Monday 8.30am–6pm
Tuesday 08:30–18
Wednesday 08:30–18
Thursday 08:30–18
Friday 8.30am–6pm
Saturday 08:30–13:30
Sunday Closed
Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense – merged in 2015 into the Pinacoteca di Brera museum system under the general direction of James M. Bradburne and, as of March 2022, Marzia Dina Pontone as scientific director – is one of 46 state libraries managed directly by the Ministry of Culture.
The Braidense National Library was originated when the Congregation of State for Lombardy, a body representing the interests of local communities, purchased the library of Count Carlo Pertusati and then donated it to Archduke Ferdinand, son of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria and future governor of Lombardy.
In 1770 Maria Theresa, considering the lack in Milan “of an open library for the common use of those who wish more to cultivate their wits, and acquire new knowledge” since the Ambrosiana “rich but in manuscripts,” but not in “printed books,” was not considered sufficient, decided to allocate the Pertusati’s library for public use.
Thanks to the dissolution of the Society of Jesus decreed in 1773 by Clement XIV, the state acquired the Palace of the Jesuit College of Brera, built on the site of the 13th-century convent of the Humiliati, and earmarked it as the site of the library.
The library opened to the public in 1786.
Via Brera 28, Milano – Centralino T +39 02 7226340
MM 3, Montenapoleone stop.
Continue along Via Monte di Pietà, on the right cross Via Brera, to be walked to the Brera Palace on the right at the end of the street.
Alternatively, walk along Via Borgonuovo and turn left onto Via Fiori Oscuri; it can be accessed from the courtyard of No. 4.
MM 2, Lanza stop, continue along Via Tivoli and Via Pontaccio, turn right onto Via Brera.
Autobus 61, Brasilia direction, Pontaccio-Solferino stop, take via Brera to the left.
In order to gain access to the library, you must have a valid photo ID and you must leave your bags and backpacks in the lockers (activated with 1 euro, which will be returned when the locker is emptied) located halfway up the ramp of the first access staircase.
For in-house reference services, you must pre-register by filling out the online form, send an email to b-brai.accoglienza@cultura.gov.it with a valid ID attached and wait for confirmation of registration from the reception office.
Alternatively, after completing the online form, you may complete the registration by coming directly to the Library.
For lending services you must follow the directions for registering for reference services at the Library and then go to the Library, with your ID and a passport photo, to complete the registration with the issuance of a card.
Residents of Lombardy, over 18 years of age, and people temporarily domiciled in Milan and province for study or work purposes are eligible for the lending service.
Hours for registration
Monday-Friday, 8.30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, 8.30 a.m.-1.30 p.m.