Delayed 50 Years, Brera Modern is Slated to Open in Milan

As the old saying goes, better late than never! After more than 50 years since its initial conception, a new museum dedicated to Modern art is slated to open in Milan, Italy on December 7, the Guardian reported.

The Brera Modern will hold Modern art from Pinacoteca di Brera gallery, which is located down the street. On opening day, officials confirmed, there will be an annual gala premier of La Scala’s opera season.

Angelo Crespi helms the museum, having succeeded British-Canadian historian James Bradburne in February. Despite his efforts to have the Brera Modern open within his tenure, Bradburne had completed two four-year terms and was no longer eligible to continue his post.

This change was implemented by the hard-right Italian government, which has been appointing Italian citizens to lead notable cultural institutions.

Founded in 1809, the Brera is home to works by such masters as Canova, Caravaggio, and Raphael. A number of works in its collection, particularly its Modern art, however, have long been in storage.

Reasons for delays have included issues with asbestos and the air conditioning system.

As part of this new addition to the Brera, the institution is expected to total more than 500,000 visitors this year—an increase from last year’s 466,709 people.