The Brera Gallery was officially established in 1809, even though a first heterogeneous collection with educational purpose existed already from 1776 – and then increased in the following years – alongside the Accademia di Belle Arti, requested by Mary Therese of Austria to offer the students the opportunity to study lofty masterpieces of art close up. Brera become a museum to host the most important works of art from all of the areas conquered by the French armies. So unlike other important museums in Italy such as the Uffizi, Brera did not start out life as the private collection of a prince or nobleman but as the product of a deliberate policy decision. Paintings confiscated from churches and convents throughout Lombardy with the religious orders’ dissolution began to pour into the museum in the early years of the 19th century, soon to be joined by artworks of similar provenance from other areas of the Kingdom of Italy. This explains why the collection comprises chiefly religious works, many of them large altarpieces, and accounts for Brera’s special aura on which later acquisitions have had only a minor impact.

Cute cafe designed by Wes Anderson at the Prada Foundation. The interior is in the style of a Milanese bar from the 1950s/60s and has a good selection of sandwiches, coffee and alcoholic drinks.

Tiny traditional restaurant with no reservations. Delicious traditional Milanese food, all cooked in their tiny kitchen. Always a queue so arrive early!

Fondazione Prada is an institution dedicated to contemporary art/ culture and is located in an former industrial complex on the southern edge of Milan. The new and regenerated buildings are designed by OMA/ Rem Koolhaas. A must visit is Bar Luce designed by Wes Anderson.

It's a very laid back bar located in Chinatown, that serves also food. I have designed this bar with Roberto Marone, who is one of the owners and we took inspiration from our various travels. It's a very cozy, almost homely place and a perfect spot to hang out.