As Italy’s leading public art gallery for paintings, the Pinacoteca di Brera has one of the best collections of Italian art, with celebrated works by Raphael, Mantegna, Hayez, Caravaggio etc.
The Gallery housed in the Palazzo di Brera, an architecturally significant building. Originally built on the remains of a 14th-century monastery of the Humiliati order, it was later handed over to the Jesuits who founded a school there. In the early 17th century, Francesco Maria Richini began transforming it into the characteristic austere building seen today. After the Jesuits were disbanded in 1773, the building became state property.
The neoclassical renovation and expansion were later designed by Giuseppe Piermarini, one of Italy’s foremost architects. Piermarini was responsible for updating the library, completing the courtyard which is wonderful.
The watercolour above shows this and the focal greek god like statue of Napoleon.
 
interesting facts...
Commissioned for Napoleon the “Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker,” was the second sculpture. The first was considered 'too athletic' and banned public showing. It now lives in London a gift and war trophy to the Duke of Wellington who defeated Napoleon.