head to La Caffettiera, which is just a short walk from the church.

Frequently asked questions

The Last Supper is located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

You can take the M1 metro line and get off at Conciliazione, which is a 3-minute walk to the entrance. You can also take Line 16 by tram, which stops directly in front of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

You can book tickets online through the Leonardo's Last Supper Museum website or a third-party website. Tickets sell out weeks in advance, so it is recommended to book early.

The Last Supper is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 8:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays, New Year's Day, May 1st, and Christmas Day.

Visitors are only allowed inside the refectory for 15 minutes, and there is a limit on the number of people allowed inside at a time. You will need to pass through an airlock to de-humidify and purify yourself, and there is a barrier to maintain a safe distance from the painting.

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