MUDEC, Milan’s Museum of Cultures, is in a converted former Ansaldo factory at Via Tortona 56, in the Tortona design district. David Chipperfield’s design brings the industrial site together with a glass-covered central hall that connects the galleries. The permanent collection includes more than 7,000 objects from Africa, Asia, the Americas, South-East Asia and Oceania, including textiles and musical instruments. Temporary exhibitions cover international art and cultural history. Check what is on before you go: the collection is compact, while temporary displays change over time.
A former factory turned museum
MUDEC opened in 2015 on the former Ansaldo industrial site in Milan’s Tortona district. The city acquired the old factory area in 1990 for cultural use, and its disused buildings were converted into creative spaces and public facilities.
Architect David Chipperfield designed the museum within this industrial setting. Its glass-covered central hall sits alongside more regular gallery spaces, bringing daylight into the building and guiding movement between the rooms. The former factory is part of the visit: the museum’s architecture sets old industrial structures against newer forms.
Objects from around the world
The museum holds more than 7,000 objects, with material from 1500 BC through the 20th century. The collections are arranged around their contexts of origin, including Africa, Asia, the Americas, South-East Asia and Oceania. Textiles and musical instruments are among the objects on display.
Some holdings cut across regional groupings. These include Islamic art, hats and fans, as well as objects used in educational workshops. The collection brings together works that entered Milan’s civic institutions at different times, alongside later additions acquired through purchases and donations.
Permanent displays and temporary exhibitions
MUDEC combines its ethnographic collections with temporary exhibitions on international art and cultural history. Past subjects have included Ancient Egypt and Chinese immigration in Milan, while artist-focused exhibitions have covered figures such as MC Escher. The programme changes, so check the current exhibition details before making a special trip.
The permanent collection has been described as compact, and accounts of the galleries differ in how engaging they find the displays. If you are short on time, the building and a current temporary exhibition may be a more focused plan than expecting a large museum visit.
Food and other facilities
The museum has a bistro and restaurant, as well as a shop and facilities for educational activities. The restaurant has received positive comments for food quality and value. It has a separate entrance, which makes it possible to visit for a meal without going through the galleries.
Häufige Fragen
Where is MUDEC in Milan?
MUDEC is at Via Tortona 56, in Milan’s Tortona district.
What can you see at MUDEC?
The museum has ethnographic collections from Africa, Asia, the Americas, South-East Asia and Oceania, as well as temporary exhibitions on art and cultural history.
Is the permanent collection free?
The permanent collection has been reported as free, while special exhibitions require a ticket. Check current admission details before visiting.
How much time should you allow for MUDEC?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours for the museum. The time depends on which temporary exhibitions are open and how long you spend in the galleries.
