Grande Brera Project Generates €520 Million Economic Impact for Milan

A study by Makno, a strategic analysis firm led by Mario Abis, reveals that the Grande Brera cultural project in Milan is projected to generate €520 million in economic impact for the city, comparable to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao's €685 million effect. Launched on December 7, 2024, with the reopening of Palazzo Citterio after renovations by Mario Cucinella Architects, the project encompasses the Pinacoteca di Brera, Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Accademia di Brera, Osservatorio Astronomico, Orto Botanico, and Istituto Lombardo di Scienze e Lettere. In the first half of 2025, Pinacoteca admissions rose 25% to 2,000 tickets sold in five months, with revenues up 27%. Total visitors are expected to exceed 600,000 by year-end, up from 545,000 in 2024. The average tourist stay in Milan extended to three days, with the third day dedicated to culture. During April's Salone del Mobile, 3 million people passed through the Pinacoteca courtyard, double the usual 1.5 million. Director Angelo Crespi emphasized the brand's international competitiveness. However, Palazzo Citterio remains open part-time due to a lack of custodians, a situation expected to persist until 2026. The study will continue, with potential future impact tripling to €1.5 billion.