Da Vinci’s The Last Supper Tickets and Tours in Milan
If you are in Milan you have this unique opportunity to see live one of Da Vinci's most amazing works: The Last Supper. Here's how to visit it
Detail of Da Vinci's "The Last Supper", former Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie | ©Institutnationaldhistoiredelart
Extremely popular since Dan Brown made it the protagonist of 'The Da Vinci Code', 'The Last Supper' has rested since its creation in 1497 in the same place: the wall of the refectory of the former Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a World Heritage Site.
Milan Da Vinci's Last Supper Guided Tour
Discover one of the world's greatest paintings.
With this guided tour you will escape the queues at Santa Maria delle Grazie to see the work of Leonardo Da Vinci and you will learn all the details of this work thanks to the explanations of a professional guide.
On this guided tour of Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' in Milan, lasting approximately 45 minutes, you will have the opportunity to see Leonardo Da Vinci's painting of 'The Last Supper' up close. The work is located in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where you will be able to enter without queuing. During this tour you will discover, with an expert guide, various interesting facts about the painting.
Recommended... If you don't want to miss Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece
Milan Guided Tour with Last Supper Tickets
Get to know the Lombard capital and contemplate Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece.
Enjoy this 3-hour tour of Milan with a professional Art History guide, which of course also includes tickets to 'The Last Supper'.
On this guided tour of Milan with tickets for 'The Last Supper', lasting approximately three hours, a professional guide expert in art history will accompany you on a tour in which you will have the opportunity to see the exteriors of the main monuments of the Italian city, such as the Milan Cathedral, the Sforza Castle, Piazza della Scala and Via Dante. In addition, tickets for 'The Last Supper' are included, where you will have preferential access and avoid the queues.
Recommended if... You want to discover the city of Milan and you have limited time.
Guided tour to see 'The Last Supper' by Da Vinci
If you want to enrich your experience, hiring a guided tour of Milan with tickets for 'The Last Supper' to see Da Vinci's most famous painting is the best way. Not only will you be able to admire Da Vinci's fresco without waiting in line, but you will also learn about its history and the reason why it is still in the same exhibition space after so many centuries.
Your guide will also tell you about the artistic techniques used by the Renaissance artist and his later restorers and all the hidden symbolism and meanings that this Renaissance genius imprinted on one of his greatest works.
What's included
- Fast-track admission
- 1-hour guided tour in English in the morning, departing at 8.30am.
- Meeting point in the same square where the convent is located, in Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Groups of maximum 12 people
Arrange your visit to see Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'
If you are going to see 'The Last Supper' on your own, remember that it is essential to book your ticket in advance and I recommend that you purchase it well in advance of your trip.
How to get to the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie and see 'The Last Supper'
The Last Supper' is located in the Dominican Convent in Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, in the historic centre of Milan. You can reach it by:
- Tramway: Line 18. Corso Magenta - Santa Maria delle Grazie.
- Metro: Conciliazione, Cadorna, line M1 or Cadorna, line M2.
Why see 'The Last Supper
It is not every day that you can say that you have been in front of one of the most famous works of art and one that has incited the most scientific, artistic and fictional literature in history. The subject depicted, Jesus' last supper with his disciples before being crucified, is not new, nor was it when it was created.
Brief history of the work
It was Leonardo da Vinci, however, who approached this New Testament passage with the greatest mastery and originality. The Italian Renaissance genius depicted one of the most dramatic moments of this historic supper: the one after Jesus' announcement that a traitor was among them.
The reactions of astonishment and stupefaction of the apostles are masterfully portrayed in the painting, as well as behaviours, figures and compositions that, some experts suppose, give rise to a second reading and interpretation beyond pure pictorial technique.
These messages 'hidden' by the author, such as the feminine aspect of the figure to the right of Jesus, who is said not to be the apostle John but Mary Magdalene, are part of the legend surrounding 'The Last Supper', popularised, as I said, in the work of Dan Brown and its 2006 film counterpart.
Curiosities about 'The Last Supper
The refectory where 'The Last Supper' is located, in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, was the only thing left standing after a bombing during the Second World War.
The painting suffered, however, being left out in the open for several long years. And not only. After its completion in 1497 and given its support, dry plaster, the work began to flake, with continuous and unsuccessful attempts to restore it during the 17th and 19th centuries.
Later, during the occupation of the area by Napoleon's troops, the wall on which it stands was used for shooting practice. Fortunately, nowadays and after arduous conservation work, 'The Last Supper' has regained part of its original splendour so that we can all enjoy this wonderful piece of history.
Where is Da Vinci's Last Supper located in Milan?
The Last Supper' is located in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1980. Considered one of the most beautiful in the Lombard capital, it was built in the 15th century.
In addition, the basilica hides inside other iconic works of Italian art such as the frescoes of The Passion Story by Gaudenzio Ferrari.
Opening hours of Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' in Milan
Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15 am to 7.00 pm during continuous opening hours. Last entrance at 18:45 h.
It is closed on Mondays. There are also other days of the year when the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church is closed: 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
Tips for visiting Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' in Milan
If you are travelling to Milan and intend to see Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper', here are a few tips:
- Most importantly, book your tickets as far in advance as possible.
- You can take photographs, but always without flash.
- You must be at the ticket office 15 minutes before the time of your visit or your reservation will be cancelled.
Other interesting activities in Milan
Seeing Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' is one of the essential things to do in Milan, but so is seeing its famous Duomo, the Milan Cathedral. I'll tell you all about it in this article by Milan Duomo Tickets and Tours: how to buy and prices. Doing some sightseeing in the city and its surroundings is essential to get to know all the corners of the city and its region. I tell you all about it in my article on Best Tours and Day Trips from Milan.