The Castello Sforzesco incorporates a whole host of museums inside with exhibitions that range from prehistoric and Egyptian archaeological materials to paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, manuscripts, furniture, musical instruments, stamps, coins, medals and much more.
Perhaps the most important of all of them is the pinacoteca. Along with the Ambrosiana and Brera galleries, the Pinacoteca di Castello houses Milan's most important paintings. The gallery was created to display Milanese art and holds several old and prominent collections, including that of the Trivulzio family. Acquisitions by the city government, as well as contributions from illustrious citizens, patriots, scholars and art lovers over the last two centuries have enhanced the collection.
In a bold layout, various masterpieces are now exhibited with works of art other than painting. Medallions, wooden bas-reliefs and terracotta and marble sculptures have been grouped with the paintings for comparison. Masterpieces by Mantegna, Antonello di Messina, Cesare da Sesto, Canaletto, Tiepolo, Tintoretto and Cerano are among the exhibits.
There is a gift and book shop, as well as a cafe in the castle.
