Milan is buzzing with artistic energy ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Ceylan Yeğinsu of The New York Times highlights the city’s cultural renaissance, making 2025 the perfect time to visit. Restorations of historic sites like the Grande Brera art complex are complete, while must-see exhibitions include a major Picasso retrospective and an interactive Tim Burton showcase. Milan’s Brera district, with its Michelin-starred dining and boutique stays, offers an irresistible blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge design.

As Milan prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the city is undergoing an exciting transformation with new exhibitions, culinary offerings, and the restoration of historical landmarks. The Grande Brera, a multisite art complex, will bring together the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Braidense National Library. The 18th-century Palazzo Citterio has been repurposed as a contemporary art space. The Brera district, known for its charming lanes lined with cafes, boutiques, and churches, is also home to the new Casa Brera hotel, which features sleek architecture by Pietro Lingeri, a rooftop bar, and Michelin-starred dining by Andrea Berton. This year’s Design Week, running from April 7 to 13, explores “Connected Worlds,” highlighting the intersection of physical and digital spaces. Visitors can also explore major exhibitions, including “Picasso the Foreigner” at Palazzo Reale and “Tim Burton’s Labyrinth” at the Fabbrica del Vapore.