EVENTS AT THE EXPIATORY CHAPEL

Below is the program of cultural initiatives that will take place at the Cappella Espiatoria in Monza.

Saturday, September 5 | 6:30 p.m.
MARGHERITA AND LUDWIG
LeAltreNote Festival Concert, Vox Musei
A concert marking the centennial of the death of Queen Margherita, who introduced the great German chamber music to Italy. Pianists Eunmi Park and Umberto Ruboni will perform pieces by Beethoven, one of her favorite composers, and by Josef Strauss, who composed a lighthearted polka for her
Free admission, reservations required here

Saturday, September 5 | 9:00 a.m.–11:30 p.m.
SPECIAL OPENING AND GUIDED TOURS 
Guided tours at 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM
For the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Cappella Espiatoria in Monza will remain open all day, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Director Giulia Valcamonica will lead two free guided tours, at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., to reveal the monument’s secrets.
Admission is free, but reservations are required (drm-lom.cappellaespiatoria@cultura.gov.it).

Sunday, September 20, and Sunday, September 27 | 9:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Special openings
September 19, 20, 26, and 27 September and 3 October
Tours departing at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
OPEN VILLAS IN BRIANZA
PAs part of the now-established fall tradition in Brianza, the Cappella Espiatoria in Monza has planned a packed schedule of special openings and guided tours (organized by GuidArte), concentrated on the weekends in September and October.
To book: www.villeaperte.info

PAST EVENTS 
Wednesday, July 29 | 7:30 PM–11:30 PM 
last admission 30 minutes prior
THE GOLDEN CROSS OF FIRE
Special evening opening with guided tours, starting at 8:00 p.m., 9:00 PM, and 10:00 PM
To mark the anniversary of the death of King Umberto I, the Expiatory Chapel is hosting an evening opening with guided tours led by Director Giulia Valcamonica and the museum staff.
For the occasion, the large alabaster crosses on the stele will be illuminated.
Free admission; reservations required (drm-lom.cappellaespiatoria@cultura.gov.it).

Wednesday, June 24 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 
FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST - SPECIAL OPENING
On the occasion of the Feast of St. John the Baptist, the Cappella Espiatoria in Monza will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last admission 30 minutes prior). Museum staff will be on hand to offer free guided tours. 

Friday, June 12 | 6:00 p.m.
THE ROSE AND THE CROWN. ONE HUNDRED YEARS WITHOUT MARGHERITA. 
Literary concert as part of the “Magnificat: Extraordinary Women in Lombardy’s Museums” series.
Margherita of Savoy, an icon of femininity and style, lived surrounded by an elite circle of poets, intellectuals, and artists, while simultaneously promoting education and support for the most vulnerable social groups. She maintained a deep connection with the Royal Palace of Monza, spending long summer stays there.
Dramaturgy and narration: Antonetta Carrabs
Music by Puccini, Marenco, Sgambarti, Beethoven
Free admission Reservations required at this link
Information: tel 039 380772 museilombardia

Saturday, June 6 | 3:00 p.m.
GUIDED TOUR
To conclude the second day of the conference, the director of the Cappella Espiatoria Giulia Valcamonica will lead a narrated tour of the monument commissioned by the queen on the site where her husband, Umberto I, was assassinated. 
Free admission, reservations required (drm-lom.cappellaespiatoria@cultura.gov.it).

Friday, June 5 | 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 6 | 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Conference Hall of the Civic Museums of Monza (Via Regina Teodolinda 4)
MARGHERITA OF SAVOY: BETWEEN HISTORY, NATION, AND CULTURE
In the Conference Hall of the Civic Museums of Monza, as part of the celebrations marking the centennial of the death of Margherita di Savoia, a two-day conference open to enthusiasts and scholars is scheduled.

Tuesday, June 2 | 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
REPUBLIC DAY
On the occasion of Republic Day, the Cappella Espiatoria in Monza will be open on a special basis in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (last admission 30 minutes prior)

Saturday, May 23 | 3:30 p.m.
Museum Night: Animated Readings for Children and Teens
READINGS IN THE CRYPT: A QUEEN’S ADVENTURES
For Museum Night, we’re offering a new installment of the reading series organized by the Friends of the SBU (Monza Urban Library System). 
Held in the evocative setting of the crypt, this event is aimed at families with children and teens aged 5 to 12. 
Reservations: biblioteche.segreteria@comune.monza.it – “C’è Posto” App – Urban Library System

Saturday, May 23 | 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.
Museum Night, evening opening with guided tours
ALL ABOUT MARGHERITA, ITALY’S FIRST QUEEN
We’ll tell you all about the life of Italy’s first queen, right up to the tragic conclusion that marked her reign. During the tours, you’ll have the opportunity to see and learn about the latest restoration work currently underway on our monument, commissioned by the queen herself to honor the king’s memory. 
Reservations recommended.

