Art & Craft Stores Hopping | If you only have half day in Milan, Italy

There's a particular charm to be found in wandering through the aisles of an art and craft store, wouldn't you agree? It's more than just a shopping trip; it's an expedition into a world of possibilities. Each visit holds the promise of discovering that perfect shade of yarn, a unique embellishment, or perhaps a tool that will unlock a new level of creativity.

The shelves, often brimming with a kaleidoscope of colours and textures, offer a visual feast that can spark inspiration for your next DIY project. From the tactile delight of smooth, unfinished wood to the shimmering allure of glass beads, the materials themselves seem to whisper ideas.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a novice just beginning to explore the world of handmade creations, a trip to the art and craft store can be a wonderfully enriching experience. It's a place to gather supplies, certainly, but also a place to gather ideas and fuel your passion for creating.

I'm thrilled to share my top picks of artisanal / unique / art & craft stores in Milan, after some rigorous research. In this article, I'll focus on the Brera district since that's where I stayed for 1 night and only had half day to explore the neighborhood the next morning.

My recommendations are all within walking distance from Lanza metro station.

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Pettinaroli

Via Brera, 4, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

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For the discerning crafter, a visit to Pettinaroli could prove to be a treasure trove of inspiration. The exquisite prints, bookbinding and leathercrafts would lend themselves beautifully to souvenirs for your friends or for your home. The selection of inks and writing instruments could also be a boon for those who enjoy adding a personal touch to their handmade creations.

While it may not be the place to find your standard glitter and glue, Pettinaroli offers something far more refined: a chance to elevate your craft with materials of exceptional quality and timeless elegance. It's a shop that speaks to the artisan in all of us, encouraging a slower, more deliberate approach to the creative process.

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Pellegrini Walter & C.Srl

Via Brera, 16, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

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Pellegrini Walter & C.Srl offers a wide range of materials, including paints, canvases, brushes, and other tools for various artistic disciplines. This would likely be a good stop for someone looking for a broad selection of supplies for painting, drawing, or sculpting. It seems a practical choice for the serious artist or hobbyist seeking a one-stop shop.

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Ditta Cesare Crespi di Massimo Morlacchi

Via Brera, 28/A, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

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Also an art supplies shop, Ditta Cesare Crespi di Massimo Morlacchi also offers a broad range of artist material. On top of that, I observed that they also have a more specialised focus on artwork tools such as paint brushes, sculpting knifes, canvas and wooden frames for canvas framing and mounting, as well as easels for presenting artwork. This would be an excellent resource for those looking for more customised tools for your art pieces.

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Bottega Brera

Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

(Inside Pinacoteca di Brera - Floor G)

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Despite Google's Reviews on Bottega Brera are on the unfavourable side, I found this quite a hidden gem to me. Located inside Pinacoteca di Brera, the museum gift shop offer a curated selection of items inspired by the art and culture of the Brera district and the Pinacoteca di Brera museum itself. You would find beautifully designed museum-branded stationery, art prints, books on art history, children art activities books. They also manifest handcrafted items made by local artisans such as accessories, jewelry, knitted bags, which are not found in typical craft stores.

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Caffè Fernanda

(Inside Pinacoteca di Brera - Floor 0)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ufaYsAAGb9npV68H6

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A coffee break at Caffè Fernanda could be a delightful way to enhance the overall experience of visiting the Pinacoteca di Brera.

The building was bomb damaged during WWII and was rebuilt by Piero Portaluppi in 1950 under the instructions of the gallery’s director Fernanda Wittgens. She lends her name to this new cafe. Featured artworks displayed in the eatery include Pietro Damini’s 17th-century painting, the ‘Conversion of the Duke of Aquitania’, which hangs above the bar; and fragments of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s The Three Graces.

Pinacoteca di Brera, art museum in Milan, founded in 1809 by Napoleon I. The Pinacoteca di Brera is one of Milan's most important art museums, housing a vast collection of Italian art, particularly Venetian and Lombard paintings, primarily from the 13th to the 20th centuries. Standing in the center of the courtyard is the statue of Napoleon created by Antonio Canova, depicts Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker. Napoleon wished to have himself portrayed in a colossal marble statue by Antonio Canova, the most important sculptor of his day. The sculpture did not go down well in France, but were appreciated by Eugène de Beauharnais, the Viceroy of Italy, who commissioned a bronze replica. Interesting Fact: The original was purchased from Louis XVIII in 1816 by the British government, which granted it to the Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoleon I at the Battle of Waterloo. It is now on display in Robert Adam's stairwell at the Duke's London residence, Apsley House.

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Astier de Villatte

Via dell'Orso, 1, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

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While not strictly an art supply store, Astier de Villatte offers exquisitely crafted ceramic tableware, homeware such as ceramic jewelry box, and other home goods such as candles, scented incense - Parisian, with a touch of rustic charm and a focus on handcrafted details.

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Rigadritto

Via Brera, 6, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

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Rather than an typical art and craft shop, Rigadritto offers a mix of stationery, greeting cards, quirky gift items. I think it is fair to say it has less Milanese elements than the stores above. Yet, it has the widest range of greeting cards among all. it's worth visiting if you look for unexpected finds or unique items.

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These are two other stores that I wished to visit outside of Brera. Let me know your thoughts if you ever had the chance to pay them a visit :)

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Ruffini Cartolibreria

Via Fratelli Ruffini, 1, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

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Bonvini 1909

Via Tagliamento, 1, 20139 Milano MI, Italy

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I stayed in this hotel for 1 night. Loved it. Its proximity to all the art and craft stores allowed me to bring this uncommon Milan travel review to you :)

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Be Mate Via Tivoli - Apartments

Via Tivoli, 4, 20121 Milano MI, Italy