Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The 19th Century
By the time you reach the final rooms and the early 19th century, when the gallery
itself was gaining prominence, the artwork becomes lighter, imbued with the Ro-
manticism and patriotism of post-unified Italy. Breeze through Canaletto's atmo-
spheric views of Venice to Francesco Hayez, pet portrait artist for the Lombard no-
bility and a director at the Academy. They include the intense and luminous
Il Ba-
cio
(The Kiss; 1859), one of the most reproduced artworks in the gallery, which
came to symbolise the hopes of the Risorgimento.
Top Tips
›
You'll need at least half a day to cover the gallery's 38 rooms at a reasonable pace.
›
The gallery is upstairs on the 1st floor. Stairs are behind Canova's bronze statue of
Napoleon posing as a demigod in the courtyard.
›
Audio guides are available in Italian, French, English, Spanish and German for €5.
›
Don't miss the glass-walled restoration laboratory, where you can see conservators
at work.
Take a Break
The Pinacoteca's treasures can be overwhelming, so head downstairs and join life-
drawing students for a post-class Peroni.
For a light lunch, stand at the olive bar at Chiù (
Click here
) to sample plates of cheese
and salami with regional oils; or in the evening wander up to N'Ombra de Vin (
Click
here
) for wine tastings and bistro fare.
