One of the most prosperous period for the city was the Renaissance, when Milan was governed by the Sforza Family which commissioned to many italian artists wonderful masterpieces. Leonardo Da Vinci's talent was encouraged (and financed) by Ludovico Sforza who wanted the artist at his Court (Sforzesco Castle) and gave him the opportunity of revealing his genius to the world.
Leonardo spent the longest part of his life in Milan, giving the city a special contribute, not only in artistic field, but also in architecture and engineering. But many other masters worked in Milan: Bramante, Raffaello, Mantegna, Caravaggio, Piero Della Francesca, Botticelli..., whose paintings are shown at the Brera Art Gallery and in other museums of the city.
Villa Reale, a magnificent Neoclassical building (where Emperor Napoleon lived with Josephine) currently houses the Gallery of Modern Arts.