Thursday, May 28 | 10 a.m.
Monza Paesaggio Week 2026, guided tour
BUILDING THROUGH TIME. THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF THE CHAPEL OF ATONEMENT THROUGH HISTORY AND TODAY
Tour focusing on recent restoration work, led by Giulia Valcamonica (director of the monument) and Carlo Catacchio (designer and construction manager). 
The event is open to everyone, especially architects, engineers, surveyors, and technicians.&
Reservations recommended

Saturday, May 16 – 3:30 p.m.
FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT - FAMILY SPECIAL!
Guided tour organized by the Art-U Association
Every year on July 29, the night in Monza comes alive: the alabaster cross in the Chapel of Atonement is illuminated to commemorate a sad anniversary... but light can emerge from the darkness. In fact, light plays a central role in every part of this monument: in the chapel’s resplendent mosaics, in the dim light of the crypt barely illuminated by golden stars, and in the sun-drenched garden. Whether artificial or natural, light accompanies us throughout the tour with all its meanings. Together, we can transform it into a small lamp to carry with us during dark times.
Activity recommended for children ages 6–11 and their chaperones
Meeting point: 15 minutes prior at the Cappella Espiatoria, Via Matteo da Campione 8, Monza.
Duration: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cost per person: Free activity for both Museum Pass holders and non-holders.
Information: Reservations required prenotazioni@artuassociazione.org - tel 331 7063429 www.artuassociazione.org 

Sunday, May 10 | 10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 12:00 p.m.
THROUGH THE QUEEN’S EYES 
Guided tour with Giulia Valcamonica and concert with Sarra Douik (oud and vocals)
Three guided tours and three concerts to view the starry sky of the crypt of the Chapel of Atonement in a new light—that of Queen Margherita’s eyes. Giulia Valcamonica, art historian and site director, introduces us to the art and principles that inspired the monument’s creation, while Sarra Douik will take us on an imaginary journey through the messages of condolence and wreaths that arrived in Monza from all over the world.
Free admission (no reservation required) with a suggested donation, subject to availability. This event is part of the program "Monza Visionaria 2026"

Saturday, April 25 | 9–7 p.m.
Regular hours
LIBERATION DAY
Open all day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.. 

Saturday, April 18 | 3:30 p.m.
Let’s Draw Art 2026 in collaboration with the Lombardy Museum Pass
THE WONDERFUL STORY OF QUEEN MARGHERITA
Queen Margherita herself will welcome you to the Chapel of Atonement and tell you her story! Come meet her and draw with her! 
Activity for children ages 5–12, accompanied by an adult. A light snack will be provided. To reserve: drm-lom.cappellaespiatoria@cultura.gov.it.

Saturday, April 11 | 3:30 p.m.
Readings in the Crypt, a special edition for Paper Week 2026. Organized by the Friends of the SBU Volunteers
MAGICAL PAPER. STORIES THAT TRANSFORM
Special edition of the animated readings inside the crypt: a creative workshop! 
The event is for families with children ages 5–12. Reservations via email or by phone 039 2372952 – C’è Posto app, Urban Library System.

Saturday, March 28 | 10:30 a.m.
SNIPPETS OF LIFE. ART, NATURE, AND MEDITATION AT THE EXPIATORY CHAPEL
Tour with a workshop for children and teens ages 6–14 and accompanying adults
Art workshop inspired by the “Nature and Art” section of the exhibition “Images of the Imagination”. Each participant will create a work inspired by the mosaic, reinterpreted in a contemporary style through color, rhythm, and texture. 
Free admission; for reservations click here.
Organized by ART-U for the Lombardy Museum Pass

Tuesday, February 24, Thursday, February 26 | Activities for schools
Saturday, February 28 | Event open to the public
ROYAL CHAPEL OF ATONEMENT. A MEETING OF SPORTS AND HISTORY
Talk with guided tour in three sessions dedicated to schools and athletes.
An initiative in collaboration with Forti e Liberi, as part of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Cultural Olympics
The history of the Espiatoria Chapel is deeply linked to sports: the land on which it stands was once the sports field of the Società Forti e Liberi, active in Monza since 1878. The event begins at the Forti e Liberi headquarters, where the history of sports at the turn of the century will be recounted through vintage photographs, and concludes with a visit to the Cappella Espiatoria, where, on the night of the regicideof Umberto I of Savoy forever changed the history of sports in the city.
To reserve: Drm.lom.cappellaespiatoria@cultura.gov.it

Saturday, February 14 | starting at 10:00 a.m.
THE UPPER FLOOR REOPENS
All areas are once again open to visitors
Starting Saturday, February 14, the upper floor will be accessible again starting at 10:00 a.m. and according to the usual hours.
Work on the new lighting will continue without altering the visitor route.

Friday, February 13, 2026 | 1:00 p.m.
Friday, February 27, 2026 | 1:00 p.m.
ART DURING LUNCH BREAK
30-minute guided tours of the Royal Expiatory Chapel led by museum staff.
The tour is free and no reservation is required.