Originally the seat of Milan's government from medieval times through World War I, today Palazzo Reale is a flourishing center of arts and culture in Milan. Destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, the palace has undergone major restoration work allowing visitors to finally climb its grand neoclassical staircase and enter its halls where important art exhibits take place. History buffs will enjoy the museum’s permanent itinerary representing four eras of the historic building: Teresiana and Neoclassical; Napoleonic era; Restoration; and the Unification of Italy. This summer Palazzo Reale also rotates exhibitions of important art collections, including the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci and Giotto; 16th century tapestries by Pontormo e Bronzinoto chronicling the life of Giuseppe; and thematic showcases La Grande Madre and Natura – Mito e Paesaggio nel Mondo Antico (Myth and Landscape in the Ancient World).