Our adventure begins at Casa di Riposo per Musicisti, a retirement home founded by Verdi himself. This noble institution provides free housing to elderly or struggling musicians, embodying Verdi’s commitment to his fellow artists in the future. Within the premises lies the crypt where the composer and his beloved wife rest in harmony. The house is a poignant reminder of Verdi’s philanthropic spirit and his dedication to preserving the city’s musical heritage.

The crypt is open every day from 8:30 to 18:00. The main parlor and the museum halls are open upon reservation (groups only).

At a short distance, the city has experienced rapid development thanks to the creation of the City Life district, which houses the ArtLine park, the famous shopping center, and its cinema, all surrounded by Zaha Hadid’s spectacular architecture.

Next on our itinerary is a visit to the Teatro Filodrammatici, one of Milano’s oldest musical institutions, where Verdi once held the position of director. Today, it is a thriving prose theatre, where you can enjoy a show. Here, you can feel the echoes of Verdi’s influence, resonating through the very walls that once bore witness to his art. We are just steps away from the heart of the Brera district, with its narrow streets, inviting shops, and renowned artistic institutions, such as the Pinacoteca.

No exploration of Verdi’s Milano would be complete without a stop at the legendary Teatro alla Scala, whose new season opens each year on December 7. Despite the complex love-hate relationship the composer shared with this institution, it remained an integral part of his work. Today, it stands as one of the most iconic opera theatres in the world and a testament to Verdi’s impact on the art of opera. We suggest you book a ticket for the opera, a concert, or the ballet – it is not always easy, but adjacent to the Theatre you’ll find its museum, open every day from 9:30 to 17:30 (last entry at 17:00).

If you venture into the majestic Palazzo Brera, home to the famous Pinacoteca, you will also find Archivio Storico Ricordi, where Verdi’s opera legacy is meticulously preserved. This archive ranks among the world’s main private music collections, safeguarding the original librettos of many of Verdi’s masterpieces.  

The archive is accessible only to researchers by appointment, but some manuscripts are uploaded to their digital library.

At Chiesa di San Marco, in 1874 Verdi conducted the Requiem, a poignant musical tribute dedicated to the revered writer and friend Alessandro Manzoni, who died the previous year. Hundreds gathered to witness this powerful commemoration, marking a significant moment in Milano’s cultural history. The church is at the center of Brera’s picturesque district, known for its artistic ambience, historic charm, and vibrant cultural scene. Brera offers a unique blend of history, art, and contemporary living.

Our journey culminates at the Grand Hotel et de Milan, an establishment ahead of its time equipped with a telegraph, a telephone, and one of the first hydraulic lifts in the city (still in service today). We are in the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milano’s fashion district, where you can live and breathe the authentic Milanese glamour. Verdi spent the final three decades of his life here, immersing himself in composing his last masterpieces and overseeing the construction of the Retirement Home for Musicians.

Initiative created thanks to the resources of the Development and Cohesion Plan of the Italian Ministry of Tourism "Piano di Sviluppo e Coesione del Ministero del Turismo"