Leonardo's Last Supper Museum, Milan Travel Guide

Located in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, Leonardo da Vinci's 'Last Supper' is a breathtaking mural that captures the artist's genius and the High Renaissance spirit. Painted between 1495 and 1498, the masterpiece depicts the dramatic moment when Jesus announces his betrayal to his apostles, as recounted in the Gospel of John. The mural measures 460 cm × 880 cm and covers the entire end wall of the dining hall.Commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, as part of renovations to the church and convent, the 'Last Supper' was intended to celebrate the Sforza family. Leonardo experimented with tempera on gesso, pitch, and mastic instead of the traditional fresco technique, allowing him to revise the work. However, this choice, combined with environmental factors, led to rapid deterioration, necessitating numerous restoration attempts. The most recent restoration, completed in 1999, aimed to bring the original colors back to light.Visiting the 'Last Supper' is a unique and unforgettable experience. Due to preservation concerns, only a limited number of visitors are allowed in the refectory for 15-minute viewings. Advance booking is essential. Inside the museum, you can explore the history of the mural, learn about Leonardo's techniques, and appreciate the artistic and cultural significance of this iconic work.The refectory also features Giovanni Donato da Montorfano's fresco of the Crucifixion on the opposite wall, providing additional artistic context. The Santa Maria delle Grazie church itself is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture, with a history intertwined with the Sforza family and the artistic movements of the time.