Museo d'Arte e Scienza

The Museo d'Arte e Scienza in Milan sits right next to the Castello Sforzesco and was founded in 1990 by the German physicist Gottfried Matthaes. The museum focuses on the link between art and science, especially the question of how to authenticate works in the art and antiques trade. In several exhibition rooms, you can learn how to tell original objects from forgeries. Topics include painting on canvas or wood, ceramics, furniture, ivory, silver, prints, old books, carpets, and tapestries.

A special feature are the interactive stations, where you can carry out your own hands-on tests using microscopes, magnifying glasses, and special lamps. The offering is rounded out by a scientific laboratory that uses modern instruments to analyze and date art materials. The museum also houses important collections of Buddhist art from Myanmar and Thailand, as well as African art from regions such as Mali, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. An educational section is also devoted to the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci, especially his time in Milan.