Summer is now in full bloom, and the Brera Botanical Garden remains open during its regular opening times for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in this green oasis in the heart of the city. Visitors can stroll beneath the shade of the majestic trees that shape the Garden’s landscape and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that make this place so unique.
Alongside the great trees – some of which are officially recognised as monumental ones – visitors can admire the season’s blooms, discover rare plants and unexpected views, and even encounter some animal inhabitants that find a welcoming habitat within the Garden.
The Brera Botanical Garden will remain open throughout the summer, with the exception of the week from 8th to 16th August 2026, when it will be closed.
Activities for the general public and school groups will resume in September.
In the meantime, let us guide you through some of the season’s botanical highlights!
Able to grow in narrow crevices, the caper (Capparis spinosa) is a true symbol of the Mediterranean. The capers we use in cooking are the buds of its elegant white flowers, adorned with long purple stamens.
The fragrance of lavender (Lavandula officinalis) has long accompanied summer. Its name comes from the Latin lavare, “to wash”: the Romans used it to scent baths.
With its large leaves reminiscent of those of the fig tree, Firmiana simplex provides pleasant summer shade. This very characteristic has earned it the evocative name “parasol tree”.
The banana plant (Musa x paradisiaca) reaches impressive dimensions. However, it is not a tree: it is one of the largest herbaceous plants, and its “trunk” is formed by the bases of its leaves.
The tall purple flower heads of Vernonia noveboracensis stand out among the summer blooms. Native to North America, it is particularly loved by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Ornamental sunflowers (Helianthus annuus – cultivar) display remarkable diversity: from large golden flower heads to dwarf cultivars and varieties with densely packed blooms.
The Arboretum is home to one of the Botanical Garden’s most enchanting corners. The “Pond of Thoughts” invites visitors to slow down and enjoy its tranquillity.
Native to China, the fern Coniogramme emeiensis stands out for the yellow-green stripes on its fronds. An exotic touch in the shadier corners of the Botanical Garden.
The small lilac flowers of Aster turbinellus bloom abundantly throughout the summer, creating delicate clouds of colour. A valuable resource for bees and other pollinating insects.
Among the blooms and botanical collections, the Botanical Garden also welcomes unexpected guests. Two female mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) have chosen this green oasis in the heart of Milan as a place to rest and find tranquillity.
