How to Visit The Last Supper in Milan in 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Milan in 2024, a visit to see The Last Supper painting is an absolute must. Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned masterpiece is not only a symbol of art and history, but many say it’s also a transformative experience. In this guide, we share everything you need to know about how to visit the Last Supper in Milan, from where it is in the city (hint: it’s more tucked away than you may think!), the best way to get tickets, and more. 

What is The Last Supper Painting?

The Last Supper is one of the most celebrated paintings in the world and is widely considered da Vinci’s masterpiece. It depicts the exact moment Jesus tells his 12 apostles that one among them will soon betray him. The artist conveyed the emotional scene beautifully, down to raw, genuine facial expressions. Over the course of four years in the late 15th century, da Vinci painted the enormous mural. Measuring 15 by 29 feet, it’s displayed on a wall inside Milan’s Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. He even invented an entirely new painting method to complete The Last Supper painting, needing more time for the paint to set than traditional fresco methods allowed.

Where is The Last Supper in Milan?

You can find The Last Supper painting in Milan, tucked away just slightly off the main tourist path at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The church itself is easily accessible, as it’s in the heart of the city, close to several Milan hotels and other must-see Milan attractions. For example, as our informative map of Milan shows, it’s a 20-minute walk from the Milan Duomo. As far as where is The Last Supper painting within the church, it’s extremely well-protected, in order to preserve it. To reach it, all visitors must pass through a series of rooms and automatic doors. The last set of doors will open to the refectory, where the world-famous painting stands.

How to Visit The Last Supper Milan

As you prepare to buy Last Supper Milan tickets, it’s helpful to be familiar with the opening days and hours. The Last Supper painting welcomes visitors Tuesday through Sunday. Tuesday through Saturday, the hours are 8:15 am – 7:00 pm, while it’s open 2-7:00 pm on Sundays. Importantly, when you purchase a ticket, you’ll also be required to reserve a specific time.

In order to preserve the spectacular work and its unique painting technique, there is a special air-filtering system that controls the humidity levels in the room. There is also a limit on the number of visitors allowed inside the room at once. To help manage that, everyone gets a 15-minute viewing timeslot inside the refectory. Please note that while guests are permitted to take photos of the painting, flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited.

Self-guided Tours

If you opt to buy your own Last Supper tickets and take a self-guided tour, there are some important details to be aware of. Namely, the 15-minute experience is rather rushed, allowing just enough time to walk through the refectory and view The Last Supper. While this option offers the most flexibility, you may not get the full appreciation of the painting.

Guided Tours

If your brief self-guided visit leaves you wanting more, book a guided tour of The Last Supper in Milan. You get the benefit of expert insight and the chance to learn some of The Last Supper painting secrets. Plus, guided tours often come with skip-the-line privileges, saving you valuable time and helping you avoid the crowds. 

Last Supper Tickets

Last Supper tickets Milan include admission into the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, as well as the adjacent museum. All tickets are “standard,” granting access to the painting by reservation only. Visitors are put into groups of about 30 and have a 15-minute viewing window. These times are strictly enforced, so arrive at least 30 minutes early. 

If you’re hoping for skip-the-line tickets to The Last Supper, you’ll need to book a guided tour. It’s worth the additional cost, offering priority access and bypassing the lengthy lines. 

How to Get Last Supper Milan Tickets If They’re Sold Out

Securing Last Supper tickets can be challenging. Tickets on the official website sell out in minutes, and navigating it is tricky. They release tickets on a rolling basis, six weeks to four months in advance. There are also several third-party sites, but the sheer number of them is overwhelming — and it’s difficult to know which are legitimate. In-person tickets are rarely available, and lines are incredibly long anyway. If you’ve discovered that the Last Supper tickets are sold out on your chosen date, we’re here to help make it happen!

To ensure you get tickets to Last Supper Milan, book a guided tour with us. All our Last Supper Milan tours include skip-the-line tickets and guarantee your entry, even when tickets are sold out everywhere else. 

Recommended Last Supper Tours

Milan Walking Tour With Last Supper Skip-the-Line Tickets: Spend an afternoon visiting some of Milan’s most iconic landmarks, including the La Scala opera house and Sforza Castle, in addition to The Last Supper.

Da Vinci’s Last Supper Skip-the-Line Guided Tour: Enjoy a hassle-free tour of the Last Supper in Milan with skip-the-line tickets and a knowledgeable professional guide. 

Enhance Your Italy Trip With a Tour of the Last Supper in Milan

Seeing The Last Supper painting in person is a must, but as you can see, it’s extremely important that you plan ahead to avoid disappointment. To make the most of your visit to this charismatic city, book a guided tour of Milan. Better yet, consider booking a multi-day Milan package tour. These include all the best guided tours of Milan, ideal Milan accommodations, and often, excursions to other iconic attractions and destinations across Italy.