A guide to Giardini pubblici Indro Montanelli

Giardini pubblici Indro Montanelli sits near Porta Venezia, with entrances on Via Palestro and Corso Venezia. The garden’s location makes it easy to pair a park visit with a stroll through the surrounding neighbourhood; for more context on nearby streets and sights, see this Porta Venezia neighbourhood guide.

The gardens are known as the Giardini Pubblici and were commissioned by the Austrians in the 1700s. The park took its current name in 2002, honouring journalist Indro Montanelli. Its development is associated with three dates and designers: Giuseppe Piermarini in 1794, Giuseppe Balzaretto in 1862 and Emilio Alemagna in 1881.

The park combines open lawns and tree-lined routes with facilities for different kinds of visits. You can walk or run along the routes, pause by the lake, or find a play area; there are three play areas, two dog areas, a fitness area, kiosks and bars. One of the dog areas is fenced.

Features include a lake designed by Balzaretto and enlarged by Alemagna, plus a water basin and fountain in front of Palazzo Dugnani. Mature trees include a monumental Taxodium. The park map also marks a water dispenser and the monument to Indro Montanelli.

Cycling is listed among the park’s activities, but bikes and other non-motorized vehicles—including rickshaws and scooters—must stay on the avenues and move at moderate speed. Only authorized motor vehicles may enter.

The Museo Civico di Storia Naturale stands inside the gardens, alongside Palazzo Dugnani and the Ulrico Hoepli Planetarium. Palazzo Dugnani dates to the 17th century; the Natural History Museum was designed by Giovanni Ceruti in 1892, while Pietro Portaluppi designed the planetarium in 1929.

The museum is at Corso Venezia 55, with last entry at 16:30. It closes on 25 December, 1 January, 6 January, Easter Monday and 1 May. Tickets are available at the museum or online, while groups need an email reservation. Check the museum’s official site before you go for current visitor information.

Opening hours

• Monday to Sunday: 6:30–23:30

Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.

If you want to add another small museum visit, you can also plan around Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano.

The gardens have two entrances, on Via Palestro and Corso Venezia, and their opening hours change with the season. The City lists hours of 06:00–24:00 from April through September and 06:00–22:00 from October through March.

Keep dogs off leash only within the designated dog areas, and pick up after them. Fires and barbecues are prohibited; use the appropriate waste bins. These rules help keep the paths and shared spaces accessible to everyone.

The gardens can form part of a longer walk that includes nearby architecture and green spaces. Milan’s City walking itinerary links them with the garden at Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte and Villa Necchi Campiglio; from Corso Venezia, you can cross to Via Mozart to reach Villa Necchi.

For a flexible visit, start at one of the park entrances, follow the avenues towards the lake or the museum, then continue into the neighbourhood. The park also hosts Orticola, a flower and nursery-market exhibition held in May.

How large are Giardini pubblici Indro Montanelli?

The park covers 172,000 square metres.

Can you cycle in the gardens?

Yes. Bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles are allowed on the avenues at moderate speed.

Are there facilities for dogs and children?

The park has three play areas and two designated dog areas, including one fenced area.

What else is inside the park?

Alongside the Natural History Museum, the gardens contain Palazzo Dugnani and the Ulrico Hoepli Planetarium.