Cenacolo Vinciano

So if you want to see the Last Supper, you can’t just show up. You have to buy tickets online several months in advance. I have my concierge at American Express handle it 9 months in advance to guarantee the availability on the day I was in Milan.
When you go to the museum you mad go into a series of air chambers that control the air and humidity. Also know that idiot tourist have ruined the ability to take a photo here because of flashing.
If you pull out a phone or camera, they will literally seize it. So you are warned! They don’t want you to destroy the UNESCO sight.

What can i say that hasn’t been said about this AMAZING painting?
Tha Leonardo was trying (as he oftentimes did) to experiment a new technique and that, as he started painting he realized that the wall on which he was making such a masterpiece was absorbing the colors faster than he was painting?
That The Cenacolo has been through centuries of neglect, survived the bombing of Milan during WW2 by pure chance?
That it has gained worldwide recognition (and some doubtful reputation) through the Da Vinci Code?
That, once there, i would suggest visiting the beautiful church right next to it?
I have come to admire this masterpiece countless times, have seen it before restoration. Cried when it was closed to the public for years. Marveled when they opened it back up… still am in love and always be…
True, it is NOT one of those spare of the moment viewing (groups sold out 3 months in advance, single tickets are easier to book). But, if you plan on visiting Milan you MUST admire this amazing painting (no picture does it justice).
Yes, you can ONLY spend 15 minutes, yes it feels like Fort Knox… but, it is only to preserve a true World’s Wonder!!!
Your eyes, heart and soul will thank you…
And, to those of you who wonder… yes… it looks like a woman was among the disciples… however, that is how youngsters were represent in the iconography back then…

This is DaVinci’s Last Supper we’re talking about, so yes you need a reservation, no nobody wants to hear you complaining about it. I visited Milan in the dreary month of November and had no problem making a reservation online a month or so out, but I can imagine that in high season you might need to plan even farther in advance. There are tour options with and without a guide person talking you through everything.
The entrance is around the opposite side from the church and museum entrance, so if you’ve entered through a lovely courtyard area you are on the wrong side. Try to arrive early as all the tours will likely be sold out and it may take a moment to get past everyone lingering in the ticket area/​waiting room. You will walk through two sets of doors to dehumidify, helping to preserve the incredibly fragile painting, before you enter the Last Supper room and your 15 minutes of staring in awe start.
No photography, though plenty of folks sneak it, just please don’t be an idiot and use a flash (it really hurts the painting). Side note: I found the staff incredibly helpful and kind. I ran a bit late due to my overly chatty airbnb host and was about 7 minutes into my tour when I finally arrived. I was sure they were going to turn me away, but thankfully they did not and I got to enjoy my remaining moments with the painting. Arrive early to avoid disaster, but if you can’t avoid being late its still worth a try if your group hasn’t left the room yet.
Be sure to check out the rest of the church and museum when you’re done as well.

I decided to visit Milan on a whim and of course, had only a week in advance to rsvp for tickets. But come to find out — tickets aren’t as hard to come by as all the guides tell you if you’re not traveling in high season, and I was luckily able to reserve one online even with a week’s notice and staying for a few short days.
Of course, Leonardo’s masterpiece (one of) is amazing. What was even better though, was the little museum next door that has a rotational display of several pages from his codex atlanticus. Seeing his artwork is touching, reading how the master’s mind works, and his perspectives and approach, is enlightening.
Just a note that the people working here are incredibly nice too… and I really appreciate them for making the experience such a fantastic one.
Definitely worth the trip.

It is VERY hard to get tickets to Cenacolo Vinciano.
My not-​so-​trusty Fodor’s guidebook informed me that I would need to reserve tickets a month beforehand. So naturally, I felt all these different waves of emotions when I logged onto the site a month AND A HALF beforehand, to find that all of the tickets were already sold out. I discovered that tickets actually go on sale two to three months before the actual date.
I really wanted to see it so I started looking for alternatives. I tried my luck by calling the reservation line multiple times a day, but never once got through. I found various Milan ‘walking tours’ that included a ticket to the Last Supper. But they were all 40 to 60 Euros and I really did not think it was worth it. I also refused to be a part of this monopoly that these tour companies schemed up with. So I was starting to accept that fact that I might not see one of Leo’s most famous pieces after all.
Here’s where I let you in on a secret — one day… I randomly decided to log on to the site. I saw some tickets available for the upcoming days. So that’s when I realized that their online system is not accurate. From that point forward, I stalked that site every single hour of every day (during work time of course, when else?). I was determined to get those tickets. This went on for a couple of weeks but they never had the date I needed. Until one day… JACKPOT! THEY HAD IT! I swooped them up so fast, I think it might be a record time for how fast I whipped out my credit card.
So the moral of the story? Don’t give up. You too can get the 8 Euro tickets and not have to pay a ridiculous amount of money. I have faith in you.
Now onto the actual painting.
This place is like Fort Knox. They confine you in several hallways before you actually get to see the painting. When you actually do, you only have 15 minutes to seep it all in — (all of the reserved time slots are in 15 minute intervals). There are absolutely no pictures but once you get out, they have a fake painting that you can go nuts with.
Bottom line — it was worth it for 8 Euros but had I paid anything more, I would have been pissed.

Amazing! I have a newly found appreciation for Leonardo da Vinci, that I’m not sure I would have if I’d not seen this with my own eyes. Although, it has deteriorated over time. .. the depth, texture, and emotion portrayed so masterfully are still evident. This place is a not-​to-​be-​missed stop if you are passing near Milan. It’s an easy and short walk from the M1 station. Oh! Yes, we purchased our tickets ahead of time as everyone suggested, and yes, they were sold out the day of our tour.

Absolutely, amazingly breathtaking and beautiful!
Words can not describe what I felt when I walked in that room — I almost cried!
I am so glad that we got to see The Last Supper in all it’s glory!
Now, tickets are VERY hard to come by. They go on sale to the public 3 months in advance and most of them are immediately bought up by tour groups. So, instead of paying 15 euros to tour the grounds and see the painting, you are more likely to pay 40 euros. But trust me, it’s worth it. Our tour guide (we booked through tickitaly) spoke English and provide a lot of detailed information about the painting, it’s history and also the adjoining church.
I won’t go into the details, you’ll have to visit for yourself (or read other reviews)… Keep in mind that only small groups are allowed in at 1 time and you have a maximum of 15 minutes to view the painting, which isn’t as long as it seems. It’s kind of overwhelming!
Please, don’t disregard the painting on the opposite wall (The Crucifixion). It was painted simultaneously to the Cenacolo and is very beautiful as well.
Also — there are really NO PICTURES. This place was like Ft. Knox. Plus, why ruin a beautiful painting?